The 10 Best Cheeses for Jacket Potatoes (+7 Alternatives)

Jacket potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and versatile.

Whether you prefer them as a side dish or a hearty main course, jacket potatoes can be customized with a variety of toppings, ranging from savory to sweet.

And what better way to take your jacket potatoes to the next level than by adding the best cheese for jacket potatoes?

Cheese not only adds a delicious creamy texture and savory flavor to the dish, but it also pairs well with many other toppings.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best cheeses for jacket potatoes, as well as 7 alternatives that you may not have considered before.

We’ll also provide tips for pairing cheese with jacket potatoes to create the perfect flavor combination.

So, get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering cheesy goodness!

How To Pick The Right Cheese for Jacket Potatoes

When it comes to topping your jacket potatoes with cheese, choosing the right cheese can make all the difference. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best cheese for jacket potatoes:

Flavor considerations

• The flavor of the cheese should complement the flavor of the potato.
• Mild cheeses like mozzarella and Colby can be a good choice if you want the potato flavor to be the star of the dish.
• Stronger cheeses like blue cheese and feta can add a bold, tangy flavor to your jacket potatoes.

Texture considerations

• The texture of the cheese should complement the texture of the potato.
• Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie and ricotta can add a smooth and creamy texture to your jacket potatoes.
• Harder cheeses like Parmesan and Asiago can add a crunchy texture to your dish.

Melting point considerations

• Some cheeses melt better than others, so it’s important to choose a cheese that will melt evenly.
• Cheeses with a lower melting point, such as mozzarella and cheddar, are good choices for melting over jacket potatoes.
• Cheeses with a higher melting point, such as Parmesan and feta, may not melt as well but can still add flavor to the dish.

The 10 Best Cheeses for Jacket Potatoes

Now that we’ve covered how to pick the right cheese for jacket potatoes, let’s explore the top 10 best cheeses for this delicious dish:

1. Cheddar

• Mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties
• Pairs well with a wide range of toppings, from bacon to broccoli

2. Parmesan

• Salty, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture
• Great for adding a crispy crust to the jacket potato

3. Gouda

• Buttery, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture
• Pairs well with caramelized onions and mushrooms

4. Blue cheese

• Pungent, tangy flavor and a creamy texture that melts well
• Pairs well with bacon and spinach

5. Feta

• Salty, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture
• Pairs well with Mediterranean-style toppings, such as olives and roasted red peppers

6. Mozzarella

• Mild flavor and stretchy texture that melts well
• Perfect for creating a classic pizza-style jacket potato

7. Brie

• Creamy, buttery flavor and a soft texture that melts well
• Pairs well with sweet toppings like cranberries or apple slices

8. Swiss

• Nutty, sweet flavor and a slightly elastic texture
• Great for pairing with ham or turkey and a touch of honey mustard

9. Pepper jack

• Spicy kick from the jalapeño and the smooth texture of Monterey jack cheese
• Pairs well with ground beef, avocado, and sour cream

10. Colby

• Mild, creamy cheese that melts well and adds a subtle flavor to the dish
• Pairs well with chili and sour cream

7 Alternative Cheeses for Jacket Potatoes

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, here are 7 alternative cheeses that you may not have considered for your jacket potatoes:

Goat cheese

• Tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture
• Pairs well with roasted beets or caramelized onions

Smoked gouda

• Smoky flavor and a creamy texture
• Perfect for pairing with barbecue chicken or pulled pork

Provolone

• Mild, nutty flavor and a stretchy texture that melts well
• Great for adding a cheesy topping to your favorite sandwich fillings

Monterey jack

• Mild flavor and a smooth texture that melts well
• Pairs well with salsa, black beans, and avocado

Asiago

• Nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that adds a crispy crust to your jacket potato
• Great for pairing with prosciutto or other cured meats

Havarti

• Buttery, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture that melts well
• Pairs well with sliced apples and walnuts

Ricotta

• Mild, creamy flavor and a smooth texture that pairs well with sweet toppings
• Great for adding a light, fluffy texture to your jacket potato

These alternative cheeses can add a unique twist to your jacket potatoes and take your dish to the next level. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination.

5 Tips for Pairing Cheese with Jacket Potatoes

Pairing the right cheese with your jacket potatoes can take your dish from good to great. Here are 5 tips for pairing cheese with jacket potatoes:

1. Consider the toppings: Choose a cheese that complements your toppings. For example, if you’re topping your jacket potato with bacon and chives, a mild cheddar or Colby cheese would be a great choice.
2. Match the cheese’s intensity with the potato’s flavor: If you’re using a potato with a strong flavor, like a sweet potato, choose a cheese with a strong flavor, like blue cheese or smoked gouda.
3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match: Experiment with combining different types of cheese to find your perfect flavor combination. For example, try mixing cheddar and Parmesan for a cheesy, nutty flavor.
4. Consider complementary flavors: Think about pairing flavors that complement each other. For example, if you’re using a tangy topping like salsa or pickled jalapeños, try pairing it with a creamy cheese like Brie or goat cheese.
5. Use herbs and spices to enhance the pairing: Adding herbs and spices to your cheese can help enhance the flavor pairing. For example, try mixing feta cheese with oregano and lemon zest for a Mediterranean-style topping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding cheese to your jacket potatoes is a great way to take this classic comfort food to the next level. With so many different types of cheese to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use. By considering factors like flavor, texture, and melting point, you can pick the best cheese for jacket potatoes that complements your toppings and enhances the flavor of the dish.