What Cheese Goes Well with Pork? 12 Delicious Pairings

Pork and cheese are a match made in heaven The rich, savory flavor of pork makes an ideal canvas for cheeses of all varieties But with so many options to choose from, what cheese goes best with pork?

In this guide we’ll suggest 12 sensational cheeses that complement pork wonderfully. Read on for ideal pairings serving tips, and answers to common questions about pairing cheese with pork.

12 Best Cheeses to Serve with Pork

Here are 12 fantastic cheeses that marry flawlessly with pork:

1. Blue Cheese

Bold and pungent blue cheese offers the perfect punchy contrast to richness of pork. Try crumbling blue cheese over pork chops or adding it to stuffings for pork roast. The salty creaminess balances the meaty flavors.

2. Aged Cheddar

For a classic pairing, turn to mellow, nutty cheddar. A nice aged cheddar adds a delightful tang without overpowering the pork. Slice cheddar for sandwiches, add shredded cheddar to casseroles, or top pork with melted cheddar cheese sauce.

3. Swiss

With its signature nutty sweetness and smooth texture, Swiss cheese makes a wonderful partner for pork. Thinly sliced Swiss over pork cutlets or a ham sandwich take this duo to new heights.

4. Goat Cheese

The tangy creaminess of goat cheese brilliantly offsets pork’s richness. Crumble goat cheese over pork medallions or tacos, or spread it on pork sandwiches instead of mayo.

5. Gouda

Gouda’s subtle sweet caramel tones pair marvelously with pork. Shred gouda over pulled pork or tacos, or stuff pork chops with gouda and sun-dried tomatoes.

6. Pepper Jack

For a spicy kick, pepper jack ups the ante with its jalapeño zing. Add pepper jack to Cuban sandwiches with roasted pork or quesadillas with shredded pork. The heat highlights pork’s inherent savoriness.

7. Provolone

With its mild, smoky flavor and smooth meltability, provolone melds wonderfully with pork. Layer provolone on hoagies, Italian subs, and other pork-filled sandwiches for extra richness.

8. Havarti

With a buttery, herbaceous taste, Havarti make a fantastic pairing with pork. Use Havarti in grilled cheese with ham or tacos with carnitas for a delightful duo.

9. Gruyère

Nutty, fruity Gruyère adds richness to any pork dish. Include Gruyère in a cheese plate with prosciutto, or top pork chops and baked potatoes with this subtly sharp cheese.

10. Fontina

Fontina’s piquant nuttiness is right at home with pork. For amazing pork Parmesan, bread pork chops and top with melted fontina and tomato sauce.

11. Muenster

Mild, melty Muenster pairs perfectly with pork, especially sandwiches. Add Muenster to Cubanos or Reubens for gooey cheese with each bite.

12. Parmesan

Finally, the sharp savoriness of Parmesan cheese makes it a natural fit for pork dishes like chicken Parmesan with breaded pork cutlets or pork Milanese.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond slicing or melting on top of pork dishes, here are creative ways to serve pork with cheese:

• Stuff mushrooms or peppers with cheese and Italian sausage.
• Make loaded mashed potatoes with bacon, cheddar, and sour cream.
• Mix BBQ shredded pork with gooey mac and cheese.
• Stuff French toast or waffles with ham and Swiss or cheddar.
• Bake cheese grits topped with cheesy shrimp and pork bits.
• Fill omelets, frittatas, or quiches with diced ham and different cheeses.
• Top nachos with carnitas, cheese sauce, pico de gallo and jalapeños.
• Fill biscuits or croissants with sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches.

Pairing Tips

• Match intensity – Pair mild cheeses with subtle pork cuts like tenderloin, and stronger cheeses with gamier cuts like shoulder.

• Contrast textures – Crispy, breaded pork cutlets pair wonderfully with oozing melted cheese.

• Accent flavors – Spicy pepper jack highlights pork’s richness. Sharp cheddar cuts through fat.

• Watch sweetness – Avoid overly sweet cheeses like mascarpone; the sugar clashes with pork’s savoriness.

• Vary accompaniments – Apple, pear, or fig chutneys contrast nicely with cheese and pork.

With endless tasty options, you can’t go wrong pairing cheese with pork. Experiment to find your favorite combinations, and enjoy these sensational flavors together.