Turkey, whether roasted for a festive meal or sliced for a sandwich, is a versatile and beloved protein. Pairing turkey with the right cheese can elevate its flavor, creating a harmonious and delicious combination. This comprehensive guide will explore what cheese goes well with turkey, covering various turkey dishes, recipes, and tips for the perfect pairing. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet sandwich or a holiday feast, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your culinary creations.
What Cheese Goes Well with Turkey?
Cheese and turkey make a delightful pairing due to the balance of flavors and textures. Turkey’s mild and slightly sweet flavor can be complemented and enhanced by various cheeses, adding richness, creaminess, or even a sharp contrast. The right cheese can elevate a simple turkey dish, adding complexity and depth to each bite.
Types of Cheese that Pair Well with Turkey
Mild Cheeses
Mild cheeses are subtle and creamy, making them a great match for turkey without overpowering its delicate flavor.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, pairs wonderfully with turkey. It melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for turkey sandwiches and melts.
Recipe: Turkey and Swiss Cheese Sandwich
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sliced turkey breast | 4 oz |
| Swiss cheese slices | 2 slices |
| Whole-grain bread | 2 slices |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Lettuce | 2 leaves |
| Tomato slices | 2 slices |
Instructions:
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato on one bread slice.
- Top with the second bread slice.
- Grill or toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Semi-hard cheeses add a more pronounced flavor and a firmer texture to turkey dishes.
Gouda
Gouda, with its creamy texture and slightly caramel-like flavor, complements turkey beautifully. It adds a rich, buttery taste that enhances turkey’s natural flavors.
Recipe: Turkey and Gouda Quesadilla
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded turkey | 1 cup |
| Gouda cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Flour tortillas | 2 |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | 1/4 cup |
| Spinach leaves | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer with turkey, Gouda cheese, red onion, and spinach leaves.
- Top with the second tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook until the cheese is melted and the other tortilla is golden brown.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
Sharp Cheeses
Sharp cheeses provide a bold contrast to the mild flavor of turkey, adding depth and complexity.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese, especially aged varieties, offers a sharp and tangy flavor that pairs excellently with turkey. It’s ideal for turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and stuffed turkey dishes.
Recipe: Turkey and Cheddar Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked turkey, shredded | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Pasta (such as penne) | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Butter, melted | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine turkey, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Blue Cheeses
Blue cheeses add a distinct, bold flavor that can stand up to turkey, especially in gourmet dishes.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola, with its creamy texture and pungent flavor, creates a sophisticated pairing with turkey. It’s perfect for gourmet salads and turkey roulades.
Recipe: Turkey and Gorgonzola Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked turkey, diced | 2 cups |
| Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Mixed greens | 4 cups |
| Pear, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Walnuts, toasted | 1/4 cup |
| Balsamic vinaigrette | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, turkey, Gorgonzola cheese, pear slices, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Cheese and Turkey Pairing by Dish Type
Turkey Sandwiches
Turkey sandwiches are a classic, and the choice of cheese can transform them from ordinary to extraordinary.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Sandwich Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss | Nutty, slightly sweet | Turkey and Swiss Sandwich |
| Gouda | Creamy, slightly caramel | Turkey and Gouda Panini |
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy | Turkey and Cheddar Melt |
| Provolone | Mild, buttery | Turkey and Provolone Sub |
Turkey Salads
Adding cheese to turkey salads can enhance both texture and flavor, creating a more satisfying dish.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Salad Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Feta | Salty, tangy | Greek Turkey Salad |
| Gorgonzola | Creamy, pungent | Turkey and Gorgonzola Salad |
| Parmesan | Nutty, savory | Turkey Caesar Salad |
| Blue Cheese | Bold, sharp | Turkey Cobb Salad |
Baked Turkey Dishes
Baked turkey dishes, such as casseroles and stuffed turkey, benefit from the addition of cheese, which adds richness and flavor.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Baked Dish Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild, stretchy | Turkey and Mozzarella Casserole |
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy | Turkey and Cheddar Casserole |
| Gruyère | Nutty, slightly sweet | Turkey and Gruyère Gratin |
| Fontina | Buttery, nutty | Turkey and Fontina Stuffing |
Pairing Cheese with Different Types of Turkey
Roasted Turkey
Roasted turkey, often the star of holiday feasts, pairs well with a variety of cheeses, each adding a unique flavor dimension.
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay
Chardonnay, with its buttery texture and hints of oak, complements the mild flavors of roasted turkey.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Creamy, earthy | Roasted Turkey and Brie Platter |
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy | Roasted Turkey and Cheddar |
| Gruyère | Nutty, slightly sweet | Roasted Turkey and Gruyère |
Smoked Turkey
Smoked turkey has a robust flavor that can stand up to bolder cheeses.
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, with its bright acidity and red fruit flavors, pairs well with the smoky richness of smoked turkey.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Gouda | Creamy, slightly caramel | Smoked Turkey and Gouda |
| Blue Cheese | Bold, sharp | Smoked Turkey and Blue Cheese |
| Havarti | Buttery, slightly sweet | Smoked Turkey and Havarti |
Turkey Breast
Turkey breast, being lean and mild, pairs best with cheeses that add richness and moisture.
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and citrus notes, pairs well with the lean meat of turkey breast.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild, stretchy | Turkey Breast and Mozzarella |
| Provolone | Mild, buttery | Turkey Breast and Provolone |
| Fontina | Buttery, nutty | Turkey Breast and Fontina |
Cheese and Turkey Pairing Tips
Matching Intensity
Ensure the cheese and turkey have a balanced intensity. Mild cheeses pair well with mild turkey, while stronger cheeses complement more flavorful turkey dishes.
Texture Contrast
Consider the texture of the cheese and turkey. Creamy cheeses can add moisture to lean turkey breast, while firmer cheeses provide a pleasant contrast to tender turkey.
Flavor Harmony
Choose cheeses that harmonize with the flavors of your turkey dish. For example, nutty cheeses like Gruyère enhance roasted turkey, while sharp cheeses like Cheddar add a delightful tang to turkey sandwiches.
Conclusion
Pairing the right cheese with turkey can transform your meal, adding depth, richness, and a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing a simple sandwich, a gourmet salad, or a holiday feast, there is a perfect cheese to complement your turkey. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorites and enjoy the enhanced culinary experience.
FAQs
What cheese goes well with turkey for a sandwich?
Swiss, Gouda, Cheddar, and Provolone are all excellent choices for turkey sandwiches, each offering unique flavors and textures.
Can I use blue cheese with turkey?
Yes, blue cheese pairs well with turkey, especially in salads and gourmet dishes, adding a bold and creamy flavor contrast.
What is the best cheese for a turkey casserole?
Cheddar and Mozzarella are great choices for turkey casseroles, providing a rich, melty texture and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
How can I make a gourmet turkey and cheese platter?
For a gourmet turkey and cheese platter, pair roasted turkey with Brie, Gruyère, and aged Cheddar. Add accompaniments like fresh fruit, nuts, and artisanal bread.
What wine pairs well with turkey and cheese?
Chardonnay pairs well with roasted turkey and Brie, while Pinot Noir complements smoked turkey and Gouda. Sauvignon Blanc is a good match for turkey breast and Mozzarella.
By following these tips and exploring different pairings, you can create delicious and memorable meals that highlight the wonderful combination of turkey and cheese.