Quick Answers
There are many delicious cheeses that pair wonderfully with the flaky, buttery goodness of a fresh croissant. Some top options include:
- Gruyère – This Swiss cheese has nutty, salty flavors that complement croissants perfectly.
- Cheddar – Aged cheddar offers a sharp, tangy bite to balance the croissant’s richness.
- Brie – The soft, creamy texture of brie cheese melds beautifully with a croissant.
- Goat Cheese – The tangy, bright taste of goat cheese is a classic pairing.
- Provolone – Slightly sharp provolone adds a bold kick to croissants.
When choosing a cheese for croissants, go for options that offer contrasting textures and flavors to the flaky pastry. Soft, spreadable cheeses work nicely so they can be easily enjoyed with each bite of the croissant.
The Best Cheeses for Croissants
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best cheeses to enjoy with fresh croissants:
Gruyère
Gruyère is widely considered one of the best cheeses to complement the flavors of a croissant. This Swiss cheese has a dense, creamy texture with delightful nutty and salty flavors. The bold taste of Gruyère pairs perfectly with the rich butteriness of croissants without overpowering them. A little goes a long way, so just a thin slice or small shaving of Gruyère is all you need to take your croissant to the next level. The contrasting flavors and textures make your tastebuds sing!
Cheddar
For a more familiar flavor, aged cheddar is an excellent choice for croissants. The characteristic sharp, tangy notes of cheddar balance beautifully with the flaky layers of a croissant. The buttery croissant softens the bite of the extra sharp cheddar so the flavors mesh together seamlessly. Cheddar’s saltyness also helps cut through the croissant’s richness. For best results, use a drier, crumbly cheddar rather than a soft melting variety. The texture will hold up better within the delicate pastry layers.
Brie
Few cheeses pair as perfectly with croissants as the king of soft cheeses, brie. With its rich, indulgent texture and subtle mushroom-like flavors, brie cheese beautifully complements a fresh croissant. The softness allows it to melt deliciously into each layer of the pastry. Brie enhances the buttery taste of croissants without overtaking it. For a sweeter twist, try baking brie with a croissant until the cheese becomes ooey-gooey. Fresh fruit or preserves spread over warm baked brie croissants makes an incredible breakfast or dessert.
Goat Cheese
The tangy, bright taste of goat cheese is a fantastic way to cut through the buttery richness of croissants. Goat cheese brings a lovely tart flavor that balances each bite. Soft goat cheese varieties can be spread evenly over the surface of croissants before baking for a decadent appetizer or snack. For added flavor, look for goat cheeses seasoned with herbs, pepper, honey, or other complimentary ingredients. The possibilities are endless with fresh goat cheese and croissants.
Provolone
For a cheese that adds bold flavor to croissants, aged provolone is the way to go. Its slightly sharp, nutty taste pairs wonderfully with flaky croissants. As the provolone melts from the croissant’s heat, it evenly coats each layer with savory flavor and smooth texture. Provolone’s firmness allows it to hold structure within the pastry versus oozing out. For best results, opt for provolone aged over 6 months to get that distinctive kick. Just a few thin slices of provolone on a croissant makes for a tasty breakfast or appetizer.
Other Notable Cheeses for Croissants
While options like Gruyère, cheddar, brie, goat, and provolone shine when paired with croissants, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses too. Here are a few more varieties worth trying:
- Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella adds mild flavor and melty, stringy texture to croissants.
- Fontina – This semi-soft Italian cheese becomes beautifully gooey when baked with croissants.
- Muenster – Muenster has a soft, smooth texture and mild tang that complements croissants.
- Havarti – Havarti’s buttery aroma and taste enhance the flavors of fresh croissants.
- Gouda – Aged gouda offers concentrated caramel notes perfect with croissants.
Don’t limit yourself – get creative and try out new cheese and croissant combinations. You may discover a new favorite pairing!
Choosing the Right Cheese
With so many options for cheese and croissant pairings, keep these tips in mind when selecting cheeses:
- Look for contrasting textures and flavors to complement the croissant.
- Soft, spreadable cheeses work best to evenly cover each flaky layer.
- Aged, hard cheeses provide nice bold flavor contrast to croissants.
- Mild fresh cheeses allow the croissant’s flavor to shine through.
- Tangy cheeses help cut through and balance the croissant’s richness.
- Nutty, salty cheeses like Gruyère add delightful layered flavors.
The cheese you choose will also depend on how you plan to enjoy it with the croissant. Will the cheeses be baked together, layered on top, or served alongside for dipping? Your goal is a seamless cheese and croissant experience in every bite!
How To Serve Cheese with Croissants
Simply putting a slice or wedge of cheese on a croissant is delicious, but here are more creative ways to serve cheese with croissants:
Baked Brie Croissants
Cut brie cheese rounds to fit inside crescent-shaped croissants. Bake until the cheese melts and croissants turn golden brown.
Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
Layer sliced cheese between croissant halves with egg, bacon, sausage, or other breakfast ingredients.
Cheese-Stuffed Croissants
Roll out thinly sliced cheeses like prosciutto and provolone within unbaked croissant dough before shaping. The cheese will melt into pockets as they bake.
Croissant Cheese Dippers
Tear croissants into bite-sized pieces for dipping into fondues, cheese sauces, or melted brie.
Croissant Caprese Appetizers
Top croissant halves with alternating bites of fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Croissant Cheese Boards
Craft cheese boards with croissants served alongside wedges of contrasting cheeses like sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and crumbly blue cheese.
However you choose to serve it, cheese makes a marvelous companion for fresh, flaky croissants! Experiment with different cheese varieties and preparation methods to discover new favorite pairings.
Storing Cheese for Use with Croissants
To get the best quality cheese for your croissants, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:
– Store uncut cheese blocks wrapped tightly in parchment paper or waxed paper. Plastic wrap can cause moisture build-up.
– Place loose cheese pieces in resealable bags removing as much air as possible.
– Store cheeses in the warmest part of your refrigerator, typically the door shelves. Ideal temperature is 35°F to 40°F.
– Avoid freezing cheese if possible to prevent texture changes. However, grated cheese may be frozen for later use.
– Once cheese is cut, use within 3-5 days for peak freshness and flavor.
– Soft cheeses like brie should be consumed within a few days of opening.
– Let cheese come to room temperature before serving with croissants to allow the best aromas and texture.
With proper storage, your cheese will stay fresh and ready to pair beautifully with flaky croissants!
Cheese and Croissant Pairing Recommendations
Here are some of my top recommended pairings of cheeses that go exceptionally well with fresh croissants:
| Cheese | Pairing Notes | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Gruyère | Nutty, salty flavor compliments croissants perfectly | Thin slices layered inside croissants before baking |
| Aged Cheddar | Bold, tangy taste balances with croissants | Paired on a cheese board with croissant pieces |
| Brie | Soft texture and subtle flavor melts beautifully | Baked brie cheese rounds stuffed in croissants |
| Goat Cheese | Tart, bright goat cheese cuts through richness | Spread on croissant halves before baking |
| Provolone | Bold kick complements croissants | Sliced provolone in croissant breakfast sandwiches |
I highly recommend trying out some of these delicious cheese and croissant combinations. The options are endless for crafting the perfect pairing!
Croissant and Cheese Recipes to Try
Here are just a few tasty recipe ideas that make the most of the winning cheese and croissant combination:
Prosciutto, Provolone, and Arugula Croissants
Layer thinly sliced prosciutto and provolone cheese over greens on a split bakery croissant.
Caprese Croissant Sandwiches
Build sandwiches by topping croissant bases with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, basil, and balsamic reduction.
Blue Cheese and Fig Croissant Flatbreads
Top rolled out croissant dough with blue cheese crumbles, figs, and red onion before baking into delicious flatbreads.
Creamy Croissant and Ham Strata
In a cheesy bread pudding-style dish, layer croissants, ham, and havarti cheese in a baking dish. Make a custard of eggs, milk, and spices to pour overtop before baking.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Croissants
Roll out ready-to-bake croissant dough and spread with a spinach, onion, and feta filling. Roll up crescent-style and bake until golden.
Bacon, Egg, and Swiss Croissant Sandwiches
Fry up strips of bacon, egg, and slices of Swiss cheese to tuck into toasted croissant rolls for an easy breakfast sandwich.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining croissants with varied, delicious cheeses. Get creative in the kitchen to whip up your own signature pairings!
Advice for Pairing Cheeses and Croissants
When exploring cheese and croissant pairings, keep this advice in mind:
– Seek out contrasting textures like creamy cheese with flaky pastry.
– Stronger cheeses like aged cheddar stand up well to croissants.
– Soft and mild cheeses complement croissants without overpowering.
– Let cheeses come to room temp before baking or eating with croissants.
– Pair sweet elements like fruit spreads or honeys with rich cheeses and croissants.
– Strengthen cheese flavors by grating or thinly slicing it.
– Brighter acids like lemon or balsamic vinegar cut through richness.
– Toasted nuts or seeds enhance croissants with crunch and flavor.
– Keep portion sizes modest so the cheeses don’t weigh down the pastries.
– Ultimate gooey deliciousness comes from baking cheese right inside croissants!
With the right cheese choice and preparation, you’re guaranteed an utterly decadent croissant experience.
Tips for the Best Cheese and Croissant Pairings
Here are my top tips for crafting heavenly cheese and croissant pairings:
Pick high-quality cheeses and croissants – Splurge on premium ingredients to maximize flavors.
Experiment with varieties – Try out different cheeses, don’t just stick with one type.
Keep cheese thinly sliced – Thin cuts distribute cheese evenly with the croissants.
Allow ingredients to come to room temp – Cold dulls flavors, let cheeses and croissants sit out beforehand.
Consider baking temps and times – Bake at low temps so croissants don’t burn while cheese melts.
Add extras like herbs or spices – Infuse more flavor into cheese spreads or fillings.
Play sweet and savory – Fruits, honeys, jams, and nuts all pair well with cheeses.
Finish with acidity – A dash of vinegar brightens and cuts through richness.
Watch portion sizes – Croissants are rich, a little cheese goes a long way.
Think beyond breakfast – Cheese croissants also make fantastic appetizers or desserts.
With delicious croissants and flavorful cheeses, the combination possibilities are absolutely endless. Get creative with your pairings!
Common Cheese and Croissant Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about enjoying cheese with croissants:
What is the best cheese for a croissant sandwich?
Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, and Havarti are excellent sliced cheese choices for hot croissant sandwiches.
Can you put cheese inside a croissant?
Yes, soft spreadable cheeses or thinly sliced cheeses work beautifully baked right into the layers of croissants.
What cheeses go well baked with croissants?
Brie, goat cheese, Gruyère, cheddar, Havarti, and provolone are great baked into or on top of croissants.
Is it better to use soft or hard cheeses?
Try a mix! Soft, spreadable cheeses to layer on each bite, and hard cheeses for bold topping contrast.
Should cheese be served warm or cold with croissants?
Room temperature is ideal, cold dulls flavors. Warm baked croissants with melted cheese are divine.
Can you freeze cheese croissants?
Baked cheese croissants freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen croissants in the oven.
What jams pair well with cheese croissants?
Fig, apricot, raspberry, strawberry, and orange marmalades all complement baked brie croissants beautifully.
Enjoy experimenting with the countless cheese and croissant pairing possibilities!
Conclusion
The irresistible combination of flaky, buttery croissants with decadent cheeses is hard to beat. There are so many wonderful cheeses to try that pair magnificently with croissants. Opt for contrasting textures and flavors to take your croissants to the next level. Soft cheeses like brie bake up perfectly within croissants, while hard cheeses like aged cheddar make great counters on sandwiches. Endless sweet and savory flavor combinations are possible when you get creative with cheeses, fruits, nuts, jams, and more. Croissant lovers will enjoy exploring all the options to craft their ultimate cheese pairings. With a few simple tricks, you’re guaranteed a heavenly cheese and croissant experience.