The Best Cheeses to Pair with Corned Beef

Corned beef is a salty cured meat that stars in classic dishes like Reuben sandwiches corned beef hash, and New England boiled dinner. Its bold, beefy flavor calls for an equally tasty cheese pairing that can hold its own against the corned beef’s strong taste.

Finding the perfect cheese to complement corned beef can take your sandwiches, casseroles, appetizers, and other dishes to new levels of flavor. But with the wide range of cheeses available, how do you choose the best options?

In this article, we’ll recommend the top cheeses for corned beef and explain what makes each one a winning combination. Whether you prefer your corned beef on rye bread, baked in a casserole, or atop a cheese board, these cheese pairings are sure to impress.

Classic Cheese Pairings for Corned Beef

A few cheeses have emerged over the years as traditional matches for corned beef’s briny seasoning and rich texture These tried-and-true classics include

Swiss Cheese

Swiss is the go-to cheese found in Reuben sandwiches, the most famous corned beef dish. Its mild nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture perfectly balances the spices in the cured meat without overpowering. Swiss also melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches or corned beef baked dishes.

Cheddar Cheese

For another classic pairing, reach for cheddar. Sharp cheddar varieties have a salty bite that highlights corned beef’s seasoning. The creamy texture also helps cut through the meat’s fattiness. White or orange cheddar—or a blend of both—makes a perfect match.

Provolone Cheese

Slightly tangier than Swiss, provolone cheese has a distinct smoky, salty flavor that holds its own with corned beef. Its firm texture also allows thin slices of provolone to drape nicely over piled high sandwiches without falling apart.

Cheese Qualities Ideal for Corned Beef

Beyond specific cheese varieties, there are a few key qualities that make a cheese well-suited for pairing with corned beef:

• Creamy texture – A smooth, creamy cheese mellows out the salty intensity of corned beef. Soft cheeses also provide luscious mouthfeel.

• Salty qualities – Naturally salty cheeses like feta or gouda complement corned beef’s briny seasoning.

• Piquant flavors – Sharp, tangy cheeses cut through the unctuous meat nicely.

• Firmness – Dense, firm cheeses hold up well when cooked or layered on sandwiches.

• Mild flavors – Let the corned beef seasoning shine by pairing it with mild cheeses like Monterey Jack.

More Fantastic Cheeses with Corned Beef

Beyond the classics, almost any cheese that features those complementary qualities can make corned beef pop. Here are more top-notch pairings to try:

Havarti

Creamy havarti has a mild, buttery taste and smooth texture that perfectly offsets corned beef’s boldness. It also melts beautifully for hot sandwiches.

Gouda

Gouda’s salty, caramel notes and crunchy crystalline bits contrast wonderfully with corned beef. The mellow flavor also lets the meat take center stage.

Blue Cheese

The pungent, salty flavor of blue cheese stands up to corned beef’s intensity. The crumbly texture and tangy bite pair nicely with the meat’s richness.

Gruyère

Nutty, rich gruyère makes an upscale match for corned beef. The gooey melted texture coats the meat elegantly.

Pepper Jack

Pepper jack’s heat livens up corned beef sandwiches, bringing a spicy kick to contrast the meat’s fattiness.

Fontina

Earthy Italian fontina has a velvety texture and bold yet not overpowering flavor that complements corned beef beautifully.

Feta

Briny, tangy feta provides moisture and a salty bite to balance out corned beef’s dryness and seasonings.

The options are nearly endless for delicious corned beef and cheese pairings. Try blending two types of cheeses for an extra flavor boost.

Tips for Pairing Cheese with Corned Beef

To get the most flavor out of each corned beef and cheese pairing, keep these tips in mind:

• Match intensities – Milder cheeses pair best with mildly cured corned beef. Sharper cheeses stand up to spicy cures.

• Consider textures – Soft, creamy cheese contrasts nicely with corned beef’s dense, fatty texture. Firm cheeses won’t get lost.

• Layer flavors – Combine a mellow Havarti with a bold blue cheese for a flavorful duo.

• Add cheese at the end – Sprinkle cheese on at the last minute to prevent oiliness and retain texture.

• Highlight quality cheeses – Let artisan cheeses shine by pairing them with premium corned beef.

• Double up on cheese – Use two slices of cheese in sandwiches to prevent sogginess.

• Get crispy edges – Browning the cheese on top of casseroles or sandwiches adds fantastic texture.

Through smart pairings, cheese accentuates the best qualities of corned beef.

Best Cheeses for Corned Beef Sandwiches

Delicatessen-style corned beef sandwiches call for cheese that melts nicely while adding moisture and flavor.

For hot melty sandwiches, opt for:

• Swiss
• Provolone
• Cheddar
• Pepper jack
• Muenster

For cold sandwiches, use thin slices of:

• Swiss
• Gruyère
• Gouda
• Asiago

Get creative with cheeses in hot presses like Havarti, fontina, or brie. Spread mustard or Russian dressing to bring the sandwich together.

Cheese Toppings for Corned Beef Hash

To take corned beef hash to new levels, stir shredded cheese into the meat and potato mixture after cooking. Great melted options include:

• Cheddar
• Monterey jack
• Pepper jack
• Muenster

For extra flavor, make layers with handfuls of shredded cheese between the corned beef mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top before broiling until bubbly and browned.

Baked Corned Beef and Cheese Dishes

Combining corned beef with cheese in casseroles, gratins, or pastries makes for winning comfort food. Try these delectable pairings:

• Corned Beef au Gratin – Gruyère, Havarti, Asiago
• Corned Beef Quiche – Swiss, Gruyère, Cheddar
• Corned Beef Strata – Cheddar, Monterey Jack
• Corned Beef Custard – Gruyère, Gouda
• Corned Beef Cheese Danish – Havarti, Brie, Goat Cheese

The cheese absorbs the corned beef juices and ramps up the flavor. Feel free to substitute your favorite baking cheese in these creamy dishes.

Elevated Cheese Boards with Corned Beef

A meat and cheese platter makes an easy yet elegant way to enjoy corned beef. Along with the cured meat, add bites of:

• Sharp cheddar
• Pepper jack
• Aged gouda
• Asiago
• Blue cheese
• Fresh mozzarella

Provide tangy mustard and pickles to complement the cheeses and meats. Cheese takes charcuterie boards with corned beef to the next level.

Satisfying Sandwiches, Casseroles, and More

From layered Reubens to cheesy hashes and bakes, cheese adds rich decadence that perfectly offsets salty, fatty corned beef. Experiment with melted sandwiches, appetizers, or cheese boards to discover your favorite combinations.

With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the ideal cheeses to complement the corned beef. The classic pairings have stood the test of time, but don’t be afraid to venture beyond the expected to make an elevated corned beef and cheese masterpiece.