Swiss cheese can make a delicious addition to a turkey sandwich or meal. The nutty, rich flavor of Swiss complements the savory taste of turkey. While cheddar or American cheese are often default choices, switching it up with Swiss can take your turkey from boring to gourmet. Here’s an in-depth look at if and how Swiss cheese pairs well with turkey.
Quick Answer
Yes, Swiss cheese generally tastes great with turkey. The salty, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese balances well with the savory umami taste of turkey. Swiss cheese also has a firm, dense texture that holds up well when paired with sliced turkey. Overall, the flavors and textures complement each other. Swiss cheese tastes great on turkey sandwiches, in turkey melts, alongside roasted turkey, and more.
Explaining the Flavor Profile
To understand why Swiss cheese pairs so well with turkey, it helps to take a closer look at the flavor profiles of each ingredient:
Swiss Cheese Flavor
- Nutty, salty, rich flavor
- Tangy, acidic undertones
- Robust, complex taste
- Hints of grassiness and sweetness
Turkey Flavor
- Savory, meaty, umami flavor
- Mildly gamey and rich
- Neutral taste complements other flavors
- Lean, not greasy or fatty
As you can see, the nutty saltiness of Swiss cheese complements the savory umami taste of turkey. The complex tanginess of Swiss also cuts through the neutral flavor of turkey, adding interest. Overall, the two ingredients offer contrasting but balanced flavors.
Texture
Beyond flavor, the textures of Swiss cheese and turkey also complement one another:
- Swiss cheese is dense and firm, great for slicing or melting
- Turkey is tender and soft when properly cooked
The firmness of Swiss cheese holds up to the softness of sliced turkey. This provides a pleasing contrast of textures. The density of Swiss also allows it to melt smoothly when paired with hot turkey.
Serving Ideas
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Swiss cheese with turkey:
Sandwiches
Using Swiss rather than cheddar or American on a turkey sandwich allows the Swiss flavor to shine through. The nutty saltiness balances the turkey perfectly between two slices of bread. Toast the sandwich for added flavor and texture contrast.
Melts
A perennial favorite! Make an open-faced turkey melt with Swiss cheese on toasted bread. Or try a classic hot turkey and Swiss sandwich. The melted Swiss cheese gives a delicious creaminess.
Cheese Board
On a turkey-focused cheese board, Swiss cheese is a must. It pairs better with turkey than most other cheeses. Cubes of Swiss complement roasted turkey breast slices.
Salads
For a salad topped with turkey, shredded Swiss cheese makes a tasty topping. It adds bold flavor that stands up to the turkey.
Soup
Swiss cheese is a great addition to turkey soups, chilis, and stews. It adds a creamy richness and nutty flavor.
Casseroles
In turkey casseroles like turkey tetrazzini, use Swiss rather than cheddar or mozzarella. Its flavor shines through when melted into casseroles.
Nutrition
Both Swiss cheese and turkey offer nutritional benefits:
| Food | Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Cheese (1 oz) | 111 | 9g | 8g | 0g |
| Turkey Breast (3 oz) | 120 | 1g | 25g | 0g |
As you can see, both are high in protein. Turkey offers lean protein with little fat or carbs. Swiss cheese provides protein along with healthy fats. Together they make a balanced nutrient combo.
Benefits of Swiss Cheese
- High in protein to keep you full
- Loaded with calcium for bones
- Contains probiotics for gut health
- Rich in vitamin B12
Benefits of Turkey
- High in lean, satisfying protein
- Contains amino acids for muscle repair
- Rich in vitamin B6 and niacin
- Packed with selenium, zinc, and phosphorus
Pairing turkey with Swiss cheese gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to nutrients. They make a powerhouse protein duo.
Potential Downsides
There are a couple potential downsides to keep in mind when eating Swiss cheese with turkey:
- Higher in sodium – Swiss cheese and deli turkey both contain quite a bit of sodium.
- High in saturated fat – The saturated fat content could be concerning for those limiting fats.
As long as your overall diet is balanced, enjoying Swiss cheese with turkey in moderation should not pose any problems for most people.
Conclusion
Overall, the savory umami flavor and tender texture of turkey pair exceptionally well with the dense, nutty saltiness of Swiss cheese. That’s why Swiss cheese makes an ideal match for turkey sandwiches, melts, salads, and more. Not only do their flavors complement each other, but Swiss cheese and turkey offer a powerhouse combo of protein, vitamins, and minerals. While moderately high in sodium and saturated fat, enjoying Swiss cheese with turkey can be part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. So go ahead and savor a little Swiss with your next turkey meal or snack!