The Best Cheese for Baked Potato (+10 Alternative Cheeses)

Baked potatoes are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a side or a main course.

While a plain baked potato is delicious on its own, adding cheese can take it to the next level.

But with so many types of cheese out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best cheese for baked potato.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cheese that work well with baked potatoes, provide serving suggestions and recipes, and offer tips for making the perfect cheesy baked potato.

Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking to mix up your baked potato game, this article has something for everyone.

So let’s get started and discover the perfect cheese for your next batch of baked potatoes!

How to Pick the Right Cheese for Baked Potato

When selecting a cheese to use in your baked potato, there are several factors to consider.

Here are some options to keep in mind:

• Flavor: Think about what flavor profile you want your baked potato to have. Do you want something sharp and tangy, or something milder and creamier? Consider how the cheese will interact with the other ingredients in the dish, such as butter, salt, and toppings.
• Texture: Different cheeses have different textures, which can affect the overall mouthfeel of the dish. Some cheeses are gooey and melty, while others are crumbly or chewy. Consider what texture you want in your baked potato and choose a cheese that will provide it.
• Melting point: If you want your cheese to melt and become gooey, it’s important to select a cheese that has a low melting point. Cheeses that are high in fat tend to melt better than those that are low in fat. Additionally, aged cheeses tend to be less melty than fresh cheeses.
• Compatibility with toppings: If you plan to add toppings to your baked potato, it’s important to select a cheese that will pair well with them. For example, if you plan to add bacon, a sharp cheddar or smoked gouda might be a good choice. If you plan to add sour cream, a milder cheese like monterey jack might work better.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the best cheese for baked potato is the one that you enjoy the most! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.

The 7 Best Cheeses for Baked Potato

After considering the factors listed in the previous section, here are seven cheeses that are especially delicious when baked onto a potato:

Cheddar

A classic choice, cheddar cheese is sharp and tangy, and melts beautifully on a baked potato.

Gouda

This Dutch cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Smoked gouda is especially delicious on a baked potato.

Parmesan

While not a traditional choice for a baked potato, grated parmesan cheese can add a salty, savory kick to the dish.

Blue cheese

For those who love a bold, funky flavor, blue cheese is a great choice. It pairs especially well with bacon or caramelized onions.

Fontina

This Italian cheese is known for its gooey, melty texture and mild, buttery flavor. It’s a great choice for those who love a cheesy, indulgent baked potato.

Monterey Jack

Mild and creamy, monterey jack cheese is a great choice for those who prefer a milder flavor. It pairs well with a variety of toppings, from chili to bacon to scallions.

Pepper jack

Similar to monterey jack, pepper jack cheese has a bit of a kick thanks to the addition of spicy peppers. It’s a great choice for those who like a little heat with their cheesy baked potato.

10 Alternative Cheeses for Baked Potato

While the cheeses listed in the previous section are all delicious choices, there are plenty of other cheeses that can be used to create a delicious and unique baked potato.

Here are ten alternative cheeses to consider:

1. Feta: This crumbly Greek cheese adds a tangy, salty kick to a baked potato.
2. Brie: With its rich, buttery flavor and gooey texture, brie is a decadent choice for a baked potato.
3. Colby: A milder cousin of cheddar, colby cheese has a buttery, mild flavor that melts beautifully on a baked potato.
4. Havarti: This Danish cheese has a mild, creamy flavor and a buttery texture. It pairs well with a variety of toppings, from bacon to scallions to chili.
5. Asiago: This Italian cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that adds a unique depth of flavor to a baked potato.
6. Gruyere: With its nutty, earthy flavor and melty texture, gruyere is a great choice for those who want a cheese with a little more personality.
7. Provolone: This Italian cheese has a mild, smoky flavor and a gooey texture that makes it a great choice for a baked potato.
8. Ricotta: While not a traditional choice for a baked potato, ricotta cheese can add a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish.
9. Swiss: With its mild, nutty flavor and gooey texture, Swiss cheese is a great choice for a classic cheesy baked potato.
10. Goat cheese: Tangy and slightly sweet, goat cheese adds a unique flavor profile to a baked potato. It pairs especially well with fresh herbs like chives or thyme.

5 Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Baked Potatoes

Now that you have some ideas for the best cheeses to use in your baked potatoes, here are some tips for making them even more delicious:

1. Choose the right potato: Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to baking. Look for starchy potatoes like russets, which will result in a fluffier, more tender texture.
2. Use room temperature cheese: Letting your cheese come to room temperature before grating or slicing it can help it melt more evenly and result in a creamier texture.
3. Add cheese gradually: Instead of dumping all of your cheese onto the potato at once, add it in layers and let it melt before adding more. This will result in a more evenly melted and gooey cheese topping.
4. Experiment with toppings: While cheese is a delicious addition to a baked potato, don’t be afraid to mix it up with other toppings like bacon, chives, sour cream, or even chili.
5. Don’t overbake: It’s important to bake your potato until it’s tender and fully cooked, but be careful not to overbake it or the cheese could become tough and rubbery. Check on it frequently and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked to your liking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enhanced with the addition of cheese. Whether you prefer a classic cheddar or something more unique like goat cheese, there’s a cheese out there that will make your baked potato even more delicious.

By considering factors like flavor, texture, and melting point, you can choose the perfect cheese to suit your tastes. And by following tips like adding cheese gradually and experimenting with toppings, you can create a baked potato that’s truly unforgettable. So the next time you’re looking for a comforting and cheesy dish, give a cheesy baked potato a try – your taste buds will thank you!