What Cheese Goes Best with Bacon? Pairing Cheesy Deliciousness with Everyone’s Favorite Pork

Bacon makes everything better There’s no denying that smoky, salty, fatty strips of pork belly add a special something to any dish But what cheese best complements the king of all breakfast meats? Let’s explore the factors to consider when finding the perfect cheesy match for bacon.

Bacon Basics

Before diving into pairing options let’s cover some bacon basics. There are a few main factors that impact bacon’s flavor

• Smoked vs. unsmoked – Smoked bacon has a more intense, barbecue-like flavor. Unsmoked has a purer pork taste.

• Thickness – Thinner bacon is crisper while thick cut is chewier. Medium works well for balancing texture.

• Fat content – More fat equals more flavorful bacon. Look for nicely marbled strips.

• Curing – Ingredients like sugar, salt, and spices add complexity during curing.

• Cooking method – Pan-frying, baking, or microwaving affect crispiness and smokiness.

Knowing these factors will help determine the best cheese pairing.

Cheese Qualities to Consider

Cheese and bacon both have big flavors. You want a cheese that complements bacon without overpowering it. Here are some ideal cheese characteristics to look for:

• Saltiness – The cheese needs enough salt to stand up to salty bacon. A mild Havarti will get lost.

• Smokiness – Smoked bacon calls for smoked cheese like gouda or applewood.

• Fat content – The richness of fatty bacon deserves an equally fatty cheese like brie.

• Acidity – Sharp cheddar or Swiss provide a nice acidic contrast to the fattiness.

• Creaminess – Oozy cheeses like camembert or fontina work well with crispy bacon.

• Umami – Nutty, savory Parmesan packs an umami punch to match bacon.

The Best Cheeses for Bacon Pairing

Taking all the above factors into account, here are some of the best cheeses to pair with everyone’s favorite pork product:

Smoked Gouda

Smoky meets smoky when thick-cut bacon meets smoked gouda. The similar smoky qualities complement each other beautifully. Gouda’s salty tang also balances the bacon’s richness.

Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice thanks to its salty, acidic kick. It adds a nice texture contrast to crispy fried bacon. Go for an aged white cheddar for extra bite.

Swiss

Swiss cheese also has a salty, sharp flavor profile that complements bacon. Its firm yet creamy texture stands up well to hot bacon grease without melting away.

Creamy Brie

Buttery brie melts beautifully when heated. Its soft creaminess cools the heat of crispy bacon for a perfect flavor and texture balance. The bloomy rind also provides a nice tang.

Oozy Camembert

Like brie, soft-ripened camembert provides a lovely creaminess alongside bacon. Its richness matches the fatty pork belly. Try baking them together into a gooey, decadent dish.

Nutty Gruyère

The nutty, complex flavor of Gruyère makes it a sophisticated bacon pairing. It holds its shape when melted but has enough fat to complement bacon’s richness.

Parmesan

Hard Italian Parmesan may seem like an unlikely match, but its salty umami punch stands up to bacon. Grate it over bacon dishes or bake it into cheesy bacon bread.

Mozzarella

You can’t go wrong with mozzarella, the king of melted cheeses. Fresh mozz provides creamy, milky notes to contrast crispy, salty bacon. Always a classic.

Creative Cheese and Bacon Pairings

Now that you know some of the best cheese varieties for bacon, get creative with these pairing ideas:

• Bacon, apple, and brie panini

• Chili cheese bacon dip with shredded cheddar

• Bacon and camembert savory bread pudding

• Parmesan bacon mini potato skins

• Charcuterie board with bacon and aged gouda

• Bacon, fig, and blue cheese flatbread

• Bacon mac and cheese with Gruyère

• Creamy bacon and goat cheese pasta

• Bacon cornbread muffins with Pepper Jack

• Bacon and caramelized onion quiche with Swiss

Mix and match different cheese flavors, textures, cooking methods and ingredients for endless bacon and cheese delight.

Pro Tips for the Best Pairings

To get the most delicious cheese and bacon combinations, keep these pro tips in mind:

• Match lighter cheeses with thinner, crispier bacon to prevent greasiness.

• Creamier cheeses pair better with chewy, thick-cut bacon.

• Cold preparations like sandwiches or salads need firm, sliced cheeses.

• Melting cheeses work best for hot dishes like quiches, dips or baked pasta.

• Raw milk and aged cheeses have bolder flavors to stand up to pork.

• Go easy on extra salty ingredients if using a naturally salty cheese.

Bonding Over Bacon and Cheese

At the end of the day, practically any cheese can form a beautiful partnership with bacon. Part of the joy is in exploring different flavor combinations. Whether you prefer mild and creamy or bold and sharp, bacon loves cheese! Mixing these two protein powerhouses brings people together across cultures.