The 9 Best Cheeses for a Turkey Sandwich
When it comes to enhancing the flavor and texture of a turkey sandwich, adding a slice or two of cheese can take it to a whole new level. Cheese provides a robust but not overpowering flavor, and when melted, it adds a delightful gooeyness to the sandwich. In this article, we explore the nine best cheeses for a turkey sandwich, discussing their flavor profiles, textures, and recommended pairings.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is often overlooked as a sandwich cheese, but it is an excellent choice for a turkey sandwich, whether served cold or grilled. It has a semi-firm texture that moulds to the cooked meat, and its mild, sweet and creamy flavor complements the delicate flavor of turkey. Gouda works well in a classic turkey sandwich with crisp lettuce and slices of cucumber and tomato. For a more adventurous twist, try it with peppery arugula and sweet, crisp apple slices.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese, known for its mild nutty flavor and slight smokiness, is another great option for a turkey sandwich. It has a semi-firm and stretchy texture that adds a pleasant chewiness to the sandwich. Provolone pairs well with roasted turkey breast, adding a new level of flavor without overpowering the meat. Try it with pesto mayonnaise and crisp spinach leaves for a delicious cold sandwich experience.
Emmental Cheese
Emmental cheese, with its firm and stretchy texture, offers a more robust flavor profile. It has a fruity and nutty flavor with hints of hazelnut, making it an excellent choice for dark turkey cold cuts. Pair Emmental with pickled gherkins, iceberg lettuce and Dijon mustard for a flavorful sandwich that will satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese is a classic choice for grilled sandwiches, and it works exceptionally well with a hot turkey sandwich. It has a mild, creamy and buttery flavor that complements the delicate flavor of turkey. The semi-hard texture of Monterey Jack melts perfectly under the grill, creating a delightful gooey texture. For a simple yet delicious combination, add a few slices of avocado and pickled jalapenos to your grilled turkey and Monterey Jack sandwich.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is known for its strong and earthy flavor, making it a bold choice for a turkey sandwich. It has a hard and crumbly texture that adds a satisfying crunch. Cheddar works particularly well with smoked turkey, as the sharpness of the cheese brings out the smoky flavors of the meat. Thinly sliced red onion and juicy cherry tomatoes provide the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Brie Cheese
Brie is a soft and mild cheese with a delicate flavor that pairs well with turkey. It has a soft and gooey texture that adds a creamy and buttery note to the sandwich. Brie works especially well with tender slices of cooked turkey breast. For a classic Thanksgiving sandwich, combine turkey, cranberry and brie for a delightful flavor combination.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard Italian cheese with a strong and intense flavor. It is aged for a long period of time, which gives it a nutty flavor that is sweet, salty and very robust. Parmesan is an excellent choice if you want to add a burst of flavor to your sandwich without adding too many calories. A light sprinkling of Parmesan adds a great cheesy flavor, especially when paired with marinara sauce in a hot panini.
Edam Cheese
Edam is often overlooked as a sandwich cheese, but it is an ideal choice for the ultimate turkey club sandwich. It has a savory, nutty and salty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Edam’s semi-hard texture works well in a crusty baguette or thick slices of artisan bread. Combine it with bacon, lettuce leaves, crisp pickle slices, and a honey and mustard spread for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
Colby Jack Cheese
Colby Jack is a mild and nutty cheese with a semi-hard texture. It is strong enough to stand up to stronger flavors and melts well under the grill. This makes it an excellent choice for a hot turkey sandwich. Consider pairing it with other bold ingredients like grilled bacon or spicy condiments for a flavorful sandwich experience.
Bottom line
When it comes to choosing the best cheese for a turkey sandwich, there are many options. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the delicate flavor of the turkey without overpowering it. Gouda, Provolone, Emmental, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Brie, Parmesan, Edam, and Colby Jack are all excellent choices, each offering a unique flavor profile and texture. Whether you prefer a cold turkey sandwich or a grilled sandwich, there is a cheese on this list that will take your sandwich to new heights of deliciousness.
Experiment with different combinations of cheese, turkey, and other fillings to find your perfect flavor combination. Whether you go for a classic pairing or get creative with unexpected ingredients, the right cheese will add a whole new dimension to your turkey sandwich.
So the next time you’re making a turkey sandwich, consider adding one of these nine best cheeses to take it from ordinary to extraordinary. Your taste buds will thank you.
FAQS
What makes cheese a good addition to a turkey sandwich?
Cheese adds flavor, texture and a delightful melt-in-the-mouth to a turkey sandwich. It complements the taste of the turkey and enhances the overall eating experience.
What cheese is best for a cold turkey sandwich?
Gouda, provolone, and emmental are excellent choices for a cold turkey sandwich. They have flavors that pair well with turkey and textures that blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
What is the recommended cheese for a hot, grilled turkey sandwich?
Monterey Jack cheese is an ideal choice for a hot, grilled turkey sandwich. Its creamy and buttery flavor melts beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious sandwich.
Can I use cheddar cheese on a turkey sandwich?
Yes, cheddar cheese can be a great option for a turkey sandwich. Its strong and earthy flavor adds a bold flavor, especially when paired with smoked turkey.
Is Brie a good choice for a turkey sandwich?
Brie cheese works wonderfully in a turkey sandwich, especially when paired with tender slices of cooked turkey breast. It adds a creamy and buttery note to the sandwich.
Are there low-calorie cheese options for a turkey sandwich?
Parmesan cheese is a great low-calorie option to add flavor to a turkey sandwich. A light sprinkling of parmesan provides a satisfying cheesy taste without adding excessive calories.