10 Kinds of Cheese that Go Well with Spinach

If you’re wondering what cheese goes with spinach, you’re not alone.

It’s a classic question with a lot of possible answers.

The truth is, there are a lot of different types of cheese that go well with spinach, and it really depends on what recipe you’re making.

In this blog post, I’ll share 10 of my favorite cheeses to use with spinach, as well as some tips on how to choose the right cheese for your dish.

10 Kinds of Cheese that Go Well with Spinach

Whether you’re making spinach salad, spinach dip, or sautéed spinach, there’s a cheese out there that will complement your dish perfectly.

It’s like finding the perfect movie to watch on a rainy day or the perfect book to read on a long flight.

The right cheese can make all the difference.

Here are 10 kinds of cheese that go well with spinach:

1. Feta Cheese

Feta has a tangy, rich and slightly salty taste that pairs well with the earthiness of spinach.

No matter how you’re preparing your spinach dish, feta is a cheese that will complement it nicely.

Pro Tip: When shopping for feta, look for a block of cheese that is firm and has a slightly crumbly texture. Avoid feta that is mushy or has a strong ammonia smell.

2. Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a mild, earthy, buttery but tart flavor that pairs well with the bitterness of spinach.

The creaminess of the cheese also helps to balance out the texture of spinach, which can be a bit tough.

Pro Tip: When buying goat cheese, look for a brand that uses all-natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any added preservatives.

3. Ricotta Cheese

Fresh ricotta has a mild, slightly nutty taste that goes well with the earthy flavor of spinach.

Ricotta is also a good source of calcium, which makes it a great cheese to add to dishes like spinach dip or sautéed spinach.

Pro Tip: When buying ricotta cheese, look for a brand that uses whole milk for a richer flavor.

4. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a mild, sweet taste that pairs well with the earthy flavor of spinach.

It’s also a very versatile cheese – you can use it in savory or sweet dishes, depending on your preference.

Pro Tip: When choosing a cream cheese, look for one that is labeled “low-fat” or “reduced-fat.” This will help cut down on the calories without sacrificing taste.

Here are three recipe ideas to get you started:

• Sautéed Spinach with Cream Cheese and Garlic: This dish is simple but flavorful. The cream cheese helps to bind the spinach leaves together, making them easier to eat.
• Spinach Dip with Crackers: This dip is perfect for parties or as an afternoon snack. It’s creamy and packed with flavor, and the crackers provide a satisfying crunch.
• Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Bacon: This salad is hearty and filling, thanks to the addition of goat cheese and bacon. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon and fresh spinach leaves.

5. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella comes with milky, grassy, and floral notes that make it the perfect partner for spinach.

The high moisture content in mozzarella helps to balance out the bitterness of spinach, while its mild flavor lets the spinach shine.

Pro Tip: For a cheesy spinach dish that’s extra creamy, look for a block of mozzarella that’s been packed in water.

Recipe Ideas:

• Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
• Creamy Spinach and Mozzarella Dip
• Mozzarella and Spinach Quiche

6. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is rich, tangy, nutty, sharp (think: “stinky” in the best way possible), and salty.

It’s the perfect cheese to top a spinach salad or sauté, because it can stand up to the hearty greens.

Plus, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch when you bite into a piece of Parmesan?

Pro Tip: If you’re using Parmesan in a recipe that calls for grated cheese, make sure to buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t have the same flavor.

Recipe Ideas:

• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Parmesan: This dish is so simple, but so delicious. Just sauté some spinach with garlic and olive oil, then top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Creamy Spinach Dip: This dip is always a hit at parties! Just mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, onion powder, and shredded Parmesan. Then fold in some thawed, frozen spinach. Serve with crackers or chips.
• Spinach and Parmesan Quiche: This is a great recipe for brunch or a light dinner. Just mix together eggs, milk, shredded Parmesan, sautéed spinach, and diced onion. Pour into a prepared pie crust and bake until golden brown.

7. Cheddar Cheese

Aged cheddars become more nutty, crumbly, and sharp as they age, making them the perfect cheese for dishes with strong flavors.

The sharpness of cheddar helps to cut through the richness of spinach, making it a great pairing.

Pro Tip: When buying cheddar cheese, opt for an aged variety. Aged cheddars have more complex flavors that can really elevate your dish.

Recipe Ideas:

• Cheddar and Spinach Quiche
• Cheddar Spinach Dip
• Sautéed Spinach with Crispy Fried Shallots and Aged Cheddar

8. Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is sweet, mild, and nutty (which I personally think is the perfect flavor profile).

It’s a great partner for spinach because it doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the greens.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a spinach dish that is on the heavier side, like creamed spinach or spanakopita, go for a stronger cheese like feta or Parmesan.

9. Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola is a straw-white, soft cheese with greenish streaks of mold running through it.

The flavor is sharp and a bit salty, with a hint of sweetness.

It’s the perfect cheese for spinach dishes because it can stand up to the strong flavor of spinach without overpowering it.

Pro Tip: When shopping for Gorgonzola, look for a label that says “dolce” or “sweet.” This indicates that the cheese is young and milder in flavor.

10. Aged Asiago Cheese

Aged Asiago cheese is often grated in salads, soups, and pastas.

It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the earthiness of spinach.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to your dish. Otherwise, your final product will be watery.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Cheese

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing cheese for your spinach dish.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cheese:

1. Consider The Recipe

Some recipes are better suited for certain types of cheese.

For example, a lasagna made with ricotta and mozzarella will taste very different than one made with goat cheese and Gruyere.

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult the recipe to see what type of cheese is called for.

2. Consider The Flavor

The flavor of the cheese is also important to consider. Some cheeses are very mild, while others are stronger in flavor.

If you’re serving spinach as a side dish, you may want to choose a milder cheese so as not to overpower the spinach flavors.

However, if you’re using spinach as a filling for ravioli or cannelloni, you may want to choose a stronger cheese such as Parmesan or Asiago.

3. Consider The Texture

The texture of the cheese is also an important consideration. Some cheeses are hard and crumbly, while others are soft and smooth.

If you’re looking for a cheesy topping for your spinach dish, you may want to choose a hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. However, if you’re looking for a creamier consistency, you may want to choose a softer cheese such as Ricotta or Brie.

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