Frederic Melton
Cheese is a delicious treat, but it's made even better with the right accompaniments. The goal of pairing cheese with accompaniments is to elevate the cheese and offer different tastes without overpowering the palate. So, what are the best accompaniments to serve with cheese? Well, there are many options, including bread, crackers, nuts, fruit, preserves, chutneys, dips, oils, and more. Each type of cheese has its perfect accompaniment, and the right pairing can bring out the best in each cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Breads | Baguette, rustic multigrain, artisan rye, bread sticks, pita bread, naan flatbread |
| Crackers | Water crackers, seasoned crackers, crisps, Raincoast Crisps, gourmet specialty crackers |
| Fruits | Apples, pears, peaches, berries, figs, grapes, apricots, plums, dates, cherries, melons |
| Nuts | Pine nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, spiced nuts, candied nuts, mixed nuts |
| Dips | Tapenade, pesto, honey, quince paste, guava paste, olive oil |
| Condiments | Mustard, chutney, relish, jams, jellies, fruit compotes |
| Vegetables | Cornichons, olives, pickled vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Breads and crackers
A warm, crusty baguette is a popular choice, especially with creamy cheeses like brie. Warming the bread in the oven before serving freshens the texture and enhances the flavour. Other bread options include pita bread, warmed and cut into triangles, and naan flatbread, torn into rustic pieces. Breadsticks can also be served, adding a fun and decorative element to the board.
When it comes to crackers, there are many varieties to choose from. Plain crackers are a good option as they do not distract from the flavour profile of the cheese. Water crackers are recommended for their quality. Flavoured crackers can also be used, especially if their flavours are known to pair well with specific cheeses. Artisan crackers, such as Raincoast Crisps, can be served with dips or tapenades.
Cheese straws are another cracker-style option that can be served on their own or with crudites and dips.
So, when creating a cheese board, don't forget the breads and crackers! They provide a textural contrast and a way to sample a variety of cheeses and toppings.
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Fruits and nuts
When it comes to fresh fruits, the options are endless. Figs, for instance, are a popular choice, with their sweet, juicy flesh pairing spectacularly with washed rind cheeses. Grapes are another classic, especially when paired with creamy cheeses. Stone fruits like peaches also work well with creamy varieties. For harder and semi-hard cheeses, apples, melons, and pears are excellent choices. Berries can also be a wonderful addition, offering a burst of freshness.
Dried fruits are another option, adding a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. Dried apricots, in particular, stand out with their tart flavour. Dates, stuffed with cheese and wrapped in prosciutto, offer a savoury-sweet bite. Cherries, especially the tart Montmorency variety, are another unique choice.
Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a range of flavours that can enhance the cheese experience. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachios are all excellent choices. Warm Marcona almonds drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt are a simple yet tasty treat. Candied pecans offer a delightful combination of sweet and savoury. Spiced nuts, such as chai-spiced mixed nuts or barbecue roasted mixed nuts, can also add a unique twist to your cheese board.
Whether you choose fresh or dried fruits, or a variety of nuts, the options for accompaniments are endless. Experimenting with different combinations will surely elevate your cheese experience and impress your guests.
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Oils, honeys and jams
Oils, honeys, and jams are a great way to elevate a cheese board. Firstly, olive oil is perfect for drizzling over hard cheeses, such as Manchego. It adds a fruity, savoury note to the cheese and is a great way to elevate the flavour.
Honey is a classic pairing with cheese, and there are many varieties to choose from. Citrus blossom honey, for example, pairs well with firm cow's milk cheeses like cheddar or Tomme de Savoie. The honey's nectar-tracked varietals bring out the creaminess of the cheese.
Jams and jellies are also a wonderful choice when serving cheese. Apricot jam, for instance, pairs well with many cheese varieties, especially white bloomy-rinded cheeses. The sweet, fruity flavour of the jam contrasts beautifully with the salty, savoury notes of the cheese. Similarly, tomato jam is a classic Portuguese accompaniment for full-flavoured sheep's milk cheeses.
For a more herby option, pesto is a great choice to spread on a baguette slice, topped with a mild or medium-flavoured cheese. This adds a fresh, savoury note to the cheese and bread.
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Pickles and chutneys
Chutneys, on the other hand, offer a sweet and savoury dimension to the cheese course. They are typically made from fruits, vegetables, vinegar, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Traditional chutneys like tomato or apple chutney can be paired with strong, full-flavoured cheeses such as Cheddar or Stilton. For a more exotic touch, try a mango chutney with a mature, tangy cheese like Cheshire or a spiced chutney with a creamy cheese like Brie. The sweetness of the chutney will balance the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful sensory experience.
When serving pickles with cheese, consider the type of cheese and its intensity of flavour. For instance, a mature, strong-tasting cheese like Gruyère or Emmental could stand up to the sharp flavour of a pickled pepper or onion. Softer, milder cheeses like Camembert or Brie might be better complemented by the milder taste of a pickled cucumber or cauliflower. Playing with different combinations will allow you to discover pairings that particularly appeal to your palate.
Chutneys, with their thicker consistency, can be used in a variety of ways when serving cheese. They can be spread on crackers or bread, providing a sweet and spicy base for the cheese, or they can be served as a dip alongside the cheese, allowing guests to customise their own bites. Like pickles, the vast array of chutney flavours available means you can experiment with different cheeses to find pairings that enhance the characteristics of both the cheese and the chutney.
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Meats and dips
When it comes to meats and dips to serve with cheese, the options are plentiful and varied. A classic option is cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, soppressata, chorizo, speck, Serrano ham, beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, sausage, and charcuterie. These meats pair well with cheese in a fondue, on a charcuterie board, or as part of a sandwich or melt.
For a heartier option, consider grilled steak, poached or breaded chicken, or filet mignon. These meats can be served alongside cheese or incorporated into dishes such as a cheesy chicken parmesan or a steak melt. Meatballs, whether beef, chicken, veal, or vegetarian, are also a tasty option to pair with cheese, especially when dipped into a melty cheese fondue.
If you're looking for a lighter option, sautéed artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and roasted Brussels sprouts make for delicious vegetable-based dips to enjoy with cheese. Pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, pickles, gherkins, and cornichons, also provide a tangy contrast to creamy cheeses. For a refreshing dip, blend feta with olive oil-marinated cucumbers and serve it with pita chips or toasted baguette slices.
For a more indulgent option, dips made with creamy cheeses such as chevre or Monterey Jack, combined with various mix-ins like crushed red pepper, cayenne, nutmeg, walnuts, shallots, or watercress, can be served with pita wedges, tortilla chips, or crudites. For a unique twist, try a Southern-inspired dip with provolone, white American cheese, and Philly Cheesesteak mix-ins such as peppers, onions, and thinly sliced rib-eye steak, served with hoagie rolls or tortilla chips.
Whether you choose to focus on meats or dips to accompany your cheese, there are endless combinations to explore and enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic accompaniments for cheese include bread, crackers, nuts, fruit, preserves, chutneys, honey, and dips.
Bread accompaniments include crusty baguettes, rustic bread, naan flatbread, breadsticks, and pita bread.
Cracker accompaniments include gourmet specialty crackers, seasoned crackers, and artisan cracker crisps.
Fruit and nut accompaniments include apples, pears, peaches, berries, figs, pine nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
Condiment accompaniments include honey, quince paste, guava paste, chutney, mustard, fruit compotes, jams, and pesto.
