The top sides for Cold Roast Beef Sandwiches include Gouda, Cheddar, Provolone, Swiss Cheese, and Havarti.
Gouda
Gouda is a semi-soft cheese typically made from cows' milk, although it can also be made from goats' or sheeps' milk.
For something lighter, swap in Havarti instead.
The classic cold roast beef sandwich has been a favourite among many people for decades.
But deciding what cheese goes best with it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge.
Not knowing what type of cheese will go well with that delicious, juicy beef can be quite the dilemma.
From aged cheddars to creamy bries, there's an array of possibilities that could make your sandwich exponentially more tasty.
Determining which one will work best for you is key to taking it up a notch next time.
Top Cheeses for Cold Roast Beef Sandwiches
If you've ever tried a cold roast beef sandwich with the wrong cheese, then you know it can make or break the entire meal.
With so many delicious varieties of cheese out there, choosing the right one for your sandwich can seem daunting.
But don't worry - 10 cheeses that go well with pesto pasta are the same versatile types that work amazingly well with cold roast beef sandwiches:
1. Gouda
Gouda is a semi-soft cheese typically made from cows' milk, although it can also be made from goats' or sheeps' milk.
It has a rich, buttery flavor and firm but smooth texture.
Gouda becomes more flavorful and often sharper with age.
The flavor of the cheese goes with the roasted beef in this sandwich with its richness and creaminess.
The distinct bite of a gouda cheese makes it the perfect pairing for beef sandwiches.
2. Cheddar
Cheddar is one of the world's most popular cheeses, and it certainly pairs well with roast beef sandwiches.
Cheddar has a slightly sharp and salty flavor that works perfectly with thinly sliced, savory roast beef.
Choose cheddar for a classic cheese sandwich, or add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce for an even more dynamic flavor - and consider cheddar bay biscuit side dishes when serving it with a meal.
For the best taste, use extra-sharp cheddar from England - the flavor will be brighter and more complex.
3. Provolone
Number three on our list of cheeses that go best with cold roast beef sandwiches is provolone.
A semi-hard type of cheese, it has a sharp, tangy flavor and is made from cow's milk.
This cheese comes in two varieties with slightly different flavors: aged provolone (smoother and milder) and sharp provolone (intensely tangy).
Aged provolone is aged for six to nine months, which gives it a firmer texture and a nuttier flavor than sharp provolone - for storage tips see provolone shelf-life guidance.
Provolone goes great on sandwiches as it melts easily and quickly when heated.
Just add thinly sliced into your preferred sandwich recipe and enjoy the distinctive flavor of this fine Italian cheese.
4. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental cheese, is a mild yellow cheese that often comes with large holes.
It's best used in melted form and brings a creamy texture and sweet-nutty flavor to many dishes.
This cheese is often the go-to when getting cold roast beef sandwiches, as it melts easily and doesn't overpower the sandwich with an intense flavor - and pairs nicely with sweet spreads like cheeses that pair with fig jam.
As with any melted cheese sandwich, adding pickles can make this even more flavorful.
5. Havarti
Havarti has a semi-soft texture, small to medium-sized holes, and comes in many flavors from mild to strong.
It's buttery, slightly tangy flavor makes it an excellent choice for a roast beef sandwich.
You can find it as a creamy white cheese or a more intense yellow version made with added annatto giving it both a stronger flavor and an orange hue.
Havarti melts beautifully, making it the perfect topping for hot sandwiches.
For extra oomph add slices of tomatoes and crispy lettuce leaves to your roast beef sandwich before topping with Havarti.
6. Mozzarella
A popular cheese that is mild and creamy with a unique soft texture, mozzarella makes an excellent addition to a cold roast beef sandwich.
Made from cow or buffalo's milk, it can be flavored in many ways.
Whether you choose to use fresh mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, or even one of the newer varieties such as burrata, this cheese is sure to add a flavorful hint to your sandwich - and pairs well with dipping sauce ideas for mozzarella sticks when served alongside.
Adding some freshly-grated parmesan cheese at the end will help bring out the full flavor of the meal.
7. Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack is a type of cheese that is traditional to the United States.
It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow milk, and it typically has a mild to sharp flavor.
This cheese is characterized by its spiciness, getting its flavor from jalapeno and habanero peppers as well as other spices.
The addition of these pepper ingredients produces areas of yellow, orange and red mottles throughout the cheese.
Due to its spice level, Pepper Jack goes incredibly well with Roast Beef sandwiches that have been sitting on rye bread for a few days - also pairs nicely with stuffed pepper soup side dishes in a heartier meal.
The spice mixes with the saltiness of the sandwich to produce flavors that will make your palate sing.
And due to its semi-hard texture and smooth texture, it is easy to cut into slices or spread onto your sandwich without breaking apart or becoming too dry.
Pepper Jack adds an excellent kick of heat while rounding out the cold roast beef flavor beautifully.
8. Gruyere
Gruyere is a semi-hard Swiss cheese made from cow's milk.
It has a creamy flavor, with distinct sweet, nutty aromas.
When fully aged, it takes on a salty flavor.
Gruyere goes well with any variety of cold roast beef, adding an extra boost of flavor and a luxurious creaminess.
The cheese melts well when heated and is a good addition to sandwiches as well as cheeseboards and fondue dishes.
9. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a strong flavoured and crumbly cheese with a salty taste.
Its signature smell and flavour come from being inoculated with cultures of the mold Penicillium, contributing to its distinctive green-blue veins.
Blue cheese is best when served at room temperature as colder temperatures will diminish its flavours.
Its creamy texture and sharp flavour make it an ideal complement to the savoury beef in a cold roast beef sandwich - similar pairings appear in ham sandwich cheese ideas.
When shopping for blue cheese, be sure to grab one that is young for the strongest flavour possible.
Popular varieties include Bleu d'Auvergne, or Stilton if you're feeling fancy.
10. Brie
Brie cheese has a wonderful creamy texture and an earthy, nutty flavor that make it a good addition to roast beef sandwiches.
It is a type of soft ripened cheese made from cows' milk, with a bloomy white rind and buttery interior.
When brie is paired with roast beef on a sandwich, the salty flavors of the beef balance perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the cheese.
Brie should be served slightly chilled to best preserve its delicate flavor; serve it at room temperature when adding to sandwiches.
Meat pairings vary by dish. meats that go with mac and cheese lists compatible proteins. cheeses that go well with pastrami highlights similar strong-flavored cheese matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has a rich, buttery flavor and firm but smooth texture. Determining which one will work best for you is key to taking it up a notch next time.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. This side dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
Keep the seasoning on the side simple. Bold sauces or heavy spices can pull attention away from the main.
Let the supporting dish enhance rather than compete.
Not strictly. Mixing cuisine styles is common in home cooking.
Focus on flavor balance rather than regional matching - the plate will feel cohesive if the tastes work together.