Bacon and cheese are two of the most beloved foods in the world, and when combined, they create a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
But with so many types of cheese available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one to pair with your bacon. Should you go for a sharp cheddar or a creamy brie? What about a spicy pepperjack or a smoky gouda?
In this article, we’ll explore the best cheeses to pair with bacon and give you some ideas for creating your own delicious bacon and cheese combinations.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the perfect cheese to take your bacon game to the next level.
What Cheese Goes Best With Bacon?
When it comes to pairing cheese with bacon, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the flavor profile of the cheese. You want a cheese that will complement the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon without overpowering it.
Another factor to consider is the texture of the cheese. You want a cheese that will melt nicely and create a gooey, delicious layer on top of your bacon.
With those factors in mind, here are some of the best cheeses to pair with bacon:
1. Smoked Cheese: A smoked cheese like Applewood or smoked gouda is a great choice for pairing with bacon. The smoky flavor of the cheese enhances the smokiness of the bacon, creating a deliciously savory combination.
2. Cheddar: A sharp cheddar is a classic choice for pairing with bacon. The sharpness of the cheese cuts through the richness of the bacon, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Pepperjack: If you like a little spice in your life, pepperjack cheese is a great choice for pairing with bacon. The spicy kick of the cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to your bacon sandwich.
4. Blue Cheese: For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese is an excellent choice for pairing with bacon. The tangy, sharp flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the salty, smoky flavor of the bacon.
5. Brie: If you prefer a milder cheese, brie is a great option for pairing with bacon. The creamy texture of the brie complements the crispy texture of the bacon, creating a delicious contrast in textures.
The Basics Of Pairing Cheese With Bacon
Pairing cheese with bacon can be a delicious and satisfying experience, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, consider the flavor profile of the cheese you’re choosing. You want a cheese that will complement the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon without overpowering it.
Another important factor to consider is the texture of the cheese. You want a cheese that will melt nicely and create a gooey, delicious layer on top of your bacon.
Some of the best cheeses to pair with bacon include smoked cheese, cheddar, pepperjack, blue cheese, and brie. Smoked cheese like Applewood or smoked gouda enhances the smokiness of the bacon, while sharp cheddar cuts through the richness of the bacon for a perfect balance of flavors. Pepperjack adds a spicy kick to your bacon sandwich, while blue cheese provides bold and tangy flavors that pair beautifully with the salty, smoky flavor of the bacon. If you prefer a milder cheese, brie is an excellent option that complements the crispy texture of the bacon with its creamy texture.
Experimenting with different cheeses and bacon combinations can be a fun and tasty adventure. Keep these basic guidelines in mind when pairing cheese with bacon, and you’re sure to create a delicious and satisfying dish every time.
Sharp And Tangy: Cheddar And Bacon
When it comes to pairing cheese with bacon, sharp cheddar is a classic choice that never disappoints. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the bacon, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The tangy and salty notes of the cheese complement the smoky and savory flavors of the bacon, making them a match made in heaven.
To create the ultimate cheddar and bacon pairing, try making a Bacon Cheddar Dip. This easy-to-make dip combines extra sharp cheddar cheese with lots of crispy bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and just the right seasonings. The dip is then topped with even more bacon and cheddar cheese before being baked until warm and bubbly. Serve it with fresh buttery mini pretzel bites for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear in no time.
For a heartier meal, try making Tangy Honey Mustard Bacon Cheddar Chicken. This dish features chicken marinated in homemade honey mustard, pan-seared, and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The tangy and sweet flavors of the honey mustard sauce pair perfectly with the sharpness of the cheddar and the smokiness of the bacon.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, whip up some Bacon Cheddar Potatoes. Seasoned perfectly and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, these potatoes make for a satisfying and delicious snack or side dish.
Creamy And Rich: Brie And Bacon
When it comes to creamy and rich cheese options, brie is a top choice for pairing with bacon. The soft, buttery texture of brie melts beautifully when heated, creating a luscious layer on top of your bacon.
One delicious way to enjoy brie and bacon together is in a Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich. Layering creamy brie, crispy bacon, and sweet raspberry jam between two slices of buttery bread creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the jam complements the saltiness of the bacon, while the creamy brie melts into ooey-gooey perfection.
Another easy and delicious way to enjoy brie and bacon together is by baking a wheel of brie topped with crispy bacon, walnuts, and honey. The savory and salty flavor of the bacon pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of the walnuts, while the sweet honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors. This appetizer is perfect for entertaining or for a cozy night in with friends and family.
Spicy And Bold: Pepperjack And Bacon
If you’re looking for a cheese that packs a punch, look no further than pepperjack. This cheese is slightly spicy with a strong flavor that pairs perfectly with bacon. When melted, it creates a gooey layer on top of your bacon that will have your taste buds dancing.
One great way to enjoy pepperjack and bacon together is in a grilled cheese sandwich. Start by cooking your bacon until it’s crispy. Butter one side of two slices of bread and place them butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. On one slice of bread, add a layer of pepperjack cheese, followed by the crispy bacon. Top with another layer of pepperjack cheese and the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through. The result is a spicy and bold grilled cheese that will leave you wanting more.
Another great way to enjoy pepperjack and bacon together is in macaroni and cheese. Cook your macaroni noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add shredded pepperjack cheese and stir until melted and combined. Add the cooked macaroni noodles and crumbled bacon to the saucepan and stir until everything is coated in the cheesy sauce.
Bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly, then serve with extra crispy bacon on top for added crunch. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish at your next barbecue.
Smoky And Savory: Gouda And Bacon
If you’re looking for a cheese that will add a smoky and savory flavor to your bacon dish, look no further than smoked Gouda. This cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon.
One way to enjoy this delicious combination is by making a Smokey Apple & Bacon Quesadilla. The creamy, smoky flavor of the Gouda cheese adds a layer of depth to the quesadilla while the crisp Granny Smith apple and thick-cut bacon provide a sweet and savory contrast. This dish can be enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or even breakfast.
Another great way to enjoy smoked Gouda with bacon is by making a smoked mac and cheese. This recipe uses smoked paprika, smoked cheddar, smoked Gruyère, and smoked Gouda to create a smoky and cheesy mac and cheese dish that is sure to be a hit.
For an easy appetizer, try making a Smoked Gouda and Bacon Dip. This dip is loaded with cheese and bacon, making it the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion.
Unique Combinations To Try: Blue Cheese And Bacon, Goat Cheese And Bacon, And More
If you’re looking to take your bacon and cheese pairing to the next level, try these unique combinations:
1. Blue Cheese and Bacon: Blue cheese’s sharp and tangy taste pairs beautifully with bacon’s smoky flavor. Try crumbling blue cheese on top of your bacon burger or adding it to your bacon mac and cheese for a delicious twist.
2. Goat Cheese and Bacon: The tangy flavor of goat cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of our hot pepper berry bacon jam. Spread some goat cheese on a bagel or crostini and top it with crispy bacon for a gourmet snack.
3. Feta Cheese and Bacon: Feta cheese has a crumbly texture that complements the crispy texture of bacon perfectly. Try adding feta cheese to your bacon-wrapped dates for a delicious appetizer that will impress your guests.
4. Gouda Cheese and Bacon: Gouda cheese has a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the fatty bacon. Try adding gouda to your grilled cheese sandwich with bacon for a deliciously indulgent lunch.
5. Cream Cheese and Bacon: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture to any dish, making it a great option for pairing with crispy bacon. Try spreading cream cheese on a bagel and topping it with bacon for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
With so many types of cheese available, you can experiment with different combinations to find what you like best. These unique combinations will help you create your own unique Bacon Cheese Plate that everyone in your family will love.