As a roast beef sandwich lover, I’m always trying to figure out ways to take this classic sandwich to the next level. And one of the best ways to do that is by picking the perfect cheese to complement the savory beef. But with so many cheese options out there, how do you choose?
In my opinion the cheese you select for your roast beef sandwich can truly make or break it. The right cheese provides creamy texture melty goodness, and most importantly – flavor that enhances the beef rather than overpowers it. After eating my way through countless roast beef and cheese combos, I’ve got some definite opinions on the best choices.
Key Factors in Choosing Cheese
Here are some key factors I consider when selecting cheese for roast beef sandwiches
Meltability – You want a cheese that melts nicely into gooey deliciousness. Soft creamy cheeses work best.
Flavor Compatibility – Pick a cheese that complements, but doesn’t overwhelm the flavor of the roast beef. A balance of flavors is ideal.
Sandwich Purpose – Is this for a quick weekday lunch or a weekend dinner party? Heartier cheeses work for casual sandwiches, while specialty cheeses can elevate a gourmet sandwich.
Personal Taste – Consider your personal flavor preferences. If you love sharp cheddar, then go for it!
12 Best Cheeses for Roast Beef Sandwiches
Based on those criteria, here are my top cheese recommendations:
1. Provolone
Provolone has a smooth, milky flavor that pairs perfectly with roast beef. It also melts extremely well. For the best flavor balance, use provolone cheese.
2. Swiss
The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese balances well with salty roast beef. It’s also a great melter that gets deliciously gooey.
3. Cheddar
For a more casual sandwich, sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger taste that we all love with roast beef.
4. American
American cheese may seem basic, but it melts fabulously and offers a mild flavor that lets the roast beef shine.
5. Gruyère
This Swiss cheese has a distinctive, earthy flavor that holds its own with robust roast beef. Bonus – it melts beautifully.
6. Brie
For an upscale sandwich, creamy brie gives you elegance and melty goodness. It spreads easily at room temperature.
7. Gouda
Gouda makes a great sandwich cheese with its rich, slightly sweet nuttiness complementing the beef.
8. Pepper Jack
Pepper jack ramps up a roast beef sandwich with a touch of heat and southwest flair. Its creaminess balances the spice.
9. Havarti
Creamy, smooth havarti cheese melts easily and adds a nice richness without overwhelming the sandwich flavors.
10. Muenster
Muenster has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that harmonizes well with flavorful roast beef.
11. Bleu Cheese
The bold, crumbly flavor of bleu cheese pairs wonderfully with sliced roast beef for a grown-up sandwich.
12. Camembert
Earthy, creamy camembert cheese oozes elegance and gives your sandwich a sophisticated essence.
Tips for Serving Cheese on Roast Beef Sandwiches
Here are some of my tips for incorporating cheese into your roast beef sandwich:
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Thinly slice harder cheeses like cheddar, Swiss or gouda. This helps them melt better.
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Spread soft cheeses like brie or camembert at room temperature for easy spreading.
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For hot sandwiches, add cheese slices on top of roast beef so it melts nicely.
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For cold sandwiches, cheese slices below the beef prevent the bread from getting soggy.
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Mixing cheeses like provolone and muenster gives you a tasty cheese blend.
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Get creative by using cheese on the outside of the sandwich bread for crispy, cheesy edges.
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Herbs, like fresh chives, oregano or thyme complement cheese flavors beautifully.
Ideal Accompaniments for Roast Beef and Cheese
When making your roast beef and cheese sandwich, complement it with these tasty additions:
- Caramelized onions or crispy fried onions
- Horseradish sauce, mustard, or mayo
- Leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, spinach or watercress
- Sliced tomatoes for a fresh touch
- Roasted red peppers for sweetness
- Pickles, pickled onions or relish for tangy flavor
- Sauerkraut or kimchi for a savory kick
- Sliced apples or pears for contrasting sweetness
- Pesto or olive tapenade for richness
Quick Tips for the Best Roast Beef Cheese Sandwiches
Follow these tips for sandwich success:
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Use good quality ingredients – better roast beef and cheese means a better sandwich.
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Don’t skimp on the beef! Pile it on for maximum flavor.
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Spread both bread slices with butter or mayo for an extra layer of richness.
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Add cheese while the roast beef is still hot so it melts perfectly.
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For ultimate indulgence, fry your sandwich in butter for crispy edges.
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Cut in half diagonally – triangles just taste better!
The possibilities are endless when pairing cheeses with roast beef sandwiches. Hopefully these recommendations provide cheese inspiration to create your own perfect roast beef and cheese combo. Get creative with different cheese choices to keep your sandwiches exciting. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich
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.
Which is the most healthy cheese to eat?
Types of cheese are distinguished according to the basic ingredients and processing methods. Therefore, the nutritional content and characteristics of each cheese certainly varies. As every individual’s nutritional requirement and health conditions are different, it is important to choose the type of cheese based on the condition. Feta cheese and Goat cheese are traditionally made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. This type of cheese is beneficial for people who are lactose intolerant because feta lacks casein, the main protein in cow’s milk that is not easily digested by people with lactose intolerance. In addition, feta cheese is rich in mineral phosphorus which is good for healthy, strong bones and teeth. Cheddar cheese that comes from cow’s milk is also beneficial for those who are lactose sensitive. This is because its long aging process reduces the content of lactose in the cheese. This type of cheese is high in calcium which is important for bone health. In addition, Mozzarella Cheese is low in sodium and low in fat when compared to cheddar and parmesan cheese. This is a good alternative for individuals with hypertension or kidney disease. However, the calcium and mineral levels of mozzarella are not as high as the two cheeses.
What cheese goes well with roast beef?
Swiss cheese is another great option. The nutty flavor of Swiss cheese pairs well with the savory taste of roast beef, and the two ingredients complement each other perfectly. Swiss cheese is also a good choice because it melts easily, so you can enjoy a gooey and delicious sandwich.
Should you add cheese to a roast beef sandwich?
There are a few reasons why adding cheese to your roast beef sandwich is a good idea. First, it adds another layer of flavor to the sandwich. Second, it helps to keep the roast beef moist and prevents it from drying out. Third, it provides a bit of creaminess that helps to offset the spiciness of the horseradish sauce.
