Cheese And Chutney: The Perfect Pairing Guide

There are few things more tempting than a cheese board, and one of the easiest ways to elevate your cheese game is to add chutney. Chutney is a great complement to cheese, especially aged cheddar, fresh goat's cheese, and blue cheese. It can also be paired with soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, or mild Swiss. For those with a more refined palate, sweeter chutneys can add a nice accompanying flavour to a blue cheese, while spicier chutneys like Italian Mostarda pair well with gouda, Parmigiano, or pecorino. For a simple, tasty combo, try cheddar with a pickle chutney. If you're feeling creative, you can even try making your own chutney at home!

Cheddar and chutney

When it comes to chutney, the dried fruit and spices add an exciting zing of flavour to a cheese plate. A light spread of chutney can also liven up a grilled cheese sandwich. Chutney tends to pair best with aged Cheddar, but it can also be paired with fresh goat cheese. If you're making your own chutney, try a recipe that includes dried fruit and spices to add a burst of flavour to your cheese and cracker plate.

For a ploughman's lunch, a simple side of cheese and crackers, or a grilled cheese sandwich, cheddar and chutney is a perfect pairing. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the sweetness of the chutney, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. The chutney can also add a nice textural element to each bite, especially if you opt for a chunky variety.

When creating a cheese plate, it's important to consider the presentation, condiment pairings, and additional elements such as sliced fruit, nuts, and crackers. Cheddar and chutney can be the star of your cheese plate, and you can further elevate this combination by offering a variety of crackers, charcuterie, and even a glass of craft beer on the side.

Goat's cheese and chutney

Goats Cheese and Chutney

Goat's cheese is a memorable experience. The rich, creamy flavour and soft, spreadable texture make it a popular choice for snacks and meals. Its versatility means it can be paired with both rich and sweet flavours.

A simple chutney can complement goat's cheese in a classic tart, with the size adjusted depending on the occasion. A sweet-sour chutney is a perfect partner for goat's cheese, and while it can be made at home, shop-bought is also an option. A red onion chutney is a great choice for a tasty, crispy pastry case. The onion is cooked until soft and then caramelized with sugar, with spices and vinegar added to taste. The goat's cheese is sliced thickly and placed in the middle of the pastry, with the chutney spooned around it. A sprinkle of black and red pepper adds the finishing touch before baking.

For a quick and easy appetizer, place a log of goat's cheese on a serving platter and top with mango chutney and chopped walnuts. This combination works well with crackers, bread, dried apricots, and grapes.

Executive Chef J.W. Foster of the Pyramid Restaurant and Bar in Dallas pairs goat's cheese with his Tomato and Apricot Chutney, which can be made in advance and stored in small airtight jars in the fridge. The chutney is made by cooking garlic, ginger, and mustard seeds in oil, and then adding tomatoes, apricots, currants, vinegar, sugar, and salt, and simmering until the liquid is absorbed.

Blue cheese and chutney

Blue cheese is often considered to be for those with a more refined palate. Its distinct flavour and aroma can be off-putting to some. However, sweeter chutneys can add a nice accompanying flavour to a blue cheese, as well as taking the edge off the strong taste that many find difficult to move past.

Onion chutney, made with caramelised onions and spices, is a great match for blue cheese, or any cheese with a strong, pungent flavour. A tomato-based chutney, such as Ballymaloe Relish, is also a good pairing with blue cheese, especially when served with a slice of rye bread.

If you're looking for something a little more unusual, a chutney made with Sevilla orange and artichoke is a good match for blue cheeses such as Stilton or Gorgonzola.

For those who enjoy a tipple with their cheese, blue cheese is a classic match for red wines, sweet dessert wines, and port. Sweeter wines work better with a more mature piece of blue cheese. If you're looking for a beer to pair with your blue cheese, craft beers and farmhouse cheeses are a great combination.

Parmesan and chutney

Parmesan is a very popular cheese, often used in Italian dishes. It is commonly an accompaniment to a larger dish, so when pairing it with chutney, you want something that will complement the other flavours in the dish without being overpowering.

A source suggests pairing Parmesan with sweet tomato and pineapple chutney, bringing a familiar tomato flavour with a sweet, unique twist. This would work well with Italian-inspired dishes, especially those with a rich tomato sauce.

Another option is to pair Parmesan with tasty olives, which also work well with Italian dishes and won't overpower the other flavours.

If you're looking for a chutney to pair with Parmesan crackers, then a sweet and savoury spiced fruit chutney would be a good option.

For a Parmesan-based main dish, like Chicken Parmesan, a tomato-based sauce is often used, so a tomato chutney would likely pair well with this.

Brie and chutney

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is a great choice for a cheeseboard and pairs well with fruity flavours. When served hot, brie becomes soft and gooey, making it an indulgent treat.

A popular way to serve brie with chutney is to bake the cheese and serve it with crackers or sliced French bread. This can be done with a variety of toppings, but one option is to spread mango chutney on top of the brie and sprinkle it with chopped cashews or almonds. You could also add sliced apples and bacon bits to the side. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Another option is to dust the brie with curry powder before spreading the mango chutney on top. This adds a subtle kick of spice to the dish.

If you're looking for a quick and easy appetiser, simply place the brie on a serving dish, top it with chutney and bacon bits, and bake until the cheese is softened. This simple recipe is sure to impress your guests.

For a more elegant presentation, try baking the brie in puff pastry with apricot or raspberry preserves. The flaky pastry pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and sweet chutney.

No matter which recipe you choose, the combination of brie and chutney is sure to be a delicious treat. The sweetness of the chutney pairs perfectly with the creamy, mild flavour of the brie, making it a match made in heaven.

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