Swiss cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that can elevate any dish. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for pairing with various foods and drinks. Whether you’re a cheese lover looking to create a perfect snack or planning a sophisticated cheese platter for a party, knowing what goes well with Swiss cheese can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the best pairings for this delightful cheese!
What Goes Well with Swiss Cheese?
Classic Ham and Swiss Cheese Sandwich
The ham and Swiss cheese sandwich is a timeless favorite. The salty, savory flavor of ham complements the creamy, nutty taste of Swiss cheese. Add some Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, and you’ve got a simple, yet satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients:
- Rye bread
- Swiss cheese slices
- Ham slices
- Dijon mustard
- Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Directions:
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Layer Swiss cheese and ham slices on one slice of bread.
- Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
- Top with the second slice of bread, mustard side down.
- Slice and serve.
Turkey, Apple, and Swiss Cheese Sandwich
For a sweet and savory twist, try pairing Swiss cheese with turkey and apple slices. The mild flavor of turkey combined with the crisp sweetness of apple and the nuttiness of Swiss cheese creates a delicious and unique sandwich.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat bread
- Swiss cheese slices
- Turkey slices
- Thinly sliced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Honey mustard
Directions:
- Spread honey mustard on one side of each slice of whole wheat bread.
- Layer Swiss cheese, turkey, and apple slices on one slice of bread.
- Top with the second slice of bread, mustard side down.
- Slice and serve.
Grilled Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese Sandwich
For something heartier, a grilled roast beef and Swiss cheese sandwich is a great option. The robust flavor of roast beef pairs perfectly with the creamy, nutty taste of Swiss cheese. Grilling the sandwich adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- Sourdough bread
- Swiss cheese slices
- Roast beef slices
- Butter or olive oil for grilling
Directions:
- Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer Swiss cheese and roast beef slices.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve.
Swiss cheese, with its mild and slightly nutty flavor, is a crowd-pleaser. It pairs wonderfully with a range of foods, from fruits to meats and beverages. Let’s explore these pairings in detail.
Fruits That Pair Well with Swiss Cheese
Fruits bring a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese. Here are some fruits that make an excellent match:
Apples and Pears
Crisp and juicy, apples and pears complement the mild flavor of Swiss cheese perfectly. The crunch of the fruit pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese.
Grapes
Grapes, especially red and green varieties, provide a refreshing burst of sweetness. They are perfect for a cheese platter, adding both color and flavor.
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a tart and sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with Swiss cheese. They also add a pop of color to your plate.
Meats and Swiss Cheese Pairings
The savory and rich taste of meats balances the mildness of Swiss cheese, creating a satisfying combination.
Ham
Ham and Swiss cheese are a classic duo, especially in sandwiches. The saltiness of the ham enhances the cheese’s nutty notes.
Turkey
Turkey’s lean and mild flavor pairs well with Swiss cheese, making it a great choice for sandwiches and wraps.
Salami
Salami’s bold and spicy flavor contrasts nicely with the mildness of Swiss cheese, creating a delightful taste experience.
Breads to Enjoy with Swiss Cheese
Pairing Swiss cheese with the right bread can elevate your eating experience.
Rye Bread
Rye bread’s earthy flavor pairs well with Swiss cheese, especially in sandwiches.
Sourdough
The tangy flavor of sourdough bread complements the mild and nutty taste of Swiss cheese.
Baguette
A crusty baguette provides a perfect texture contrast to the creamy Swiss cheese.
Vegetables That Complement Swiss Cheese
Vegetables add a fresh and crunchy element to Swiss cheese pairings.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes’ juicy and slightly acidic flavor pairs well with the nutty taste of Swiss cheese. They are great in salads and sandwiches.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers’ crisp and sweet flavor complements the creaminess of Swiss cheese.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers’ mild and refreshing taste balances the rich flavor of Swiss cheese.
Wines That Pair with Swiss Cheese
Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven. Here are some wines that go well with Swiss cheese:
Chardonnay
Chardonnay’s buttery and oaky flavors pair beautifully with the mild, nutty taste of Swiss cheese.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp and citrusy notes complement the creamy texture of Swiss cheese.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir’s light and fruity flavor contrasts nicely with the nutty and mild Swiss cheese.
Swiss Cheese in Cooking
Swiss cheese is not just for snacking; it’s also a fantastic ingredient in various dishes.
Fondue
Swiss cheese is a key ingredient in traditional cheese fondue. It melts beautifully and creates a smooth and flavorful dip.
Quiche
Swiss cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor to quiches, making them more delicious.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Adding Swiss cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches brings a mild and nutty flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
Table of Best Pairings with Swiss Cheese
| Food/Drink | Description |
|---|---|
| Apples and Pears | Crisp, juicy fruits that complement the cheese. |
| Grapes | Sweet and refreshing, perfect for cheese platters. |
| Berries | Tart and sweet, add color and flavor. |
| Ham | Salty and rich, enhances the cheese’s nuttiness. |
| Turkey | Lean and mild, great for sandwiches. |
| Salami | Bold and spicy, contrasts with the cheese. |
| Rye Bread | Earthy flavor, ideal for sandwiches. |
| Sourdough | Tangy flavor, complements the cheese. |
| Baguette | Crusty texture, perfect with creamy cheese. |
| Tomatoes | Juicy and acidic, great in salads and sandwiches. |
| Bell Peppers | Crisp and sweet, complement the cheese. |
| Cucumbers | Mild and refreshing, balance the cheese’s flavor. |
| Chardonnay | Buttery and oaky, pairs beautifully. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp and citrusy, complements the cheese. |
| Pinot Noir | Light and fruity, contrasts nicely. |
How to Create a Swiss Cheese Platter?
Creating a Swiss cheese platter is a delightful way to enjoy this versatile cheese. Here’s how to make a perfect platter:
Choosing the Cheese
Start with high-quality Swiss cheese. You can include both traditional Swiss cheese and variations like Emmental or Gruyère for variety.
Adding Fruits and Nuts
Include a selection of fruits like apples, grapes, and berries. Add some nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for extra crunch.
Including Meats
Add slices of ham, turkey, and salami to provide a savory balance to the cheese.
Selecting Breads and Crackers
Include a variety of breads like rye, sourdough, and a crusty baguette. Crackers can also add a nice texture.
Adding Vegetables
Incorporate some fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber slices.
Pairing with Wine
Choose a few bottles of wine that pair well with Swiss cheese, like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Table of Swiss Cheese Platter Ingredients
| Ingredient | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Swiss, Emmental, Gruyère |
| Fruits | Apples, Grapes, Berries |
| Nuts | Almonds, Walnuts |
| Meats | Ham, Turkey, Salami |
| Breads | Rye, Sourdough, Baguette |
| Crackers | Variety of plain and flavored crackers |
| Vegetables | Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Cucumbers |
| Wine | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir |
What Dishes Can You Make with Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese is not only great on its own but also a fantastic ingredient in various dishes. Here are some delicious dishes you can make with Swiss cheese:
Swiss Cheese Fondue
A classic dish where Swiss cheese is melted with wine and seasonings, perfect for dipping bread and vegetables.
Quiche Lorraine
A savory pie made with eggs, cream, and Swiss cheese, often with bacon or ham.
Croque Monsieur
A French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce and Swiss cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked or fried.
French Onion Soup
A rich beef broth soup topped with caramelized onions, a slice of bread, and melted Swiss cheese.
Table of Dishes Made with Swiss Cheese
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Swiss Cheese Fondue | Melted cheese dip, perfect for bread and veggies. |
| Quiche Lorraine | Savory pie with eggs, cream, and Swiss cheese. |
| Croque Monsieur | Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, topped with béchamel. |
| Chicken Cordon Bleu | Chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese. |
| French Onion Soup | Beef broth soup with caramelized onions and melted cheese. |
Conclusion
Swiss cheese is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re creating a cheese platter, cooking a dish, or simply enjoying it with fruits and nuts, knowing what goes well with Swiss cheese can enhance your culinary experience. With its mild, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks, making it a favorite for many. So next time you’re planning a meal or snack, consider these pairings and enjoy the delightful taste of Swiss cheese!
FAQs
What fruits go well with Swiss cheese?
Apples, pears, grapes, and berries are excellent choices. Their sweetness and juiciness complement the nutty flavor of Swiss cheese.
Can I use Swiss cheese in cooking?
Yes, Swiss cheese is great in cooking. It’s perfect for dishes like fondue, quiche, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
What meats pair well with Swiss cheese?
Ham, turkey, and salami are great choices. They balance the mild flavor of Swiss cheese with their savory and rich taste.
What wines go well with Swiss cheese?
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir pair beautifully with Swiss cheese. Their flavors complement the cheese’s mild and nutty taste.
How do I create a Swiss cheese platter?
Start with high-quality Swiss cheese, add fruits, nuts, meats, breads, and vegetables, and pair with suitable wines. Include a variety of flavors and textures for a perfect platter.
By following these guidelines and exploring the various pairings, you can create delightful and satisfying combinations with Swiss cheese. Enjoy experimenting with different foods and drinks to find your perfect match!