The combination of cheese and bread is a timeless pairing found in cuisines across the world. Whether you’re making a comforting grilled cheese sandwich, a sophisticated cheese board, or baking cheese right into bread dough, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right cheese for the job.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the qualities that make certain cheeses better suited for bread, explore different ways to enjoy these pairings, and provide tips for everything from baking cheese into bread to making the perfect grilled cheese. If you’re interested in exploring other savory and sweet pairings, check out this Hot Fudge Brownie Bread Recipe for a dessert option that’s just as satisfying as a cheesy snack.
What Makes a Cheese Great for Bread?
Before we get into specific cheeses, it’s important to understand what qualities make a cheese a good match for bread.
1. Melting Point
For dishes like grilled cheese, melts, or pizza, the melting point of the cheese is critical. Cheeses that melt smoothly, like mozzarella or cheddar, are ideal because they create that irresistible gooey texture. On the other hand, cheeses like parmesan, which don’t melt as easily, work better as toppings or for adding flavor in baked goods.
2. Flavor Profile
The flavor of the cheese should complement the bread rather than overpower it. For example, a mild cheese like mozzarella pairs well with white or sourdough bread, while stronger cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar can stand up to more flavorful breads like rye or whole wheat.
3. Texture
Some cheeses are soft and creamy, while others are firm or crumbly. The texture of the cheese can influence how it interacts with bread. Softer cheeses, like brie, are perfect for spreading on crusty baguettes, while firmer cheeses like parmesan can be grated over bread or incorporated into dough. For a deeper understanding of cheese textures and how they pair with various foods, check out this guide to cheese textures and flavors.
4. Versatility
Certain cheeses can be used in a variety of ways, from melting in a sandwich to baking into bread. Cheddar, for example, is versatile enough to be used in almost any cheese-and-bread pairing, from grilled cheese sandwiches to cheddar-stuffed bread loaves.
The Best Cheeses for Bread
Now that we know what makes a cheese a good match for bread, let’s explore the best cheeses to use in different dishes and pairings.
1. Cheddar
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses for pairing with bread, and for good reason. It has a sharp, tangy flavor that works well with both mild and robust breads. It’s also incredibly versatile, whether you’re making a classic grilled cheese sandwich, baking cheddar into bread, or sprinkling it on top of garlic bread.
- Flavor: Sharp, tangy, and savory.
- Melting point: High, melts smoothly and evenly.
- Best for: Grilled cheese sandwiches, cheddar-stuffed bread, cheddar biscuits.
2. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is known for its mild flavor and exceptional melting properties. It’s the go-to cheese for pizza, but it also works wonderfully in sandwiches, stuffed bread, and as a topping for toast. Fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and a more delicate flavor, while low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for creating that classic, stretchy cheese pull.
- Flavor: Mild, milky.
- Melting point: High, melts easily and becomes gooey.
- Best for: Pizza bread, cheese-stuffed bread, grilled cheese.
3. Gruyère (Swiss Cheese)
Gruyère, a type of Swiss cheese, has a rich, nutty flavor and melts beautifully. It’s often used in French dishes like croque monsieur and croque madame, where it’s paired with thick, crusty bread. Gruyère also works well in baked bread, particularly with savory sourdough or rye.
- Flavor: Nutty, rich, slightly sweet.
- Melting point: High, smooth melting texture.
- Best for: Croque monsieur, French onion soup, grilled cheese.
4. Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with crusty bread like baguettes. Its buttery texture makes it ideal for spreading on bread or for baking into bread bowls. Brie is often served on cheese boards alongside bread, fruit, and honey.
- Flavor: Rich, buttery, creamy.
- Melting point: Medium, becomes gooey but holds its shape.
- Best for: Baked brie, sandwiches, cheese boards with crusty bread.
5. Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, salty cheese that doesn’t melt as easily as other cheeses, but it adds a great punch of flavor when grated over bread or baked into dough. It’s particularly delicious on garlic bread, where its savory flavor enhances the taste of the butter and garlic.
- Flavor: Salty, nutty, umami.
- Melting point: Low, doesn’t melt but can be grated or baked.
- Best for: Garlic bread, cheesy flatbreads, parmesan-crusted breadsticks.
6. Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)
Blue cheese has a bold, tangy flavor that pairs well with sweet or fruity breads. It’s a great choice for more adventurous pairings, and it adds a unique twist to sandwiches, melts, and cheese boards. Pair blue cheese with walnut or fig bread for a sophisticated flavor combination.
- Flavor: Bold, tangy, slightly pungent.
- Melting point: Medium, becomes creamy when melted.
- Best for: Grilled cheese sandwiches, blue cheese melts, cheese boards.
How to Use Cheese in Baked Bread
Cheese isn’t just for sandwiches—it can be baked right into the bread itself, adding flavor, texture, and richness to the loaf. Here’s how different cheeses perform when used in baked bread.
Cheddar in Baked Bread
Cheddar is one of the best cheeses for baking into bread because its flavor intensifies as it bakes. Try using it in cheddar sourdough loaves, cheddar biscuits, or as a filling for stuffed bread. The sharpness of cheddar provides a savory contrast to the soft, fluffy bread.
- Example: Cheddar and jalapeño cornbread.
Mozzarella in Stuffed Bread
Mozzarella is perfect for stuffed bread because it melts easily and creates that stretchy, gooey texture that everyone loves. You can use mozzarella in recipes like pizza bread, pull-apart bread, or calzones. It’s also great in cheese-stuffed dinner rolls.
- Example: Mozzarella-stuffed garlic bread.
Gruyère in Sourdough
Gruyère’s rich, nutty flavor pairs well with the tangy flavor of sourdough bread. You can incorporate it into the dough for a cheesy loaf, or use it as a topping before baking for a golden, crispy crust. Gruyère also works well in rye or multi-grain breads.
- Example: Gruyère and sourdough sandwich loaf.
Brie in Bread Bowls
Brie is often baked into bread bowls, where its creamy texture and rich flavor make for a decadent appetizer. You can also wrap brie in bread dough and bake it for a stunning centerpiece dish.
- Example: Baked brie in a bread bowl with cranberries and walnuts.
Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is all about getting the perfect balance of crispy bread and melty cheese. Here are the top cheeses for creating the ultimate grilled cheese:
1. Cheddar
Cheddar is the go-to cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its sharp flavor and smooth melting properties make it a top choice for both kids and adults. If you want to mix things up, try using a blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar for added depth of flavor.
2. Gouda
Gouda is a creamy cheese with a slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. Smoked gouda adds an extra layer of flavor, making it perfect for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
3. American Cheese
American cheese may not be fancy, but it melts better than almost any other cheese, making it a favorite for classic grilled cheese. It’s especially popular for making smooth, kid-friendly sandwiches.
4. Fontina
Fontina has a mild, nutty flavor and melts into a gooey, creamy texture, making it a great alternative to cheddar. It pairs well with a variety of breads, from sourdough to white bread.
- Pro Tip: Blend cheeses for the perfect grilled cheese. For example, a mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides both flavor and texture, while a combo of fontina and gruyère creates a rich, savory sandwich.
Cheese for Cheese Boards
If you’re creating a cheese board, pairing cheese with the right bread can elevate the whole experience. Here are some tips for choosing the right cheese and bread combinations for your next cheese board:
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert)
Soft cheeses like brie and camembert pair well with crusty, chewy breads like baguettes or rustic sourdough. Their creamy texture complements the crunchy crust of the bread, creating a perfect contrast.
Hard Cheeses (Parmesan, Aged Cheddar)
Hard cheeses need heartier bread to balance out their bold flavors. Pair parmesan or aged cheddar with multi-grain or walnut bread for a satisfying crunch and flavor combination.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese pairs wonderfully with sweeter breads like raisin or fig bread. You can also serve it with a drizzle of honey or a few dried fruits to balance the tanginess of the blue cheese.
- Pro Tip: For a well-rounded cheese board, include a mix of soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, and offer a variety of breads to match. Serve with accompaniments like fresh fruit, honey, nuts, and charcuterie.
FAQs About Cheese for Bread
Here are some commonly asked questions about pairing cheese and bread:
Which cheese melts the best for sandwiches?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and American cheese are some of the best choices for melting in sandwiches due to their smooth, gooey texture.
Can I bake cheese into bread dough?
Yes! Cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère are great options for baking into bread dough. The cheese melts into the bread as it bakes, creating pockets of flavor throughout the loaf.
Is there a cheese that doesn’t melt?
Yes, cheeses like halloumi and paneer don’t melt when heated, making them ideal for grilling or frying instead of melting.
What’s the best cheese for garlic bread?
Parmesan and mozzarella are the most popular choices for garlic bread. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while mozzarella provides a gooey, melty topping.
Can I use soft cheeses like brie in baked bread?
Yes, brie can be baked into bread or used as a topping. Its creamy texture pairs well with crusty bread and can be enhanced with sweet toppings like fruit or honey.
Final Thoughts on Cheese for Bread
Pairing cheese with bread is one of the most satisfying culinary experiences. Whether you’re making grilled cheese sandwiches, baking cheese into bread, or creating a cheese board, the right cheese can elevate your dish to new heights. From sharp cheddar to creamy brie, there’s a cheese for every type of bread and every occasion.