Imagine a perfect summer picnic. The sun is warm, friends are gathered, and a platter of delicious summer sausage sits ready. But what’s missing? The perfect cheese to complement that smoky, savory bite! Choosing the right cheese for your summer sausage can be a real puzzle. You want something that tastes great, but you don’t want to pick a cheese that overpowers the sausage or just doesn’t taste right with it. It’s frustrating when your efforts don’t pay off.
This is where we come in! We’re here to make your summer sausage and cheese pairing dreams a reality. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which cheeses are the superstars when paired with summer sausage. We’ll explore different flavors and textures that create a winning combination, turning your next gathering into a culinary triumph. Get ready to discover your new favorite cheesy partner for summer sausage!
Top Cheese For Summer Sausage Recommendations
No. 1
Bearded Butchers High-Temp Cheddar Cheese 1 lb – Shelf-Stable 1/4" Cubes for Up to 10 lbs of Meat, 400°F High-Temperature Cheese – Ideal for Sausage Making, Brats, Snack Sticks, Burgers, and More
- HIGH-QUALITY, HIGH-TEMP CHEESE – Specifically made to withstand cooking, smoking, and heating up to 400°F without melting, ensuring the cheese holds its shape and enhances the texture of your meat products.
- PERFECT FOR HOMEMADE SAUSAGE, BRATS, AND MORE – Ideal for homemade brats, summer sausage, snack sticks, hot dogs, burgers, patties, and more. This cheese adds rich, creamy flavor and professional-quality results to your favorite recipes.
- PRE-PORTIONED FOR 10 LBS OF MEAT – Each 1 lb bag is perfectly measured to mix with up to 10 lbs of meat, ensuring the ideal cheese-to-meat ratio for consistent results. You can also easily adjust the amount for smaller batches without compromising performance, flavor, or quality.
- PRE-DICED INTO 1/4-INCH CUBES – Our cheddar cheese is pre-cut into uniform 1/4-inch cubes for quick and easy use. These small, evenly sized pieces are perfect for blending evenly into ground meat for consistent flavor and texture.
- SHELF-STABLE AND READY TO USE – Packaged to stay fresh, this high-temp cheddar cheese is shelf-stable before opening. For best results, it is recommended to refrigerate after opening. Perfect for both frequent and occasional use, so you’ll always have high-quality cheese on hand when you need it.
No. 2
Bearded Butchers High-Temp Cheddar Cheese 2.5 lbs – Shelf-Stable 1/4" Cubes for Up to 25 lbs of Meat, 400°F High-Temperature Cheese – Ideal for Sausage Making, Brats, Snack Sticks, Burgers, and More
- HIGH-QUALITY, HIGH-TEMP CHEESE – Specifically made to withstand cooking, smoking, and heating up to 400°F without melting, ensuring the cheese holds its shape and enhances the texture of your meat products.
- PERFECT FOR HOMEMADE SAUSAGE, BRATS, AND MORE – Ideal for homemade brats, summer sausage, snack sticks, hot dogs, burgers, patties, and more. This cheese adds rich, creamy flavor and professional-quality results to your favorite recipes.
- PRE-PORTIONED FOR 25 LBS OF MEAT – Each 2.5 lbs bag is perfectly measured to mix with up to 25 lbs of meat, ensuring the ideal cheese-to-meat ratio for consistent results. You can also easily adjust the amount for smaller batches without compromising performance, flavor, or quality.
- PRE-DICED INTO 1/4-INCH CUBES – Our cheddar cheese is pre-cut into uniform 1/4-inch cubes for quick and easy use. These small, evenly sized pieces are perfect for blending evenly into ground meat for consistent flavor and texture.
- SHELF-STABLE AND READY TO USE – Packaged to stay fresh, this high-temp cheddar cheese is shelf-stable before opening. For best results, it is recommended to refrigerate after opening. Perfect for both frequent and occasional use, so you’ll always have high-quality cheese on hand when you need it.
No. 3
The Sausage Maker® High Temp Cheddar Cheese 1 Lb Hi-Temp Cheese For Sausage Making, 1/4" Diced Cube, 400° Temperature High Heat Cheese For Grilling, Salami, Snack Sticks, Summer Sausage
- PREMIUM HIGH TEMP CHEESE: High Temp Cheddar Cheese is specially crafted for sausage making, retaining its shape during cooking and smoking up to 400°F. Perfect for enhancing summer sausages, snack sticks, and brats with a cheesy kick.
- PERFECT HI TEMP CHEESE FOR SAUSAGE MAKING: Designed for consistent performance, this high-temperature cheese ensures even distribution in ground meat mixtures, making it a must-have for creating summer sausages, salami, and cheese franks.
- CONVENIENTLY PRE-CUBED: Pre-diced into 1/4" cheese cubes, this high heat cheddar cheese is easy to use and adds rich, creamy flavor to your recipes. Its cube shape remains intact even under high heat, delivering a professional finish every time.
- VERSATILE AND SHELF-STABLE: This high-temperature cheddar cheese is ideal for various sausage-making needs and recipes. Its shelf-stable design ensures freshness during preparation, making it reliable for home cooks and professionals.
- CAREFULLY PACKAGED FOR FRESHNESS: Your high heat cheese is shipped with ice packs to minimize exposure to warmth during transit, ensuring the highest quality cheese reaches your kitchen every time.
No. 4
Johnsonville Jalapeno Cheddar Summer Sausage 1/20oz, Good Source of Protein, Great for Charcuterie and Cheese Boards
- JOHNSONVILLE IS SAUSAGE-OBSESSED. Our family-owned company has been obsessed with perfecting the craft of sausage, and we've been doing it for more than 75 years. One bite of Johnsonville Summer Sausage and you'll realize there is no substitute.
- JOHNSONVILLE USES ONLY THE BEST INGREDIENTS. Johnsonville Summer Sausage is made with only 100% premium cutsof meat and smoked over real hardwood. We never use fillers, artificial colors or flavors.
- PERFECT FOR GATHERINGS. Just slice it up and watch it fly! Johnsonville Summer Sausage had been on holiday appetizer spreads for generations and is the perfect sliced snack for your guests. Take your charcuterie spread to the next level be paring Johnsonville Summer Sausage with your favorite cheeses, pickled items, and mustards - your guests will love it!
- GET CREATIVE WITH SUMMER SAUSAGE. It's so much more than just a holiday-time snack. Dice it and toss with a fresh salad. Add as a garnish for a Bloody Mary. Fry it with some eggs for breakfast. Put it on a pizza. You can even make our famous Summer Sausage S'Mores with crackers and cheese. There are no rules!
- STRAIGHT FROM JOHNSONVILLE. When you buy this Johnsonville Summer Sausage, you're buying straight from the source: The Johnsonville Marketplace in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. We like to think of it as the "Sausage-iest Place on Earth." Enjoy!
No. 5
Hickory Farms Farmhouse Meat & Cheese Food Gift Basket (Small) - Box Set | Charcuterie Board Food | Summer Sausage | Father's Day | Mother's Day | Easter | Christmas | Holiday | Housewarming | Gourmet | Sympathy | Care Package
- Meat & Cheese: (2) 4 oz Farmhouse Summer Sausage, (2) oz Sharp Cheddar Blend, (2) oz Mission Jack Blend
- Gourmet Condiments: Crackers & Sweets - 1.25 oz Belgian Ale Mustard, 1 oz Golden Toasted Crackers, (6) 0.25 oz Strawberry Bon Bons
- Excellent for parties, office gifts, and host gifts
No. 6
Hickory Farms Signature Beef Meat and Cheese Gift Basket (Medium) - Box Set | Charcuterie Board Food | Summer Sausage | Father's Day | Mother's Day | Easter | Christmas | Holiday | Housewarming | Gourmet | Sympathy | Care Package
- CLASSIC GIFT BASKET – Makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves a savory snack! Hickory Farms classic summer sausage and cheese flavors all pair perfectly for delicious bites. This gift has everything they need to create a gourmet meat and cheese spread.
- MEAT & CHEESE: (2) 7 oz Signature Beef Summer Sausage, 4 oz Smoked Cheddar Blend, 4 oz Mission Jack Blend, 4 oz Smoked Gouda Blend
- GOURMET CRACKERS: 1 oz Golden Toasted Crackers
- Shelf-stable summer sausage and cheese, great for snacking or appetizers
- MAKES A GREAT GIFT: Perfect for the holidays, care packages, charcuterie, father's day, mother's day, valentine's day, birthdays, houswarming gift, and business or corporate gifts.
No. 7
Wisconsin Cheese Company – Gourmet Cheese & Sausage Gift Box | 100% Wisconsin Cheese with Original, Garlic & Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausages | Perfect for Parties, Charcuterie Boards, and Holiday Gifts
- Gift Box Includes: (1) 4-ounce block of Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, (1) 4-ounce block of Wisconsin Pepper Jack Cheese, (1) 12-ounce Naturally Smoked Summer Sausage, (1) 12-ounce Garlic Summer Sausage, (1) 12-ounce Jalapeno & Cheddar Summer Sausage
- Premium Wisconsin Ingredients: Locally sourced, expertly crafted.
- Flavor Variety: A perfect balance of savory, smoky, and spicy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for charcuterie boards, snack platters, and party spreads.
- Gift-Ready Presentation: Arrives beautifully packaged to impress your recipient.
No. 8
Klement's Cheddar Summer Sausage, 12 Ounce
- Naturally Hardwood Smoked
- No MSG added
- Gluten free
- Great for any event, year-round
- European, handcrafted sausage
Finding the Best Cheese for Summer Sausage: Your Flavorful Guide
Summer sausage is a delicious treat, perfect for picnics, snacks, or even a hearty meal. But what makes it truly special? The cheese, of course! Pairing the right cheese with your summer sausage can elevate its taste from good to absolutely amazing. This guide will help you pick the perfect cheese companion for your next summer sausage adventure.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing cheese for summer sausage, think about these important features:
- Melting Ability: Some cheeses melt beautifully, creating gooey pockets of flavor. Others stay more solid. For summer sausage, cheeses that melt well are often a great choice. They coat the sausage and blend the flavors.
- Flavor Profile: Does the cheese have a mild, sharp, smoky, or nutty taste? Consider how its flavor will complement the savory, often slightly spiced, taste of summer sausage. You want a cheese that adds, not overwhelms.
- Texture: Will the cheese be creamy, crumbly, or firm? A smooth, melty cheese offers a different experience than a firmer, chewier one.
- Saltiness: Summer sausage can be salty. A cheese with a balanced saltiness is ideal. Too much salt in both can make the combination too intense.
2. Important Materials (Cheese Types!)
The “materials” for your cheese choice are really the types of cheese available. Here are some popular and effective options:
- Cheddar: This is a classic for a reason. Mild cheddar offers a creamy melt and a gentle flavor. Sharp cheddar brings a more robust, tangy taste. Both work wonderfully.
- Monterey Jack: Known for its excellent melting qualities and mild, slightly buttery flavor, Monterey Jack is a crowd-pleaser.
- Pepper Jack: If you like a little heat, Pepper Jack is your go-to. It’s Monterey Jack with added jalapeño peppers, giving a spicy kick that pairs well with summer sausage.
- Provolone: This Italian cheese has a smooth texture and a slightly smoky, nutty flavor. It melts well and adds a sophisticated touch.
- Swiss: With its distinctive holes and nutty, slightly sweet flavor, Swiss cheese offers a unique taste experience. It melts decently and adds a different dimension.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your cheese and summer sausage pairing shine or fall flat.
- Freshness: Always use fresh cheese. Older cheese might have a drier texture or a less vibrant flavor.
- Quality of Cheese: A high-quality cheese will have a richer flavor and better melting properties. Look for cheeses made with good ingredients.
- How You Prepare It: If you’re baking or grilling your summer sausage with cheese, how you add the cheese matters. Adding it towards the end of cooking allows it to melt without burning.
- Balance of Flavors: The most important factor is how well the cheese flavor matches the summer sausage flavor. A strong, overpowering cheese can mask the sausage. A bland cheese might get lost.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
People love pairing cheese with summer sausage for many reasons!
- Snack Time: Slice up your summer sausage, top with cheese, and enjoy a quick, satisfying snack. It’s easy to prepare.
- Picnics and Tailgates: Summer sausage and cheese are portable and don’t require much fuss. They make great additions to any outdoor gathering.
- Appetizers: Create simple appetizers by wrapping summer sausage bites in cheese and briefly heating them until the cheese is melted.
- Sandwiches: Add your favorite cheese to a summer sausage sandwich for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Charcuterie Boards: Summer sausage and a selection of complementary cheeses are a fantastic addition to any charcuterie board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best cheese to melt with summer sausage?
A: Monterey Jack and Cheddar are excellent choices for melting. They become creamy and coat the sausage nicely.
Q: Can I use a very sharp cheese with summer sausage?
A: Yes, you can. A sharp cheddar can add a bold flavor. Just make sure the summer sausage itself isn’t overly spiced, so the flavors balance.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy food? Which cheese should I avoid?
A: You should avoid spicy cheeses like Pepper Jack if you prefer mild flavors. Stick to milder options like mild cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning when cooking with summer sausage?
A: Add the cheese towards the end of the cooking time. This gives it enough time to melt without getting burnt.
Q: Does the type of summer sausage affect which cheese I should choose?
A: Yes, it can. A plain summer sausage is versatile. A spicy or herb-infused summer sausage might pair better with a milder cheese to avoid too many strong flavors.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese. However, block cheese that you shred yourself often melts better because it doesn’t have anti-caking agents.
Q: What are some good cheese pairings for a smoky summer sausage?
A: Provolone or a smoked cheddar can complement the smoky flavor of the sausage. A mild Swiss can also work.
Q: Is there a cheese that works well for both cold and hot summer sausage dishes?
A: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are quite versatile. They taste good cold and melt beautifully when heated.
Q: Can I mix different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Mixing cheeses can create a more complex and interesting flavor profile. Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Q: Where can I buy good cheese for summer sausage?
A: You can find good cheese at most grocery stores. For higher quality or specialty cheeses, visit a local cheese shop or a well-stocked deli counter.