Brisket is a rich, tender, and flavorful cut of meat, often enjoyed as part of a hearty sandwich or a delicious BBQ spread. While brisket shines on its own, pairing it with the right cheese can elevate the dish to new heights, adding a creamy, tangy, or smoky note that complements the meat perfectly. If you’ve ever wondered, “What cheese goes well with brisket?” this guide will help you explore the best options to create a mouthwatering meal.
Introduction to What Cheese Goes Well with Brisket
Brisket is a beloved dish in many households, particularly when it’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy bite that’s hard to resist. However, pairing it with the right cheese can add a whole new dimension to the flavor profile.
The question of what cheese goes well with brisket opens up a world of possibilities. From classic cheddar to more adventurous choices like blue cheese, the right cheese can complement the rich, smoky flavors of brisket, creating a harmonious balance that enhances every bite. Whether you’re making a sandwich, topping off your brisket with melted cheese, or adding it to your dishes, choosing the right variety is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cheeses to pair with brisket, discuss how to use them in your cooking, and provide tips for creating the perfect combination. Whether you prefer bold flavors or subtle undertones, you’ll find a cheese that suits your taste and elevates your dishes.
The Best Cheeses to Pair with Brisket
When it comes to pairing cheese with brisket, the goal is to find a balance where the cheese enhances the flavor of the meat without overpowering it. Here are some of the top cheeses that go well with brisket:
1. Cheddar Cheese with Brisket
Cheddar is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with brisket. Its sharp, tangy flavor complements the richness of the meat, while its creamy texture adds a satisfying mouthfeel. Whether you use it in a brisket sandwich, as a topping for smoked brisket, or melted into a brisket-based dish like nachos or mac and cheese, cheddar is a versatile option that works well in many contexts.
For the best results, opt for aged cheddar, which has a more pronounced flavor that can stand up to the boldness of brisket. White cheddar, with its smooth and creamy texture, is also a great option for those who prefer a milder taste.
2. Provolone Cheese with Brisket
Provolone is another excellent cheese that pairs well with brisket, especially in sandwiches. It has a mild, slightly smoky flavor that complements the deep, smoky notes of brisket without overwhelming it. Provolone also melts beautifully, making it an ideal choice for brisket melts or grilled cheese sandwiches with brisket.
For a more intense flavor, look for aged provolone, which has a sharper taste and a firmer texture. This can add a nice contrast to the tender brisket.
3. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, pairs well with the savory richness of brisket. Its smooth texture makes it a great choice for melting in a sandwich or topping a burger. The subtle flavor enhances the meat without competing with it, making it ideal for a balanced pairing.
For a bit more flavor, you can try Gruyère, a type of Swiss cheese that is slightly more robust and has a creamier texture when melted.
4. Blue Cheese
For those who enjoy bold, intense flavors, blue cheese is an excellent choice to pair with brisket. The sharp, tangy taste of blue cheese cuts through the richness, providing a satisfying contrast. It works particularly well in salads or as a topping for burgers.
When using blue cheese, it’s best to crumble it over the brisket rather than melt it, as its strong flavor can become overpowering when heated.
5. Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack is a great option for those who like a bit of spice with their brisket. This cheese is infused with jalapeños, bell peppers, and other spices, giving it a mild heat that pairs well with the smoky, savory flavor of brisket. Pepper Jack is especially good in brisket sandwiches or nachos, where the spice can add an extra kick to the dish.
The creamy texture of Pepper Jack also makes it a great melting cheese, perfect for creating a gooey, spicy layer over your brisket.
6. Smoked Gouda
Smoked Gouda is a natural pairing for brisket, thanks to its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture. The smokiness of the cheese complements the smoky notes of the brisket, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Smoked Gouda is particularly good when melted over brisket or used in a brisket sandwich, where its creamy texture adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
Regular Gouda, which is milder and creamier, can also be used for a less intense flavor.
7. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a mild cheese that pairs well with brisket, especially when you want the brisket to be the star of the dish. Its creamy, stretchy texture makes it ideal for melting, and it works well in brisket pizzas, brisket lasagna, or as a topping for a brisket sandwich.
Fresh mozzarella, with its delicate flavor and soft texture, is particularly good for adding a creamy element to your brisket dishes without overwhelming the meat’s flavor.
How to Use Cheese with Brisket
Now that you know which cheeses pair well with brisket, let’s explore how to use them in your cooking. Whether you’re making sandwiches, topping off your brisket, or incorporating cheese into a dish, these tips will help you create the perfect brisket and cheese combination.
1. Brisket Sandwiches
One of the most popular ways to enjoy brisket with cheese is in a sandwich. Start by choosing your bread—soft rolls, ciabatta, or even a crusty baguette work well. Layer slices of brisket on the bread, then add your cheese of choice. Melted cheddar, provolone, or Swiss are all excellent options for a classic brisket sandwich.
If you’re using a more intense cheese like blue cheese or smoked Gouda, consider adding some contrasting elements like pickles, onions, or a tangy BBQ sauce to balance the flavors.
2. Brisket Tacos
Cheese adds creaminess and flavor to brisket tacos. Choose a soft tortilla, then fill it with slices of brisket, your favorite toppings (like onions, cilantro, and jalapeños), and a sprinkle of cheese. Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend are great options.
For a twist, try crumbled blue cheese or smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
3. Brisket Nachos
Brisket nachos are a delicious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for sharing. Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then top with shredded brisket, beans, jalapeños, and your cheese of choice. Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella are all good melting cheeses that will create a gooey, cheesy topping for your nachos.
Bake the nachos until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then finish with toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a complete meal.
4. Brisket Mac and Cheese
For a comforting, indulgent meal, try adding brisket to mac and cheese. Prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe, then fold in shredded brisket before baking. Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and mozzarella are all excellent choices for the cheese sauce, adding flavor and creaminess to the dish.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly for a dish that’s sure to impress.
5. Brisket Pizza
Brisket pizza is a fun and delicious way to combine two favorites. Start with a pizza dough, then spread a layer of BBQ sauce or tomato sauce over the base. Add slices of brisket, onions, and your cheese of choice. Mozzarella, smoked Gouda, or a blend of cheeses work well on pizza, creating a melty, flavorful topping.
Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, then finish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
6. Brisket Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another great way to pair brisket with cheese. Place a tortilla in a hot skillet, then add slices of brisket and your cheese of choice. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Pepper Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella are all good options for quesadillas, providing a melty, flavorful filling that complements the brisket.
7. Brisket and Cheese Platters
For a more refined presentation, consider serving brisket alongside a selection of cheeses as part of a charcuterie platter. Choose a variety of cheeses that complement the brisket, such as smoked Gouda, cheddar, and blue cheese. Arrange slices of brisket on the platter, along with the cheeses, crackers, and other accompaniments like pickles, olives, and fruit.
This is a great way to enjoy brisket and cheese in a more casual, social setting, allowing guests to mix and match flavors to their liking.
Tips for Pairing Cheese with Brisket
To make the most of your brisket and cheese pairings, keep these tips in mind:
- Balance the Flavors: The key to a great pairing is balance. Choose a cheese that complements the flavor without overpowering it. Mild options like mozzarella or Swiss let the meat shine, while stronger cheeses like blue cheese add a bold contrast.
- Consider the Cooking Method: The way you cook your brisket can influence your cheese choice. Smoked brisket pairs well with smoky cheeses like Gouda, while braised or oven-roasted brisket might be better complemented by a sharper cheese like cheddar.
- Think About Texture: The cheese’s texture should be taken into consideration. Soft, creamy cheeses like mozzarella melt beautifully and add a luxurious mouthfeel, while firmer cheeses like cheddar or provolone provide a satisfying bite.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: While classic pairings are always a good choice, don’t be afraid to try something new. Mixing and matching different cheeses with brisket can lead to delicious discoveries.
Nutritional Information: Brisket and Cheese
When enjoying brisket with cheese, it’s helpful to be aware of the nutritional content, especially if you’re watching your intake of calories, fat, or sodium.
Brisket
- Calories: Approximately 250-400 calories per serving (depending on portion size and fat content).
- Protein: 20-30 grams
- Fat: 15-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams (meat only)
Cheese
- Cheddar: About 110 calories per ounce, with 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein.
- Provolone: Around 100 calories per ounce, with 7 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein.
- Swiss: Approximately 106 calories per ounce, with 8 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein.
- Blue Cheese: Roughly 100 calories per ounce, with 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein.
- Pepper Jack: About 100 calories per ounce, with 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein.
- Smoked Gouda: Around 101 calories per ounce, with 8 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein.
- Mozzarella: About 85 calories per ounce, with 6 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein.
Total Nutritional Summary
A brisket and cheese dish can range from 350 to 800 calories or more, depending on the portion sizes and ingredients used. To keep your meal balanced, consider portion control and choose cheeses that fit within your dietary preferences.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About What Cheese Goes Well with Brisket
Can I use multiple cheeses with Brisket?
Yes, combining different cheeses can add complexity to your dish. For example, pairing cheddar with mozzarella gives you both sharpness and creaminess. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix.
Is there a vegan cheese that pairs well?
Yes, several vegan options work well. For instance, vegan cheddar, smoked Gouda, or mozzarella are great choices. Moreover, these alternatives offer similar textures and flavors to dairy cheese.
Can I use cheese as a topping?
Absolutely! Adding cheese as a topping can enhance the flavor. First, choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella, and then consider how its flavor complements the dish.
What’s the best cheese for a melt Brisket?
For a melt, cheddar, provolone, and Swiss are all excellent choices. They melt beautifully and add a rich, creamy texture.
Can I use blue cheese?
Yes, blue cheese pairs well, especially if you enjoy bold, tangy flavors. It’s best crumbled as a topping rather than melted to prevent it from overpowering the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them separate in the refrigerator in sealed containers. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or oven, and then add the cheese after reheating. However, for dishes like mac and cheese, make sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out.