Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular ingredient, and its unique flavour can be enhanced by pairing it with other cheeses. Cheddar is a great base for any cheese board, and its familiar taste makes it a crowd favourite. When creating a cheese platter, it is recommended to have at least three cheeses to provide a good range of flavours. When looking for cheeses to pair with cheddar, it is best to choose complementary rather than similar flavours. For example, a sharp cheddar could be paired with a soft cheese like brie or blue cheese. For those who enjoy stronger flavours, a bold extra sharp cheddar could be balanced with a soft, fresh cheese made from alternative milks, such as sheep ricotta or goat gouda.
Characteristics of cheese that blends well with cheddar
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Gruyere/Comte, aged sheep milk cheeses (Manchego curado, Idiazabal, sharper pecorino), American Asiago or Parmesan, Asiago d'allevo, Fontina Val d'Aosta, Brie/soft cheese, blue cheese, goat Gouda, Ossau-iraty, Casatica di Bufala |
| Meat | Chorizo, ham, salami, prosciutto, capicola, Italian salami |
| Fruit | Apples, dried pears, dried figs and dates, pineapples, mangos, apricots, cherries |
| Nuts | Pistachio, almonds |
| Bread | Wheat bread, brown seeded or oat bread, date nut bread, cinnamon raisin bread, cranberry walnut bread |
| Drinks | Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Ruby Port, Champagne, sparkling whites, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Pilsner, Helles Lager, Kölsch, brown ales, traditional British pale ale, American pale ale |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar and dried fruit
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with dried fruit to create a unique and delicious snack. Its popularity and familiar flavour make it a crowd favourite and a great anchor for any cheese board.
When it comes to dried fruit, cheddar pairs exceptionally well with a variety of options. Dried figs, dates, pineapples, and mangos add a tropical twist to your cheddar, evoking a Mediterranean and island flair. Smaller dried fruits like cherries and apricots are also a perfect match, and they go well with nuts too. For a classic combination, apples and cheddar are a great team. The type of apple you choose can offer different flavour profiles; a Granny Smith apple gives a creamy and tart blend, while a Fuji apple paired with honey creates a sharp and sweet delight.
For those with a sweet tooth, cheddar pairs beautifully with dried pears, resulting in a similar taste profile to an apple plate but with a softer texture and a sweeter flavour. Honey also enhances the flavour of cheddar, adding a buttery nuttiness that is hard to resist. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your cheddar with dark chocolate. The rich bitterness of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is an intense match for a well-aged cheddar, resulting in a savoury and milky blend.
The sweetness of dried fruit creates a delightful contrast to the savoury, creamy texture of cheddar, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a blend of flavours and textures. Whether you're snacking on-the-go or creating a sophisticated cheese board, the combination of cheddar and dried fruit is a tasty and unexpected delight.
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Cheddar and apples
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks. When it comes to apples, the combination can offer a range of flavour profiles depending on the type of apple used. For example, pairing cheddar with a Granny Smith apple will give you a creamy, smooth, and tart blend. On the other hand, combining cheddar with a Fuji apple and a drizzle of honey creates a sharp and sweet delight.
Apples and cheddar complement each other, with the sweetness of the apple providing a nice contrast to the savoury, tangy notes of the cheddar. The natural crispness and freshness of apples also add a nice textural contrast to the creaminess of cheddar. This combination is a classic for a reason and can be enjoyed as a snack or even as part of a larger charcuterie board.
To elevate this pairing, consider adding some dried fruits and nuts. Smaller dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, and raisins go well with both cheddar and apples, adding a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the mix. The nuttiness of wheat or oat bread can also enhance the flavour of cheddar, providing a heartier base for the apple and cheese.
For a more indulgent treat, a slice of sharp cheddar with a crisp apple, and a piece of dark chocolate is a perfect trio. The rich bitterness of dark chocolate is an unexpected but delightful match for cheddar, especially if it's a more mature variety with a complex flavour profile. So, the next time you're looking for a quick snack or an elegant dessert, give this combination a try!
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Cheddar and chocolate
Cheddar is the most popular type of cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with many unique foods, drinks, and other cheeses. When it comes to cheese, a sharp cheddar pairs well with a softer cheese like brie or blue cheese. You can also try goat gouda, sheep ricotta, or buffalo mozzarella. For a more pungent pairing, try a strong, extra sharp cheddar with a soft cheese like goat gouda or a blue cheese.
For a sweet treat, pair your cheddar with chocolate. The rich bitterness of dark chocolate is a perfect match for a strong, aged cheddar. Look for chocolate with 70% cacao or higher to stand up to the rich flavour of the cheese. Together, they create a milky and savoury blend.
Cheddar is also delicious with dried fruit. The sharpness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of dried fruits like pineapple, mango, and dates. Smaller dried fruits like cherries and apricots are also a great pairing, especially when combined with nuts. For a fresh take, try pairing cheddar with apples. A Granny Smith apple will give a creamy, tart blend, while a sweeter Fuji apple will add a sharp contrast to the cheese.
If you're looking for a drink to pair with your cheddar and chocolate, a good rule of thumb is that younger cheddars pair well with lighter, less tannic wines, while older cheddars can stand up to more full-bodied reds. A cheddar aged for 9-12 months will go well with a Chardonnay or Riesling, while one aged for 2-3 years will have more toasted, nutty flavours that pair well with a Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Zinfandel. For an extra-aged cheddar, try a bold red like a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Cheddar and charcuterie
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of charcuterie ingredients to create delicious and sophisticated combinations. Here are some ideas to elevate your next charcuterie board:
Cheese and Meat Pairings
When it comes to meat, cheddar pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cured meats and sausages. Here are some specific combinations to try:
- Rich, cured salami and whole-grain mustard complement the complexity of an aged reserve cheddar.
- Spicy, smoky chorizo is a perfect match for the bold flavour and texture of seriously sharp cheddar.
- The extra sharp cheddar's citrusy tang creates a luscious contrast with the salty-sweetness of ham.
- Salami, with its spicy and slightly fatty texture, pairs well with farmhouse reserve cheddar, which has a rich flavour and a slight crumble.
- Prosciutto, known for its salty, full-flavoured taste, finds balance with white oak cheddar, which offers subtle sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Italian salami, with its earthy flavour, is an excellent companion to Vermont sharp cheddar.
Cheese and Cheese Pairings
For a well-rounded cheese board, it's recommended to offer a variety of cheeses with complementary flavours. Here are some cheeses that can be paired with cheddar:
- Brie or soft cheese: The creaminess of a soft cheese can balance the sharpness of cheddar.
- Blue cheese: If you enjoy blue cheese, add it to your board for a strong, pungent flavour contrast.
- Goat cheese: Try cheeses made from alternative milks, such as goat's milk, like chevre or goat Gouda.
- Sheep milk cheeses: Manchego curado, idiazabal, or a sharper pecorino can add variety to your board.
- American asiago or parmesan: These hard cheeses can provide a nice texture contrast to cheddar.
Unique Food Pairings
In addition to meat and cheese, consider adding some unique ingredients to your charcuterie board to emphasise the flavour of cheddar:
- Dried fruits: Figs, dates, pineapples, mangos, cherries, and apricots pair well with cheddar, adding a sweet and chewy contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Chocolate: The rich bitterness of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is an unexpected but delightful pairing with a rich, aged cheddar.
- Apples: Depending on the variety, apples can offer different flavour profiles when paired with cheddar. Granny Smith apples create a creamy, smooth blend, while sweeter apples like Fuji can add a sharp, sweet contrast.
- Bread: Whole wheat bread or toasted brown, seeded, or oat bread can enhance the bold taste of extra sharp cheddar. Sweet breads, such as date nut bread or cinnamon raisin bread, also create a delightful sweet and salty combination.
- Honey: Drizzle some honey over your cheddar and apple pairing for an enhanced sweet delight.
Beverage Pairings
To complete your charcuterie and cheddar experience, consider pairing your board with a beverage that complements the flavours:
- Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling whites are all excellent choices to pair with cheddar, depending on the age of the cheese.
- Beer: Cheddar pairs well with a variety of beers, including Pilsner, Helles Lager, Kölsch, brown ales, traditional British pale ales, and American pale ales.
- Whiskey: Aged whiskey, particularly bourbon with its sweet caramel and vanilla notes, can complement the nutty, sweet, and salty flavours of an aged cheddar.
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Cheddar and wine
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines, depending on its age and flavour profile. Here are some suggestions for pairing cheddar with wine:
Cheddar and White Wine
Cheddar pairs well with white wines, especially those with lower tannin levels. When choosing a white wine, consider the following:
- Chardonnay is an excellent choice for pairing with cheddar, especially if the cheese has a slightly sweet and buttery flavour. Aged Cheddar, around 9-12 months old, with these characteristics, is a good match for Chardonnay.
- Pinot Grigio, with its bright, light-bodied profile and hints of citrus, is a perfect match for milder cheddars. It enhances the creaminess of the cheese while providing a refreshing contrast.
- Riesling, with its combination of acid, sugars, and fruit, can also complement zestier, sharper cheddars.
- Sparkling wines, such as Champagne, pair well with cheddar, especially if the cheese is soft and creamy. The higher acidity and carbonation of sparkling wines act as a palate cleanser for sticky, creamy cheeses.
Cheddar and Red Wine
For those who prefer red wine, there are several options that pair well with cheddar:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, a savory, fruity red, is a sophisticated choice to pair with cheddar. It can elevate a simple night in with friends or a party.
- Merlot, with its dry, dark fruity, or herbal notes, combines seamlessly with sharp and tangy cheddars.
- For older cheddars, aged for 2 to 3 years, consider a Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Barbera. These wines complement the dry, nutty, toasted, and hazelnut flavours that develop in cheddar as it ages.
- If your cheddar is exceptionally old, aged 4 years or more, consider a French Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Rioja, or Red Rhône blend. These wines will stand up to the intense flavours that develop in cheddar with extended ageing.
Other Considerations
When pairing cheddar with wine, it is essential to consider the age of the cheddar and its resulting flavour profile. Younger cheddars, aged around 9-12 months, tend to have slightly sweet and buttery flavours, while older cheddars develop dry, nutty, and toasted notes. The intensity of flavour increases with age, so the wine pairing should be chosen to achieve a balance of flavours, ensuring neither the cheese nor the wine overpowers the other.
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Frequently asked questions
While cheddar is a great anchor for any cheese board, some complementary cheeses that go well with it are brie, blue cheese, and gouda.
Some unique foods that can be paired with cheddar include dried fruits like figs, dates, pineapples, and mangoes, adding a Mediterranean and island flair. Apples and honey can also be paired with cheddar for a sharp and sweet delight.
Cheddar pairs well with both wine and beer. The age of the cheddar will determine the best drink to pair with it. Cheddar that has been aged for 9-12 months goes well with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pilsner, or Helles Lager. Cheddar aged for 2-3 years pairs well with Pinot Noir, Merlot, brown ales, and traditional British pale ales.
