Sandwiches are a popular lunchtime meal or snack for people of all ages. There are endless combinations of bread, spreads, vegetables, and protein to make a delicious sandwich. One type of cheese that is commonly used on sandwiches is Swiss cheese. But is Swiss cheese actually a good choice for sandwiches? There are a few factors to consider.
Taste
First and foremost, the taste of Swiss cheese is a major factor when determining if it makes a good sandwich cheese. Swiss cheese has a distinct sweet, nutty, and mild taste. The flavor is often described as mellow compared to many other cheese varieties. While cheddar, provolone, and other cheeses have more pronounced sharp or tangy flavors, Swiss cheese brings more of a subtle, delicate cheese taste.
The mild taste means that Swiss cheese can pair well with a variety of other sandwich fillings without overpowering them. It can complement both bold, savory ingredients like deli meat as well as sweeter ingredients like fruit spreads or chutneys. The nutty, mellow flavor profile makes it a versatile base for all types of sandwiches.
Texture
Another consideration is the texture of Swiss cheese. Unlike many hard cheeses, Swiss cheese has a smooth, creamy texture without being overly soft. When layered onto bread, it provides a nice contrast to the crunchiness of the bread. Swiss cheese is dense and slices or shaves cleanly so it is easy to get nice, even coverage on a sandwich.
The pliable, sliceable texture also allows the cheese to stick together well. This helps prevent the cheese from crumbling or falling out of the sandwich with every bite. Softer cheeses like brie can be too delicate and prone to making a mess whereas Swiss cheese holds its shape inside the sandwich.
Melting Ability
A key factor for hot sandwiches is how well the cheese melts. Swiss cheese has great melting properties thanks to its low moisture content. It maintains its sliceable texture even when melted so it doesn’t become runny or separate into oil and solids.
The melted cheese becomes silky smooth while still holding structure. This makes it perfect for hot sandwiches like grilled cheese or paninis. The melted Swiss cheese helps bind all the fillings together into a cohesive, gooey mouthful.
Nutritional Profile
When choosing ingredients for a regularly eaten meal like a sandwich, nutrition is an important consideration for many people. Swiss cheese delivers a solid nutritional profile. A 1-ounce serving provides:
- 106 calories
- 8 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
- 380 milligrams of calcium
- 174 milligrams of sodium
The protein helps make it a more filling sandwich choice while the calcium delivers a major bone-building nutrient. The calorie, fat, and sodium content are moderate. Overall, Swiss cheese can be a smart nutritional pick, especially compared to higher fat cheeses.
Cost
Price is often a practical factor when it comes to ingredients for everyday meals and snacks. Swiss cheese lands in the mid-range when it comes to cost. It’s more expensive than processed cheese slices but less costly than gourmet cheese varieties. The price tag makes it reasonably affordable for regular use.
| Cheese Type | Average Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Processed Slices | $3-5 |
| Cheddar | $5-8 |
| Swiss | $6-10 |
| Gouda | $8-12 |
| Brie | $10-15 |
Sandwich Style Suitability
Swiss cheese works well in both cold and hot sandwiches making it versatile for any sandwich style. Here’s how it suits different types of sandwiches:
Cold Sandwiches
For cold sandwiches, Swiss cheese provides a nice complement to ingredients like turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna salad, chicken salad, and condiments like mustard, mayo, and pickles. It works well in classics like:
- Turkey and Swiss
- Ham and Swiss
- Club sandwiches
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The excellent melting abilities make Swiss the perfect choice for ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. The smooth melted texture and mild flavor are ideal in this sandwich style.
Paninis
Layered with fillings like turkey, tomatoes, spinach, and pesto, Swiss cheese grills up beautifully into a crispy, melty panini. The cheese binds the fillings together while providing rich, melted flavor.
Quesadillas
For cheese-centric quesadillas, Swiss provides the right melted texture and mild flavor to complement fillings like chicken, peppers, beans, and salsa without overpowering them.
Potential Drawbacks
While Swiss cheese has many benefits for sandwiches, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- The mild flavor may be too bland for some cheese lovers who prefer a sharper cheddar or provolone.
- The smooth texture when melted may not appeal to people who enjoy more stringy/stretchy melted cheeses.
- It can be more expensive than basic cheese slices or cheddar.
- The holes can lead to some leakage of sandwich fillings with messy eating.
Conclusion
Swiss cheese is highly suitable for sandwiches thanks to its mellow flavor, sliceable yet creamy texture, excellent melting abilities, and all-around versatility. Whether layered onto cold deli sandwiches or used to make hot grilled paninis, Swiss cheese is a smart choice. Its taste complements other ingredients while providing a nice cheese flavor and plenty of melty goodness. Though some drawbacks like mild taste, cost, and potential messiness exist, generally Swiss cheese is an asset to almost any sandwich.