Cheese And Cranberries: The Perfect Pairing Guide

Cranberries and cheese are a classic combination, especially popular during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. The tart, slightly bitter taste of cranberries pairs well with creamy, salty, or pungent cheeses, creating a contrast of flavours that complement each other. While some popular choices include brie, cheddar, and goat cheese, there are many other options to explore, such as blue cheese, feta, or even smoked varieties like gouda. Whether served as a simple cheese plate, incorporated into recipes like grilled cheese sandwiches or crostini, or enjoyed with wine, cranberries and cheese offer a versatile and delicious pairing.

Cranberries with white cheddar

Cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, and one such combination is cranberries with white cheddar. Here are some insights and suggestions to elevate your taste experience:

The Classic Combination

Cranberry sauce and white cheddar is a classic pairing, especially in the UK. The sharp, salty, and melty characteristics of aged white cheddar beautifully balance the sweet-tart flavour of cranberry sauce. This combination can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese boards, or simply by itself.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

To create the ultimate cranberry grilled cheese sandwich, start with sturdy bread, such as sourdough or cinnamon swirl bread. Spread butter on both sides of the bread and lightly fry in a pan. Add shredded white cheddar to one slice, followed by spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, include some fresh arugula, sliced jalapeños, or a spread of avocado oil. Top it off with slices of soft cheese, like Brie, and cover with the other slice of bread. Fry both sides of the sandwich until golden brown, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavours.

Cheese Boards

When assembling a cheese board, variety is key. Include a mix of soft cheeses like Brie, semi-soft cheeses like Havarti, and firmer cheeses like aged white cheddar. Cut the cheeses in different ways to make it interesting. Cube the firmer cheeses, slice the softer ones, and leave the Brie whole. Don't forget to add some sweet and savoury accompaniments, such as fresh or dried cranberries, honey, and crackers. To impress your guests, garnish your cheese board with seasonal items like rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.

Creative Combinations

If you're feeling creative, try incorporating cranberries and white cheddar into unique dishes. For example, cranberry crostini with goat cheese and cranberry-orange sauce makes for a beautiful and tasty appetizer. Or, for a refreshing twist, pair your cheese and cranberries with a glass of cranberry wine, or try a cranberry-flavoured beer or hard cider.

The Science Behind the Pairing

The reason why cranberries and white cheddar work so well together lies in their contrasting flavours and textures. The tart and slightly bitter taste of cranberries complements the smoothness of the cheese. This contrast creates a delightful sensory experience, making this pairing a favourite for many.

Cranberry sauce with brie

Ingredients:

• Brie Cheese: Look for a wheel of brie, preferably around 8 ounces, to ensure the perfect balance of cheese to cranberry sauce.
• Cranberry Sauce: Opt for a thicker, homemade, or store-bought cranberry sauce. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, chopped nuts such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts, and a drizzle of honey add extra flavour and texture.

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Place the brie wheel in the centre of the parchment paper. If desired, remove the top rind of the brie and scrape out a small amount of cheese to create a shallow hollow for the cranberry sauce.
• Generously top the brie with cranberry sauce, spreading it evenly. Add chopped herbs or nuts if desired.
• Bake for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the ideal baking time may vary. You want the cheese to be soft, gooey, and melty, but not collapsed into a heap.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Baked brie with cranberry sauce is delicious served with crackers, soft fresh bread, toasted baguette slices, or an assortment of gluten-free options.
• For a festive touch, add some thinly sliced apples or pears on the side for a refreshing fruit pairing.
• If you're serving a large crowd, choose a larger brie wheel (15 ounces) and double the cranberry sauce. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure it's warmed through and melty.

Tips:

• If you prefer a more herby flavour, mix chopped herbs into the cranberry sauce before baking.
• To reheat, place the baked brie in a small bowl or dish to accommodate the melted cheese. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for a few minutes until softened.
• Get creative with toppings! While cranberry sauce and brie are a match made in heaven, you can also experiment with other fruity jams, sauces, nuts, or herbs to suit your taste.

Cranberry grilled cheese

A creative twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe combines the sweetness of cranberries with the savouriness of cheese. It's a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or any other holiday dinner. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delicious treat:

Ingredients:

• Bread (sturdy, sliced about 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick, such as sourdough or any artisan-style fermented loaf)
• Butter (at room temperature or softened)
• Cranberry sauce (leftover or freshly made)
• Cheese (strong, salty, and melty like aged Cheddar, Brie, or both)
• Optional: Avocado oil or other neutral cooking oil, mustard, arugula, jalapeños, sriracha hot sauce

Instructions:

• Prepare the bread by slicing it to the desired thickness.
• Spread butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
• Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You can use avocado oil or a neutral cooking oil if preferred.
• Place the bread slices in the pan and lightly fry both sides.
• Combine the cheese with the cranberry sauce. You can grate or shred the cheese to ensure even melting.
• Spread the cheese and cranberry mixture on one slice of bread. If using mustard, spread it on the other slice.
• Close the sandwich by placing the other slice of bread on top.
• Cook the sandwich in the pan, pressing down occasionally, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This should take about 4 minutes per side.
• Optional: For extra crunch, fry both sides of each bread slice before assembling the sandwich. You can also add a pinch of salt to the cranberry sauce and include spicy ingredients like arugula or jalapeños to round out the flavours.
• Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

Cheese and Cranberry Pairing:

When it comes to cheese and cranberry pairings, there are several options to consider:

• Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of aged Cheddar pairs well with the tartness of cranberries, creating a contrast between the smooth cheese and the slightly bitter cranberries.
• Brie: The creaminess of Brie complements the tartness of cranberry sauce, making it a popular choice for cranberry grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Other Cheeses: Other cheeses that go well with cranberries include Gruyere, Manchego, goat cheese, feta, smoked Gouda, and blue cheese. The choice of cheese can depend on the flavour profile of the cranberry sauce, whether it's more on the tart or sweet side.

Cranberry crostini

Ingredients:

• Bread: Whole grain bread or baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Cheese: Goat cheese, brie, or ricotta are great options.
• Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or leftover cranberry sauce, preferably with a tart flavour.
• Olive Oil: For brushing the bread.
• Optional Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, orange zest, sea salt, and thyme.
• Walnuts: Toasted and chopped, for added crunch and flavour.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Lightly brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
• Toast the bread in the oven for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly golden on both sides.
• While the bread is toasting, prepare your cranberry sauce if you haven't already. Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft ones. In a saucepan, combine water, honey, and spices (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then add the cranberries. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, if using.
• Spread a generous amount of cheese on each slice of toast.
• Top the cheese with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a light sprinkle of orange zest, walnuts, and any desired spices.
• Serve immediately. Cranberry crostini is best enjoyed fresh, as the bread may become soggy over time.

Cheese Pairings:

When it comes to cheese pairings, cranberries are quite versatile. Here are some options to consider:

• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese is a popular choice to pair with cranberries. Its tangy, creamy flavour complements the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
• Brie: Brie is another classic pairing with cranberries. Its creamy texture and mild flavour balance the tartness of cranberries.
• Cheddar: Aged cheddar, especially 5-year-aged cheddar, pairs well with dried cranberries due to their contrasting flavours and textures.
• Blue Cheese: A salty, pungent blue cheese can accentuate the tartness of cranberries.
• Feta: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavour to cranberries.
• Smoked Cheeses: Smoked cheeses, such as smoked Gouda or provolone, add a savoury, smoky dimension to cranberries.
• Creamy Cheeses: If your cranberry sauce is on the tart side, opt for creamy cheeses like havarti or triple cream to balance the flavours.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese and cranberry combinations to find your favourite pairing!

Cranberry chutney with sharp cheddar

Ingredients

To make cranberry chutney, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cranberries
• Apples
• Raisins
• Spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves)
• Sugar
• Water
• Vinegar

Method

Chutney is a chunky spread that originated in India and is made by slowly cooking chopped fruits or vegetables. To make cranberry chutney, start by bringing water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the cranberries, apples, vinegar, raisins, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the chutney to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry chutney is a delicious alternative to traditional cranberry sauce and can be served with cheese and crackers or charcuterie. It also pairs well with turkey, cream cheese, and crackers. For a festive touch, try spreading some cranberry chutney on crackers topped with sharp cheddar cheese. You can also make grilled cheese sandwiches with cranberry chutney and Brie, or serve it with leftover turkey sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions