What Cheese Goes Well With Pastrami?

Pastrami is a popular deli meat that is made by curing beef brisket with a mixture of spices and then smoking it.

The meat is typically sliced thin and served on sandwiches, often with cheese and other toppings.

pastrami without cheese

When it comes to pairing cheese with pastrami, there are a few different options that work particularly well.

In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese that complement pastrami, and provide recipes and serving suggestions for each.

Swiss Cheese

A. Description of Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental cheese, is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is known for its characteristic holes, or “eyes,” and its nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

B. How Swiss Cheese Pairs with Pastrami

Swiss cheese pairs well with pastrami because it complements the spices and smokiness of the meat. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of the cheese also adds a nice contrast to the bold flavors of the pastrami.

C. Recipes and Serving Suggestions for Swiss Cheese and Pastrami

  • Classic Pastrami and Swiss Sandwich: Serve thinly sliced pastrami and Swiss cheese on rye bread with lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
  • Pastrami and Swiss Grilled Cheese: Make a grilled cheese sandwich with pastrami, Swiss cheese, and rye bread.
  • Pastrami and Swiss Stuffed Pretzel: Stuff a pretzel with pastrami and Swiss cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the pretzel is golden brown.
pastrami and cheese sandwich

These are a few examples of how you can incorporate Swiss cheese with pastrami, you can experiment with different combination and methods to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste.

Cheddar Cheese

A. Description of Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world, and is known for its tangy flavor and crumbly texture.

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B. How Cheddar Cheese Pairs with Pastrami

Cheddar cheese pairs well with pastrami because its sharp flavor complements the bold spices of the meat.

pastrami delicacy

The crumbly texture of the cheese also adds a nice contrast to the tender texture of the pastrami.

C. Recipes and Serving Suggestions for Cheddar Cheese and Pastrami

  • Reuben Sandwich: Serve pastrami, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and cheddar cheese on rye bread and grill until the cheese is melted.
  • Pastrami and Cheddar Sliders: Serve mini sandwiches made with pastrami, cheddar cheese, and Hawaiian rolls.
  • Pastrami and Cheddar Quesadilla: Make a quesadilla with pastrami, cheddar cheese, and flour tortillas.

Muenster Cheese

A. Description of Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is known for its smooth, creamy texture and its mild, slightly sweet flavor.

B. How Muenster Cheese Pairs with Pastrami

Muenster cheese pairs well with pastrami because its mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the spices of the meat. The smooth, creamy texture of the cheese also adds a nice contrast to the texture of the pastrami.

C. Recipes and Serving Suggestions for Muenster Cheese and Pastrami

  • Pastrami and Muenster Panini: Serve pastrami and Muenster cheese on a ciabatta roll and grill until the cheese is melted.
  • Pastrami and Muenster Stuffed Croissant: Stuff a croissant with pastrami and Muenster cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the croissant is golden brown.
  • Pastrami and Muenster Pizza: Top a pizza with pastrami, Muenster cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.

Gouda Cheese

A. Description of Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and its smooth, creamy texture.

B. How Gouda Cheese Pairs with Pastrami

Gouda cheese pairs well with pastrami because its nutty, slightly sweet flavor complements the spices of the meat. The smooth, creamy texture of the cheese also adds a nice contrast to the texture of the pastrami.

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C. Recipes and Serving Suggestions for Gouda Cheese and Pastrami

  • Pastrami and Gouda Grilled Cheese: Make a grilled cheese sandwich with pastrami, Gouda cheese, and sourdough bread.
  • Pastrami and Gouda Stuffed Mushroom: Stuff mushroom caps with a mixture of pastrami, Gouda cheese, and breadcrumbs and bake until the cheese is melted.
  • Pastrami and Gouda Crostini: Top crostini with pastrami, Gouda cheese, and your favorite crostini toppings.

Final Words

In conclusion, pairing the right cheese with pastrami can elevate the overall flavor and texture of the sandwich.

The different types of cheese that complement pastrami include Swiss, Cheddar, Muenster, and Gouda, each with their own unique flavor and texture.

Swiss cheese pairs well with pastrami because it complements the spices and smokiness of the meat, while Cheddar cheese pairs well because its sharp flavor complements the bold spices of the pastrami.

Muenster cheese pairs well because of its mild, slightly sweet flavor, and Gouda cheese pairs well because of its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture.

When it comes to recipes and serving suggestions, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Some popular options include classic pastrami and Swiss sandwiches, pastrami and cheddar sliders, and pastrami and gouda crostini. The key is to experiment with different cheese and pastrami combinations to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste.

Additionally, it’s always good to keep in mind that when pairing cheese with pastrami, you should also consider other ingredients you’re going to use in the sandwich, like bread, condiments, and vegetables.

Can I use other types of cheese besides Swiss, Cheddar, Muenster, and Gouda with pastrami?

Yes, there are many other types of cheese that can be paired with pastrami. Other options include provolone, brie, and blue cheese.

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Ultimately, the key is to experiment with different cheese and pastrami combinations to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste.

Is there a difference between pastrami and corned beef?

Yes, pastrami and corned beef are two different deli meats. Corned beef is made by curing beef brisket with a mixture of salt and spices, while pastrami is made by curing beef brisket with a mixture of spices and then smoking it. Pastrami has a distinct smoky flavor and a slightly sweeter taste.

Can I make pastrami at home?

Yes, it is possible to make pastrami at home, but it is a bit of a process. The first step is to cure the beef brisket in a mixture of spices and then smoke it.

This can be done by using a smoker or by using a stove-top smoker. It is important to note that making pastrami at home requires a significant amount of time and attention to detail.

How should I store pastrami to keep it fresh?

Pastrami should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to store it for a longer period of time, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and then slice it as needed.

How should I slice pastrami for sandwiches?

Pastrami should be sliced thinly for sandwiches. The best way to do this is to use a sharp knife and slice against the grain of the meat.

This will ensure that the slices are tender and easy to chew. If you’re using a meat slicer, make sure it’s a sharp one and adjust the thickness accordingly.

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