Cajun food is known for its bold flavors and spices.
And what’s the best way to tame the heat?
Cheese, of course!
Cajun food is delicious, but it can be quite spicy.
If you’re not a fan of heat, you might find yourself reaching for a glass of milk after just a few bites.
But there’s an easy way to tone down the spice while still enjoying the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine.
And that’s by adding cheese!
Cheese is the perfect foil for spicy food.
It mellows out the heat and adds a creamy, richness that takes the dish to the next level.
So, if you’re looking for the best cheese for cajun food, look no further!
What’s The Best Cheese for Cajun Food?
The best cheese for cajun food is a sharp cheddar or a Parmesan. If you want a more mild flavor, you could try a Gruyere or a Swiss. Or, for a more intense flavor, try a blue cheese.
Here are 9 of the best cheeses for cajun food that will take your dish from good to great:
1. Cheddar
Cheddar has always been one of my favorite cheeses to eat with Cajun food.
It has a sharp, savory flavor that pairs well with the spices in Cajun dishes.
One example of a great Cajun dish to enjoy with cheddar cheese is shrimp étouffée.
The creamy sauce and tender shrimp are delicious with a sharp cheddar cheese on top.
Some creative ways to use this cheese with Cajun food:
- Add cheddar cheese to a Cajun omelet
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over Cajun spiced popcorn
- Stuff cheddar cheese inside Cajun style chicken
- Add cheddar cheese to a Cajun grilled cheese sandwich
- Make Cajun cheese fries by topping french fries with cheddar cheese and Cajun spices
2. Parmesan
If you’ve been to New Orleans, you know that Cajun food is all about the bold flavors.
And what better way to enhance those flavors than with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese?
Whether you’re eating a plate of gumbo or jambalaya, a little Parmesan will make all the difference.
See Also: What Salad Goes With Jambalaya? 10 Best Salads
I usually pair this sort of cheese with a white wine, but a light red would also be a good choice.
Here are some recipes where Parmesan would be a great addition:
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Shrimp étouffée
- Red beans and rice
3. Gruyere
Oh, gruyere, what can’t you do?
This nutty, buttery cheese is a perfect match for the bold flavors of Cajun food.
Try it in a grilled cheese sandwich with some Cajun spices, or melted over a bowl of jambalaya.
My husband likes to add a little gruyere to his gumbo, and it’s always a hit. Me?
Well, I just like to eat it by the spoonful. It’s that good.
Here are 5 ideas for how to enjoy gruyere with Cajun food:
- Grilled cheese sandwich with Cajun spices
- Melted over a bowl of jambalaya
- Add a little gruyere to your gumbo
- Enjoy it by the spoonful
- Add it to your Cajun-spiced popcorn
4. Swiss
Swiss is one of the most popular cheeses to pair with Cajun food.
The mild, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese pairs well with the spices in Cajun dishes.
Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese, making it ideal for dishes like Cajun cheese fries or Cajun cheese grits.
Have you ever had Cajun-spiced Swiss cheese? It’s amazing!
5. Blue Cheese
Okay, I know that a strong cheese like blue cheese might not be everyone’s first choice to pair with Cajun food.
But I think it actually works really well!
The creaminess of the cheese helps to balance out the spiciness of the dishes, and the sharp flavor pairs well with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine.
Plus, blue cheese dressing is a classic accompaniment to buffalo chicken wings, so it’s definitely a cheese that can hold its own when it comes to spice.
I remember the first time I had Cajun food, I was a little apprehensive about the spice level.
But I quickly realized that the heat was really just a background flavor, and that the dishes were actually quite complex and flavorful.
And the blue cheese just brought out all of those flavors even more.
So if you’re looking for a cheese to pair with Cajun food, I would definitely recommend blue cheese.
6. Gouda
Originating from the Netherlands, Gouda has a mild yet nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in Cajun cuisine.
Try it in a grilled cheese sandwich with Cajun-seasoned chicken breast (See Also: What Sauce Goes with Chicken Breast?) or shrimp for a delicious twist on a classic.
Or, if you’re feeling frisky, try a Gouda and andouille sausage jambalaya.
The possibilities are endless!
Here are 5 recipes where Gouda is the star:
- Gouda Grilled Cheese with Cajun-Seasoned Chicken Breast
- Gouda and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya
- Cajun Shrimp and Gouda Grits
- Gouda, Bacon, and Tomato Pizza
- Creamy Gouda and Broccoli Soup
7. Brie
Brie is a soft cow’s milk cheese that I think would pair well with Cajun food.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that would be a good contrast to the spiciness of Cajun dishes.
It’s usually served with bread, crackers, or fruit, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be used in other ways.
I think it would be good melted on top of a Cajun chicken or shrimp dish, or even just served alongside it.
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy brie:
- Spread brie on a slice of baguette, top with a thin slice of apple, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Make mini brie tartlets by pressing brie into mini muffin tins, topping with a dollop of honey, and baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve brie with crackers and a selection of fruit, such as grapes, strawberries, and pears.
- Melt brie and use it as a dip for pretzels or breadsticks.
- Make a grilled cheese sandwich with brie, sliced apples, and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
8. Camembert
Bland, hard and crumbly in texture, I can’t see why this wouldn’t be a perfect accompaniment to Cajun food.
Seriously, just picture it.
A big, bold and spicy Cajun dish with a side of creamy Camembert. Heaven.
To be more specific, I think a Camembert would go really well with a dish like jambalaya or gumbo.
9. Chevre
Chevre is a soft, creamy, and spreadable cheese, which makes it quite a versatile cheese to enjoy with Cajun food.
Chevre goes well with both spicy and mild dishes, and can be used as a spread on bread or crackers, or as a topping for vegetables or meats.
Here are 5 meals where Chevre would be a delicious addition:
- Boudin balls – Boudin balls are a Cajun favorite, and the addition of some creamy Chevre would take them over the top.
- Jambalaya – Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful dish, and the addition of some Chevre would add a nice creaminess to it.
- Red beans and rice – Red beans and rice is a classic Cajun dish, and the addition of some Chevre would make it even more delicious.
- Gumbo – Gumbo is a rich and flavorful Cajun soup, and the addition of some Chevre would add a nice creaminess to it.
- Crawfish étouffée – Crawfish étouffée is a rich and flavorful Cajun stew, and the addition of some Chevre would add a nice creaminess to it.
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Ingredients
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Swiss
- Blue Cheese
- Gouda
- Brie
- Camembert
- Chevre
Instructions
- Pick your favorite cheese from this list to use in your Cajun meal.
- Prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- Enjoy your food in no time!