Gouda cheese is a Dutch semi-hard cheese that has been around for centuries. Its creamy, nutty flavor and smooth texture make it an excellent addition to any meal or snack. Whether you are looking for something simple like a grilled cheese sandwich or something more complex like a quiche, there is sure to be a dish that pairs perfectly with Gouda cheese.
Here are 11 top ideas of dishes where Gouda cheese can be used as the main ingredient or as an added bonus to enhance the flavors.
What To Eat With Gouda Cheese?
Gouda cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts and honey. It also can be served with crackers, meats such as ham or sausage, crusty bread and tart wines. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it an ideal hors d’oeuvre when melted on toast points.
1. Apples
Apples are an excellent companion to Gouda cheese. The sweet, crunchy texture of a crisp apple serves as the perfect contrast to the creamy and mellow gouda, with its sharp tanginess.
An apple cut into thin slices or wedges is ideal for making a cheese plate featuring gouda. Creating an appealing visual as well as a complete flavor sensation, guests can savor both textures and supplement their cheese with a sweetness that enhances its flavor profile.
Apples also make wonderful garnishes for grilled cheese sandwiches featuring melted gouda, adding another layer of taste and interest to the classic cheesy meal.
2. Pears
The combination of pears and Gouda cheese is one of the most popular pairings for cheese boards around. There are so many different types of pear to choose from that it can be hard to pick a favorite.
For added sweetness, try combining sliced Anjou or Bartlett pears with the nutty and savory tones of Gouda cheese. The crisp texture of the ripe pear creates an amazing contrast with the creaminess of the cheese, making this pairing a memorable culinary experience.
Not only is it tasty, but the pear and Gouda cheese also make a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress on any occasion. So if you’re looking for something special to compliment your favorite Gouda, why not go for pears?
3. Grapes
Gouda cheese and grapes create an exciting, complex flavor experience that is rich and stimulating to the senses. The sweet, sour notes of the grapes are a compelling contrast to the saltiness and savory qualities of the Gouda.
Adding grapes to a cheese plate can provide even more layers of flavor, texture, and color as well as delight with something different than just crackers or bread for accompaniment.
Grapes also bring something fun and unusual to a cheese platter that will make it stand out from the rest. Try them for your next get-together for a memorable and crowd-pleasing blend of flavors.
4. Dried Fruit
Dried fruits such as apricots, dates, figs, and raisins are perfect for cutting through the rich flavor of Gouda. Additionally, dried fruits take on a darker color and become much sweeter after dehydration which further enhances the combination of flavors with Gouda.
Furthermore, when adding dried fruits to your cheese plate they will bring even more variety in textures to the dish. From crunchy nuts and seeds to velvety slices of cheese and chewy pieces of dried fruit, there is something enjoyable for everyone.
A combination of Gouda cheese and assorted dried fruits is something that brings a classic flavor combination and plenty of visual appeals too!
5. Charcuterie
What better way to enjoy gouda cheese than with a selection of cured meats? Charcuterie boards are an easy and sure way to create a stunning edible masterpiece.
Include a variety of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, soppressata and pepperoni paired with Gouda cheese to create a flavorful delight. Enhance your selection with nuts like Marcona almonds, dried fruits such as figs or apricots, olives and a touch of honey or preserves.
Then complete the look by adding some crackers or toasted slices of baguette for added crunch. Creating a Charcuterie board is an ideal way to celebrate any occasion, from small get-togethers with friends to luxurious soirees.
6. Nuts
Most nuts pair well with Gouda, but there are some favorites such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts. The crunchy texture of the nuts provides contrast to the creamy flavor of Gouda making it perfect for snacking or even serving as an appetizer.
Moreover, fortified ingredients found in nuts like copper, phosphorus, vitamin E and magnesium are beneficial for your overall health. Nuts can also be used to make spreads that can be served alongside wedges of Gouda cheese with a garnishing of fresh fruit or crackers.
All these qualities make nuts pair perfectly when you have a large block of Gouda cheese in your pantry.
7. Honey
Honey is undeniably a great addition to the salty, yet creamy palate of Gouda cheese. That’s why you often find this cheese topped with a drizzle of honey in restaurants. Not only does honey add a subtle sweetness to the bold flavor of Gouda, but its thick texture also provides an exciting balance to the rich cheese.
For instance, you could take your favorite slice of Gouda and top it with a dollop of cold honeycomb for an outstanding combination. Honey also pairs well with Gouda when melted onto crackers or a toasted baguette to bring out its unique flavor.
Even better, using different flavors of honey such as lavender or leatherwood can elevate your simple cheese plate into something unique. There’s no denying that mixing sweet and savory tastes together can create an unforgettable experience.
8. Roasted Vegetables
For those looking for a healthier alternative to pair with Gouda cheese, try adding roasted vegetables. Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic pair well when roasted in olive oil and lightly seasoned to bring out the flavors.
Roasting will bring out the sweetness of the vegetables, giving your meal a balanced blend of sweet and savory. If you want to add more tangy flavor you can also toss in a bit of balsamic vinegar for an added touch of umami.
Paired with mild gouda cheese, these roasted vegetables make for an excellent accompaniment to any meal!
9. Soups
Soups can make a great pairing with Gouda cheese if you want a more rich, creamy flavor. For example, adding crumbled Gouda to a classic tomato soup adds an extra depth of flavor that’ll make for a delightful combination.
A rich and creamy bowl of potato soup is also the perfect vehicle for some melted Gouda cheese. Since its nutty and mild flavor unifies the ingredients, it makes for an even more flavorful dish.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try combining Gouda with split peas or sweet potato soups. Not only will the hints of sweetness from the vegetables help bring out the flavor in Gouda, but it will also create something unique and delicious!
10. Pasta Dishes
One classic pairing with Gouda cheese is pasta. Whether it’s melted into a creamy sauce or lightly grated on top, the nutty flavor of this hard cheese pairs beautifully with pasta.
Consider making a carbonara with bacon, garlic, onion, creamy white sauce and grated gouda over linguine or try adding cubes of the cheese to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for an extra dimension of flavor.
You can also choose different cheeses such as Gruyere or Emmenthaler for varying levels of sweetness, saltiness, and creaminess. With the addition of fresh herbs or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, you can create an endless array of delicious pasta meals that perfectly complement the bold flavors of gouda cheese.
11. Quiche
Quiches consist of pastry crust filled with egg, milk or cream, and cheese – making them a perfect partner for Gouda cheese! The ingredients in quiche are flexible, so using Gouda in the recipe adds a delicious nutty flavor.
Common additions to a quiche are vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. If you prefer more of a savory dish, you can go for bacon or even some leftover chicken tossed in to create an amazing harmony of flavors that pair perfectly with Gouda Cheese.
Quiche can be served as an appetizer or alternative main course if you are looking for something different yet flavorful.
Conclusion
Gouda is an excellent cheese to pair with many different dishes. From salads to roasted vegetables, soups to pasta dishes, and even quiche, Gouda’s mild yet flavorful taste makes it a great choice for a wide variety of delicious recipes.
Whether you choose to melt it, cube it, or grate it, the nutty flavor of Gouda is sure to add something unique and delicious to any meal. So put your culinary skills to the test and experiment with Gouda cheese to create a scrumptious meal your friends and family will love!
I hope these pairing suggestions help you discover the many wonderful possibilities Gouda cheese has to offer. Bon Appétit!
