Randy Chandler
Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including soft and salty cheeses like feta and goat cheese, soft and mild cheeses like camembert and brie, and even blue cheeses like gorgonzola and stilton. But what about sharp cheddar cheese? Sharp cheddar is a strong-flavoured cheese that can stand up to a variety of pairings, from fatty meats to red wine. So, does the addition of cherries enhance or detract from the overall flavour profile?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Hard/salty, soft/salty, soft/mild, blue, non-dairy |
| Examples | Cheddar, Manchego, Gruyere, Feta, Goat Cheese, Camembert, Brie, Cream Cheese, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, Maytag Blue Cheese |
| Pairing Options | Salami, mustard, roasted red peppers, olives, garlic toast, prosciutto, cranberry preserves, honey, maple syrup, nuts, crackers, bread, red wine, beer |
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What You'll Learn
Cherries and sharp cheddar cheese can be combined with other foods
Cherries and sharp cheddar cheese can be combined with a variety of other foods to create delicious and sophisticated flavour combinations.
For a refreshing summer salad, combine cherries with arugula, faro, and goat cheese. The sweetness of the cherries and the saltiness of the cheese create a perfect balance. You could also add cucumber for an extra crunch.
If you're looking for a heartier option, a summer barbecue wouldn't be complete without some grilled cheese and cherry toasts. Try topping toasted wheat bread with crumbled feta, creamy goat cheese, or even camembert or brie, and add some quick-pickled cherries for a tangy burst of flavour.
For a sweet treat, you can make a cherry and cheddar cheese spread by mixing cream cheese and cheddar with Amarena cherries with syrup. Add some chopped nuts like marcona almonds for an extra crunch and a touch of sweetness. Roll the mixture into a ball and serve with crackers, or spread it on your favourite bread.
Finally, for a more indulgent option, pair your sharp cheddar with some bittersweet dark chocolate. The rich, bitter notes of the chocolate will complement the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a savoury blend that's hard to resist.
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Other cheeses that go well with sharp cheddar
Sharp cheddar cheese is a versatile variety that can be paired with a wide range of foods and drinks. While it is a popular standalone snack, sharp cheddar can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and other cooked dishes.
When it comes to pairing sharp cheddar with other cheeses, there are several options that can complement its tangy and pleasantly sour flavour:
- Soft and mild cheeses: For a contrast in textures and flavours, sharp cheddar can be paired with softer, milder cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, cream cheese, ricotta, or buffalo mozzarella.
- Blue cheeses: The tanginess of sharp cheddar can be balanced by the creaminess of blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, or Maytag Blue cheese.
- Hard and salty cheeses: Combining sharp cheddar with other hard and salty cheeses like aged Gouda, Manchego, Pecorino, Asiago, or Gruyere can create a cohesive flavour profile.
- Coastal English Cheddar: For an extra sharp and salty kick, Coastal English Cheddar from Trader Joe's is a good option. It has the lactic acid crystals that indicate a sharp flavour and is a popular choice among cheese enthusiasts.
- Extra Sharp White Cheddar: Tillamook's Extra Sharp White Cheddar is widely available in the US and offers a strong, sharp flavour with a firm texture.
These cheeses can be paired with sharp cheddar on a cheese board or incorporated into recipes to create complex and savoury flavour profiles. The versatility of sharp cheddar makes it a great base for exploring different combinations with other cheeses and various foods and drinks.
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Cherries and cheese as a salad
Cherries and cheese are a delightful combination, especially in a salad. The sweetness of the cherries pairs well with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a refreshing and flavourful dish. Here is a guide to creating a delicious cherry and cheese salad, with a focus on sharp cheddar cheese.
Firstly, choose the right type of cherries. Sweet cherries with a tart edge are ideal, as they provide a nice contrast of flavours. Make sure to pit and slice the cherries before adding them to the salad.
For the cheese, sharp cheddar is a great option to pair with cherries. Its strong, salty flavour will complement the sweetness of the cherries. Crumbled cheddar can be sprinkled on top of the salad, or you can try blending it with cream cheese and rolling it into balls, which are then coated in nuts and served with crackers on the side. Other cheese options that pair well with cherries include feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, and even non-dairy cheese options.
When it comes to the greens, arugula is a popular choice to pair with cherries and cheese. Its peppery kick adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the cheese. You can also add other types of greens such as lettuce, spinach, or kale for a heartier salad.
To add some crunch to the salad, consider toasting some nuts. Pecans, walnuts, and pistachios go well with the other ingredients. You can spice up the pecans by toasting them with maple syrup and black pepper, then adding a touch of butter to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
For an extra special touch, you can make a cherry vinaigrette to dress the salad. Simply blend fresh cherries with some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. This will enhance the cherry flavour of the salad and bring all the ingredients together.
Finally, you can also add some protein to make it a heartier meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak would go well with the other ingredients.
In conclusion, a cherry and cheese salad featuring sharp cheddar is a delicious and unique dish. By combining the sweetness of cherries with the saltiness of cheese, and adding some greens, nuts, and a tasty dressing, you can create a refreshing and flavourful salad that is perfect for summertime.
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Cherries and cheese on toast
For a savoury option, you can use crackers or toast as your base. Spread a layer of cottage cheese, and top with sliced cherries, a drizzle of honey, and some fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, or mint. You can also add some crunch with prosciutto, smoked salmon, or hard-boiled eggs.
If you prefer a sweeter option, try using honey-roasted cherries with a drizzle of lemon on your toast, and top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a touch of saltiness. You can also use sweet crackers, such as those made with fruits, nuts, and seeds, and top with cherries and a soft, mild cheese like camembert, brie, or cream cheese.
For those who enjoy a sharper flavour, extra sharp cheddar pairs well with sweet and fruity additions. Try mixing cream cheese and sharp cheddar, stirring in cherries, and rolling the mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for a few hours before rolling in nuts for a sweet and savoury snack.
Cherries add a healthy dose of freshness to salty, aged cheeses, and their superfood status means they provide numerous health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties, and can even help promote a good night's sleep.
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Drinks that pair well with sharp cheddar
When it comes to drinks that complement sharp cheddar cheese, several options come to mind, including beer, wine, and cider. The specific drink pairings can vary depending on the age and flavour profile of the cheddar, but here are some ideas to consider:
Beer
Beer is a classic pairing with cheddar cheese, and the specific type of beer can enhance the cheese's flavour notes. For example, a sharp cheddar with a dry, nutty, and creamy flavour profile pairs well with brown ales, which are maltier and sweeter, offering a delightful contrast. Traditional British or American pale ales, with their malty, buttery, and lightly hopped characteristics, also complement the creamy flavour of cheddar nicely. The bitterness of the hops in these beers helps to balance the sharpness of the cheese while cutting through its richness.
For cheddars aged 4 or more years, consider stepping it up with a pale ale or Imperial IPA. The bold, sharp flavours of these aged cheddars can stand up to the stronger flavours of these beers. If you're a fan of Trappist ales, their malty, dried fruit, and nutty flavours with a slightly bitter finish can be a superb match for an aged cheddar.
On the other hand, younger cheddars aged around 9-12 months benefit from being paired with lighter beers like Pilsner, Helles Lager, or Kölsch. These beers offer a smooth, crisp, and mildly bitter experience that won't overpower the more delicate flavours of the younger cheese.
Wine
When it comes to wine, the ideal pairing depends on the maturity and intensity of the cheddar. In general, tannin-rich red wines are better suited for strong and aged cheddars, as their bitterness can complement the cheese's sharpness. However, intensely fruity red wines, like Chilean or South Australian Cabernet Sauvignons, can also be a good match for sharp cheddars, though it's important to watch the tannins in these wines. Opting for a bottle with a couple of years of age can result in a better pairing than a young wine.
For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay or Riesling is an excellent choice for cheddars aged around 9-12 months, as their slightly sweet and buttery flavours harmonise beautifully with the cheese's similar attributes. Additionally, a South African old vine Chenin Blanc or a rich Cape White blend can be a delightful pairing with cheddar, offering both dry and sweeter options.
Cider
Cider is another refreshing option to pair with cheddar, especially for those who enjoy a classic ploughman's lunch. A medium-dry cider can provide a pleasant contrast to the sharpness of the cheese, creating a well-rounded culinary experience.
Other Drink Options
While beer, wine, and cider are the most commonly suggested pairings, some enthusiasts also recommend exploring other beverages, such as whiskey or liqueur. A rye whiskey aged in oak barrels and finished in sherry casks can impart sweet dried fruit flavours that beautifully complement the complexity of an aged cheddar. Irish whiskies aged in sherry casks are another option, as their smooth finish and dried fruit and hazelnut tones can enhance the cheese's flavour profile. Alternatively, an apple liqueur can add a unique twist to your cheddar tasting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cherries pair well with sharp cheddar cheese. The sweetness of the cherries can complement the salty and tangy flavours of sharp cheddar.
You can try mixing cream cheese and sharp cheddar, stirring in cherries, and rolling the mixture into a ball. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving with crackers. You can also try a fresh summer salad with crumbled goat cheese and cherries, or little toasts with camembert or brie and quick-pickled cherries on top.
Sharp cheddar pairs well with fatty meats, apples, red wine, membrillo, tomatoes, onion or apple chutney, chilli jam, and quince paste. For a drink, a neutral sweet Belgian beer or a glass of Chardonnay can complement the cheese well.
