Creative Uses For Swiss Cheese In Your Fridge

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient with a mild, nutty, and buttery flavour. Its excellent melting properties make it a popular choice for sandwiches, cheese sauces, and pasta. Swiss cheese is a key ingredient in French onion soup, fondue, quiche, and Reuben sandwiches. It is also commonly paired with ham in omelettes, pastries, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Swiss cheese can be purchased at most major grocery stores, either grated, sliced, or in blocks.

Swiss cheese sandwiches

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, dips, soups, and casseroles. Here are some ideas for Swiss cheese sandwiches:

Classic Swiss Cheese Sandwich

Layer slices of Swiss cheese with your choice of bread, such as rye or sourdough. You can add some sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and a spread of mayonnaise or mustard to the sandwich.

Grilled Swiss Cheese and Ham

For this classic combination, layer Swiss cheese slices with thin slices of ham on your choice of bread. Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook it on a griddle or panini press until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Swiss Cheese and Veggie Sandwich

Spread cream cheese or hummus on a slice of multigrain bread. Top it with sliced Swiss cheese, your choice of veggies such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or sprouts, and another slice of bread.

Swiss Cheese Melt

Create an indulgent, ooey-gooey sandwich by layering Swiss cheese slices between two slices of bread, such as sourdough or Texas toast. Butter the outside of the sandwich and grill it on a pan until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. You can also add sliced tomatoes, red onions, or spinach for extra flavour.

Swiss Cheese and Fruit Sandwich

For a sweet and savoury combination, pair Swiss cheese with fruits like apples, pears, or grapes. Spread some honey mustard or apple butter on a slice of bread, add Swiss cheese slices and thin slices of your chosen fruit, then top it with another slice of bread.

Swiss cheese sauces

Swiss cheese is a great choice for cheese sauces, as it melts well and has a mild, nutty, buttery flavour. Here are some ideas for Swiss cheese sauces:

Basic Swiss Cheese Sauce

This sauce is great for putting over chicken cordon bleu, eggs, vegetables, potatoes, and bread.

• Melt 2-4 tablespoons of butter in a heavy saucepan over low to medium heat.
• Whisk in 2-4 tablespoons of flour gradually until smooth and all lumps are gone. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened and is bubbly, about 5 minutes.
• Add 1-2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir until the cheese has melted.

Swiss Cheese Sauce with a Kick

For those who like their sauce with a little spice, try adding some hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. This sauce is great served over potatoes and broccoli.

• Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour; cook, whisking for 1 minute.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add in 3 cups of half-and-half cream (or full-fat milk), stirring until thickened.
• Add in 2 1/4 cups of grated Swiss cheese, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce to taste. Mix with a wooden spoon until the cheese has melted.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Hearty Swiss Cheese Sauce

For a more substantial sauce, try adding some additional cheeses like Gruyère and Cheddar. This sauce is great served over pasta, vegetables, or used as a dip for bread.

• Heat a 2- to 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
• Add 2 teaspoons of dried mustard powder and 4 tablespoons of flour, and stir, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Whisk in 4 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stirring regularly, bring the sauce to a boil. Once it has boiled and thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in 3 cups of grated Swiss cheese (preferably Gruyère), 2 cups of grated Cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if desired).

Swiss cheese and ham

Sandwiches and Sliders

Sandwiches and sliders are a great option for a quick and easy meal or snack. To make a simple ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. You can also add some Dijon mustard or apricot preserves for extra flavour. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the outside of the bread before grilling for an extra crispy crust.

For sliders, mini sandwich rolls (such as Hawaiian sweet rolls) are layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then coated with a mixture of butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion. These sliders can be served as an appetizer or main dish, paired with sides like grilled asparagus, pasta salad, or roasted potatoes.

Casseroles

If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can make a ham and Swiss cheese casserole. This can be made with egg noodles or elbow macaroni, cooked and drained, and combined with cubed ham, shredded Swiss cheese, cream of celery or mushroom soup, sour cream, chopped green pepper, and onion. Layer the ingredients in a greased baking dish and bake until heated through.

Another option for a casserole is to combine uncooked elbow macaroni, cubed ham, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, milk, frozen or fresh vegetables (such as peas and carrots), chicken broth, dried minced onions, and shredded Swiss cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the noodles are cooked and the cheese is melted.

Pasta

For a tasty pasta dish, you can combine cooked linguine, cubed ham, condensed cream of mushroom soup, shredded Swiss cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, and green pepper in a baking dish. Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Salads and Omelets

Swiss cheese fondue

To make a classic Swiss cheese fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Garlic
• Grated Gruyère cheese
• Grated Emmentaler cheese or other Swiss cheese
• Dry white wine
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Kirsch
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

First, rub the inside of your fondue pot or medium enameled cast-iron casserole with a garlic clove, then discard the garlic. Next, combine the grated cheeses, cornstarch, and lemon juice, stirring to mix. Add this mixture to the pot and cook over moderate heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Then, add the Gruyère and Emmentaler, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses begin to melt, which should take about 5 minutes.

Once the cheeses have started to melt, reduce the heat to low and add the kirsch, a generous pinch of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the fondue is creamy and smooth, being careful not to overcook it, or it will become stringy. Serve immediately with a variety of dippers such as bread cubes, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled onions, and salami.

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy Swiss cheese, and it can be customised to your taste. It is important to keep stirring the fondue as you dip and to be careful not to lose your garnish in the pot, as you may have to pay a penalty to your fellow diners!

Swiss cheese quiche

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including quiches. Here is a recipe for a Swiss cheese quiche with detailed instructions and suggestions for customisations.

Bacon and Swiss Cheese Quiche:

This quiche recipe combines the flavours of Swiss cheese and bacon, resulting in a delicious and elegant dish perfect for brunch, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
• 8 slices of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cups whipping cream or half-and-half
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 4 medium eggs
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Prepare the pastry dough by mixing flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas.
• Gradually add cold water, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 45 minutes until the dough is firm but still pliable.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle 2 inches larger than your upside-down 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate.
• Fold the pastry into fourths and place it in the dish. Unfold and press it firmly against the bottom and sides.
• Sprinkle the bacon, Swiss cheese, and onion into the pastry-lined dish.
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs slightly, then beat in the cream, salt, and red pepper.
• Pour the egg mixture into the quiche dish.
• Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 300°F and bake for about 30 minutes more, or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Let the quiche stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Broccoli and Swiss Cheese Quiche:

This variation incorporates broccoli, adding a nutritious and flavourful twist to the classic Swiss cheese quiche.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made frozen pie crust
• 4 medium eggs, beaten
• 1 ¼ cup half and half
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 ounces (1 cup) Swiss cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then whisk in the half and half.
• Layer the broccoli and Swiss cheese in the frozen pie crust (no need to defrost).
• Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and cheese.
• Place the quiche on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil to catch any spills.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.
• If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminium foil or a pie crust shield.
• Let the quiche sit for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ham and Swiss Cheese Quiche:

This classic combination of ham and Swiss cheese is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch or a light lunch. You can use any leftover ham and a frozen or homemade pie crust to save time.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked
• 6 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 2 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 4 medium eggs
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Line a pie plate with the pastry, either homemade or store-bought.
• Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and chopped ham into the bottom of the pie shell, along with the green onions.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dry mustard until well combined.
• Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust over the ham and cheese.
• Bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Feel free to customise your quiche by adding vegetables like steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or roasted carrots, or using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can also replace the ham with crumbled bacon or sliced turkey for a different flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions