Roast beef is a classic meat that can be served hot or cold and makes for tasty sandwiches, appetizers, or entrées. While roast beef on its own has robust, savory flavor, adding cheese takes it to the next level. The right cheese pairing enhances the beef’s richness and provides a wonderful contrast of textures.
But with the vast world of cheeses available, how do you choose what goes best with roast beef? From soft and creamy cheeses to aged, hard varieties, certain cheeses complement roast beef better than others. By considering factors like flavor profiles, meltability, and versatility, you can determine the ideal cheeses to try.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best cheeses to serve with roast beef along with tips for selecting and incorporating cheese into recipes and sandwiches. Read on to discover new ways to savor this winning combination of savory beef and melted cheese!
Key Factors for Picking Cheese for Roast Beef
When trying to determine what cheese goes good with roast beef keep these key factors in mind
Flavor Compatibility – Choose cheeses with flavors that enhance the roast beef rather than clash with it. Nutty, tangy, and mildly sweet cheeses tend to pair best.
Meltability – Melty cheeses integrate well when served warm on roast beef sandwiches or appetizers Soft, creamy cheeses melt superbly.
Texture – Contrasting textures like creamy and crumbly can add interest Firm cheeses that slice well are also ideal,
Purpose – Is it a quick sandwich or gourmet dish? Hearty cheeses work for casual meals while specialty cheeses can elevate elegant entrees.
Personal Preference – Consider flavors you already enjoy together. If you love cheddar and roast beef, that’s a perfect match!
12 Best Cheeses for Roast Beef
Based on the criteria above, these are 12 of the very best cheese options to serve with flavorful roast beef:
1. Cheddar
Cheddar, especially aged, sharp cheddar, is a perennial favorite pairing with roast beef. The sharpness balances the richness. Cheddar also melts beautifully.
2. Swiss
With its distinctive holes and nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is a great choice for roast beef. Its meltability and flavor profile make it a prized pairing.
3. Provolone
Prov?lone’s smooth, mildly tangy flavor blends wonderfully with roast beef. And as a bonus, it melts extremely well, perfect for hot sandwiches.
4. Blue Cheese
For bold flavor contrast, crumbly blue cheese elevates roast beef’s savoriness with its potent taste and creamy texture.
5. Gouda
Gouda makes an excellent pairing thanks to its creamy texture and lightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the beef.
6. Gruyère
Gruyère’s earthy, complex flavor stands up well to roast beef. It also melts nicely into a rich, velvety texture.
7. Brie
For an elegant flavor and texture contrast, creamy brie makes a heavenly match for sliced roast beef.
8. Havarti
Creamy, buttery Havarti melts smoothly over roast beef. Its richness accents beef without overpowering.
9. Muenster
Mild, smooth Muenster cheese subtly enhances roast beef thanks to its creamy meltability and light tang.
10. Fontina
Nutty, dense Fontina cheese becomes ultra smooth when melted, ideal for serving over sliced roast beef.
11. Pepper Jack
For spicy flair, Pepper Jack’s heat and creaminess add excitement to roast beef sandwiches and dishes.
12. Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella, with its mild milky flavor and soft texture, perfectly complements the robustness of roast beef.
Tips for Using Cheese with Roast Beef
To get the most out of your cheese and roast beef pairings, keep these tips in mind:
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Thinly slice harder cheeses for quicker melting. Shred softer cheeses.
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Add cheese to hot roast beef so it can melt properly over the meat.
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Mix cheeses for a blend of flavors. Havarti and cheddar is a tasty combo.
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For cold sandwiches, place cheese below the roast beef to prevent soggy bread.
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Grate hard cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago over completed roast beef dishes for a finishing touch.
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Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with grated cheeses make a crispy topping.
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Bake brie or Camembert whole, topped with roast beef slices for easy appetizers.
Complementary Ingredients
In addition to cheese, these ingredients pair wonderfully with roast beef:
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Horseradish sauce or mustard for a tangy contrast
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Caramelized or crispy fried onions for texture and sweetness
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Roasted garlic for additional rich, savory flavor
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Hearty breads like ciabatta, baguette, or rye to stand up to the beef
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Arugula, spinach, or watercress for color and freshness
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Sundried tomatoes for a sweet, intense flavor
Perfect Roast Beef and Cheese Recipes
To experience how wonderfully cheese complements roast beef, try these delicious recipes:
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French Onion Roast Beef and Swiss Panini
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Roast Beef and Havarti Rollups with Horseradish Cream
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Gouda Smothered Roast Beef Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
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Baked Brie Topped with Roast Beef and Cranberry Relish
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Blue Cheese and Roast Beef Lettuce Wraps
The Perfect Cheese Makes All the Difference
Roast beef is an amazing meat that can be taken to new heights when paired with the right cheese. Complementary cheese enhances flavor and texture for an outstanding culinary experience. Whether it’s melty Havarti and Swiss on sandwiches or elegant baked brie for a dinner party, cheese adds interest and indulgence. The next time you enjoy roast beef, explore different cheese varieties to discover new favorite pairings. Your taste buds will thank you!
Consider the dish format.
Is the roast beef going into sandwiches, served on a platter, or part of a hot dish? Soft sliced cheeses are great for sandwiches, hard cheeses perfect for platters, and melty varieties ideal for hot dishes.
Think about flavor intensity.
Mild cheeses allow the flavor of the beef to take center stage, while strong cheeses make more of a flavor statement.
Arby’s Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich the Ultimate Remake!
FAQ
What cheese is best with roast beef?
What pairs well with roast beef?
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Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned, roast potatoes are a quintessential roast beef side.
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This light and fluffy bread pudding, made with milk, flour, and eggs, is a beloved British accompaniment to roast beef.
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A rich and flavorful gravy, made from the pan drippings of the roast beef, is essential for soaking up the flavors.
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This spicy condiment provides a tangy and flavorful contrast to the richness of the roast beef.
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Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are another classic choice.
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Fresh, seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or cabbage add color and nutrients to the meal.
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A bold and pungent mustard that complements the savory flavors of the roast beef.
What comes on a classic roast beef sandwich?
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Roast Beef:The star of the show, typically thinly sliced and could be from a home-cooked roast or deli meat.
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Bread:A hearty roll or bread like a Kaiser roll, ciabatta, ciabatta, or even a toasted sesame seed bun are popular choices.
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Sauce:Creamy horseradish is a classic, but other options include mustard, mayonnaise, Arby’s Arby’s Sauce®, or even a Russian Dressing for a deli-style sandwich.
What condiments go best with roast beef?
More condiments. Depending on the protein, English mustard, warm applesauce, red currant jelly, cranberry sauce, and mint jelly are all traditional toppings to serve alongside the meat.
What cheese goes with roast beef?
For many people, cheddar is the default cheese to serve with roast beef. And for good reason – aged cheddar provides a sharp flavor and creamy texture that complements the beef beautifully. The intensity of the cheddar can stand up to the hearty flavors of the meat.
Can you put cheese in a roast beef sandwich?
Roast beef is delicious on its own, but cheese can enhance the flavor and make it truly indulgent. The combination works very well, which is why sliced cheese is added to roast beef sandwiches in most Delis and sandwich bars. However, not all types of cheese complement the rich and meaty flavors of roast beef.
Is Swiss cheese good for a roast beef sandwich?
When melted, Swiss cheese becomes wonderfully gooey and creamy, making it an excellent choice for a roast beef sandwich. Another reason Swiss cheese makes a great option for a roast beef sandwich is its ability to complement a wide range of flavors and condiments. It’s a fantastic option that is really easy to find and relatively affordable. 4.
Which cheese is best for a cold roast beef sandwich?
Southern Italian cheese known as mozzarella has been around for a long time. It is the ideal balance for a cold roast beef sandwich because it has a milky, grassy flavor, floral undertones, and a tiny bit of tanginess. Since Pepper Jack cheese is a variation of Monterey Jack, it is semi-soft and has a spicy flavor.
What kind of Cheddar is best for roast beef sandwiches?
The intensity of the cheddar can stand up to the hearty flavors of the meat. For roast beef sandwiches, a nice sharp cheddar adds a tangy flavor contrast, especially when paired with a bakery-style bread. Aged white cheddar or extra sharp orange cheddar are particularly good options.
What kind of blue cheese goes with roast beef?
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, another type of blue cheese – gorgonzola – can make a delightful pairing with roast beef. Gorgonzola offers a very bold and potent flavor that can stand up to the intensity of roast beef.