Are you a cheese and pastrami lover? Do you want to know which cheese goes well with pastrami sandwiches?
Look no further! This guide will provide you with the best cheese pairings to elevate your pastrami sandwich game.
What is Pastrami?
Pastrami is a type of cured meat that is made from beef brisket or beef navel. It is coated with a dry rub made of various spices such as coriander, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and then smoked and steamed to create a tender, flavorful meat.
Pastrami is commonly used in sandwiches and is a staple in delicatessens.
Best Cheese Pairings with Pastrami
Swiss Cheese:
Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with pastrami. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese complements the savory and smoky taste of pastrami.
Swiss cheese also has a creamy texture that melts well, making it perfect for a grilled pastrami sandwich.
Cheddar Cheese:
Cheddar cheese is another popular choice to pair with pastrami. Its sharp and tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meat, adding another dimension of flavor. Cheddar cheese also melts well, making it an excellent addition to a warm pastrami sandwich.
Provolone Cheese:
Provolone cheese has a mild and buttery flavor that pairs well with pastrami. Its smooth and creamy texture makes it ideal for melting on top of a pastrami sandwich.
Havarti Cheese:
Havarti cheese is a creamy and buttery cheese that adds a slightly tangy flavor to a pastrami sandwich. It melts easily and has a subtle sweetness that complements the salty taste of pastrami.
Gouda Cheese:
Gouda cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with pastrami. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for melting on top of a hot pastrami sandwich, adding a rich and creamy taste.
Blue Cheese:
If you’re looking for a bold and intense cheese pairing for your pastrami sandwich, blue cheese is the way to go. The strong and tangy flavor of blue cheese cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Brie Cheese:
Brie cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that adds a velvety texture to a pastrami sandwich. Its mild and buttery flavor complements the smoky taste of pastrami without overpowering it.
Feta Cheese:
Feta cheese is a tangy and salty cheese that pairs well with pastrami. Its crumbly texture and sharp flavor add a unique twist to a classic pastrami sandwich.
Muenster Cheese:
Muenster cheese has a mild and buttery flavor that melts well, making it an ideal addition to a grilled pastrami sandwich. Its creaminess complements the richness of the meat, creating a delicious combination of flavors.
Smoked Gouda Cheese:
Smoked gouda cheese has a smoky and savory flavor that enhances the taste of pastrami. Its firm texture makes it perfect for slicing and layering in a pastrami sandwich.
Tips for Pairing Cheese with Pastrami
- Consider the texture and meltability of the cheese when choosing a pairing for your pastrami sandwich.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite pairing.
- Pair bold and intense cheeses such as blue cheese with a milder pastrami to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of pastrami rather than competing with them.
- Use different types of bread to complement your cheese and pastrami pairing.
Conclusion
Pastrami is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. From classic Swiss cheese to bold blue cheese, there is a cheese pairing for every pastrami lover out there.
Experiment with different cheese combinations and find your perfect pairing to take your pastrami sandwich game to the next level.
FAQs
- What type of bread should I use for my pastrami and cheese sandwich?
Sourdough bread, rye bread, and ciabatta bread are all great options to pair with pastrami and cheese.
- Can I use processed cheese slices for my pastrami sandwich?
While processed cheese slices melt well, they can be overpowering in flavor and may not complement the taste of pastrami as well as natural cheeses.
- What other toppings can I add to my pastrami and cheese sandwich?
Mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onion are all popular toppings for a pastrami sandwich.
