What Cheeses Do You Love to Put on Your Dishes?
For many, cheese is a beloved ingredient that can round out countless dishes with its rich, savory flavors. From everyday salads to more indulgent main courses, cheese has a place in almost every dish. Inspired by a question about favorite cheese additions, I discovered a few delightful ways to enjoy cheese, from locally made artisan cheeses to age-old favorites like parmesan and blue cheese. Join me as we explore the customizable world of cheese dishes and recipes.
Salads and Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven
For me, no dish is better suited to cheese than a simple salad. Salads offer a perfect canvas to showcase a variety of melty and gooey cheeses. Whether it’s a zesty feta on a crisp romaine or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a macaroni salad, cheese brings warmth and depth to the greens. My go-to is a mixed green salad dressed in a homemade vinaigrette and drizzled with aged cheese. It’s not only delicious but also provides a satisfying, comforting start to any meal.
Pasta and Steak: Where Cheese Shines
When it comes to more complex dishes, pasta and steak are where cheese truly shines. For pasta, a classic sage-butter gnocchi with flaked parmesan is a standout choice. The creamy, fragrant sauce combined with the sharp, nutty parmesan creates a sublime flavor that elevates a simple dish to a gastronomic delight. On the other hand, steak benefits greatly from a strong, tangy blue cheese. The blue cheese’s umami flavor complements the beef, creating an explosion of savoriness with every bite. It’s like an umami bomb in your mouth, making you wonder how you never thought to combine these ingredients before.
The Star of the Show: Rye and Goat Cheese Sandwich
While cheese can certainly enhance the flavor of any dish, sometimes cheese is the star of the show. This is where an open-faced rye and goat cheese sandwich truly excels. It’s a simple dish, yet so satisfying. Multi-grain rye serves as a hearty base, topped with crumbled goat cheese. A drizzle of honey and a quick broil results in a deliciously gooey and melted cheese, perfectly contrasting with the crunchy, seasoned rye. The simplicity of this dish belies its depth of flavor, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option. No meat is needed to improve this dish; it’s already perfect just as it is.
Beyond the Obvious: Cheeses in Sweet Dishes
Believe it or not, cheese might just be the unsung hero in sweet dishes. My favorite example is a big, buttery jacket potato. The creamy texture of a baked potato can easily be enhanced by a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and a dash of chives. It’s a surprising combination, yet it perfectly balances the richness of the potato with a hint of nuttiness from the blue cheese. This humble yet delicious dish has become a favorite among friends and family. Who knew a slice of blue cheese could take a typical baked potato to the next level?
Final Thoughts
No matter what your preference, there’s a place for cheese in almost any dish. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional or the unconventional, the world of cheese is vast and fascinating. From simple salads to the more sophisticated umami bombs of steaks and pasta, cheese adds that extra something that makes plain dishes come alive. The next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to put that cheese on your dish – it might just become your new favorite combination!