Delicious Food Pairings For Swiss Cheese Perfection

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its nutty, buttery flavour and meltable texture make it a great choice for cheese sauces, sandwiches, and pasta. It is a popular ingredient in French, American, and Cuban cuisine. Here are some classic combinations that go well with Swiss cheese:

- French Onion Soup: Topped with toasted bread and melted Swiss cheese, this soup is a comforting classic.

- French Dip Sandwich: Tender, thinly sliced beef paired with a savoury jus for dipping.

- Chicken Cordon Bleu: Stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham, this crispy chicken dish is a delicious indulgence.

- Quiche Lorraine: A savoury baked custard with a flaky crust, often featuring Swiss cheese and bacon.

- Reuben Sandwich: A hearty combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, sometimes with Thousand Island dressing.

- Fondue: Melted Swiss cheese blended with Gruyere, wine, and spices, served with bread, vegetables, and cured meats.

- Mac and Cheese: Swiss cheese adds an extra punch of flavour to this classic comfort food.

- Omelettes: Swiss cheese pairs well with ham and vegetables like mushrooms or spinach in a fluffy omelette.

Crackers, grapes, and relishes

When preparing a cheeseboard, it is important to select your favourite crackers. A variety of crackers with different shapes, sizes, and flavours can enhance the overall presentation and taste experience. For example, water crackers provide a neutral base, while seeded crackers add texture and flavour.

Grapes are a classic pairing with cheese. Their juicy sweetness balances the savoury notes of Swiss cheese. Red and green grapes can be used to add a pop of colour to your cheeseboard. Additionally, consider slicing the grapes in half to make them easier to eat and to create a visually appealing arrangement.

Relishes are an essential component of a cheeseboard, providing a tangy contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Popular relishes include chutneys, jams, and fruit preserves. For a unique twist, you can also try pickled vegetables, such as gherkins or onions. These relishes offer a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour that complements the Swiss cheese.

When assembling your cheeseboard, aim for a balanced composition. Arrange the crackers, grapes, and relishes in a way that showcases the Swiss cheese as the star attraction. You can also add other types of cheese to create a diverse and enticing selection. Don't forget to include some charcuterie, such as sliced meats or salami, to round out the flavours and textures.

Lastly, don't forget to pair your cheeseboard with your favourite wine or beer. Swiss cheese pairs well with a variety of beverages, including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer.

Merlot or Pinot Noir

Swiss cheese is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both red and white wines. If you're looking for a red wine to go with Swiss cheese, a Merlot or Pinot Noir are both good options.

Merlot

Merlot is a bold, full-bodied wine with strong flavours and a deep red colour. It is known for its smooth, velvety texture and is often described as having notes of black cherry, blackberry, plum, and chocolate. When pairing Merlot with Swiss cheese, look for complementary flavours that will enhance the nuttiness of the cheese. Harder cheeses such as Cheddar or Parmesan can stand up to the boldness of Merlot, while the sweetness of Merlot can also complement the salty, sharp flavours of Blue Cheese.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a lighter-bodied red wine with fruity notes of berries and cherries, as well as earthier notes of herbs and spices. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially delicate, nutty, soft, or light blue cheeses. When pairing Pinot Noir with Swiss cheese, look for milder flavours that will complement the nuttiness of the cheese without overwhelming it. Cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and Gruyere are often recommended, as their creamy textures and subtle flavours will enhance the Pinot Noir's fruity notes without overpowering them.

Chardonnay or Riesling

Swiss cheese is a common ingredient in French, American, and Cuban cuisine. It is a mild, soft cheese that pairs well with white wines that are light on oak flavour, such as Chardonnay. Chardonnay is a flexible wine that can be paired with a wide variety of cuisines. Its subtle nature, however, can be easily overwhelmed by pungent foods. It is best served with mild, buttery, or creamy dishes. Chardonnay's impression of sweetness can be played up by pairing it with corn, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or caramelized foods.

When pairing Chardonnay with Swiss cheese, opt for a lighter style with less oaky flavours. A crisp, delicate Chardonnay would be a good choice to complement the mild flavour of Swiss cheese. Serve the Chardonnay slightly chilled, removing it from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before pouring, to allow it to warm up to about 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

Riesling, on the other hand, is a versatile white wine that can range from dry to sweet. It tends to have a higher acidity and can showcase a variety of flavours, including citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes. When pairing Riesling with Swiss cheese, consider the following:

• Choose a drier style of Riesling to avoid overwhelming the mild flavour of the cheese.
• Look for Rieslings with stone fruit or mineral notes that can complement the creamy, nutty characteristics of Swiss cheese.
• Consider the weight (body) and acidity of the Riesling when making the pairing. A lighter, more acidic Riesling would go well with Swiss cheese, while a fuller-bodied, less acidic style might be better suited for richer dishes.
• Take into account the other ingredients in your dish. If you're serving Swiss cheese with sweet accompaniments, a sweeter style of Riesling could be a good match.

Lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer

Swiss cheese is a versatile cheese that can be easily paired with a variety of beverages, including beer and wine. When it comes to beer, Swiss cheese goes well with lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer.

Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, typically ranging from pale to golden in colour. It has a crisp, clean, and refreshing flavour profile that complements the nutty and bittersweet taste of Swiss cheese. The combination of lager and Swiss cheese can be a delightful pairing, offering a contrast between the smooth, creamy cheese and the crisp, carbonated beverage.

Pale ales, on the other hand, contribute a slightly different flavour profile to the pairing. They often have a more robust and hoppy character, with notes of citrus, floral, or fruity aromas. The bitterness from the hops can cut through the richness of Swiss cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.

Weiss beer, also known as wheat beer, is brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, in addition to malted barley. It often has a lighter body and a smoother, less bitter taste compared to other beers. The wheat contributes to a softer mouthfeel and a slightly sweet flavour, which can enhance the nutty and buttery notes found in Swiss cheese.

When pairing Swiss cheese with lager, pale ales, or Weiss beer, consider the intensity of flavours in both the cheese and the beer. A more robust and aged Swiss cheese may stand up better to a stronger, more flavourful beer, while a milder Swiss cheese might pair better with a lighter and less assertive beer.

Additionally, the carbonation and temperature of the beer can also influence the pairing. The crisp, refreshing nature of a well-chilled lager can provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture of Swiss cheese. Similarly, the carbonation in pale ales and Weiss beer can help cleanse the palate, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

In conclusion, when it comes to beer pairings with Swiss cheese, lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer offer distinct yet complementary flavour profiles. The type of Swiss cheese, its intensity, and the specific beer chosen can all play a role in creating a harmonious pairing, highlighting the versatility and enjoyment of Swiss cheese with these beverage options.

French onion soup

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onions (sweet onions are best, but yellow, white, red, or a combination can also be used)
• Garlic
• Wine (dry white or red) or dry sherry
• Beef broth (good quality, preferably homemade or from a butcher)
• Baguette
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Swiss cheese (Gruyere is the traditional choice, but a combination of Swiss, Mozzarella, and Parmesan can also be used)

Instructions:

• Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 10-13 minutes).
• Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking onions, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown (about 30-40 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Stir in wine or sherry and bring to a boil. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about an hour.
• While the soup is simmering, prepare the baguette. Slice the baguette and brush both sides with olive oil. Toast the slices in the oven until golden.
• To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 1-2 slices of toasted baguette on top of the soup in each bowl and sprinkle with Swiss cheese (or a combination of cheeses).
• Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Caramelizing the onions is critical for developing the deepest color and flavor in the soup. This step takes time and patience (about 40 minutes) but is worth it!
• Wine is optional but adds depth of flavor to the soup. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or chicken broth.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Enjoy your homemade French onion soup, topped with melted Swiss cheese!

Frequently asked questions