The Perfect Cheese And Sangria Pairing: A Tasty Adventure

When it comes to throwing a party, one of the most important considerations is the food and drinks you will be serving. If you're planning on serving sangria, a fruity and refreshing drink that can be made with red or white wine, you might be wondering what food pairs well with it. While the sweetness of sangria can make it tricky to pair with the right dishes, it actually goes well with a variety of foods, especially those with a bit of spice. So, what cheese goes best with sangria?

Brie and Camembert are good cheeses to serve with sangria

Brie and Camembert are excellent cheeses to serve with sangria. Both are mild, creamy cheeses that complement the fruity, refreshing beverage. Brie, in particular, pairs well with the rich, spicy flavours of sangria. Its creaminess will help to balance the sweetness of the drink, especially if you serve it with crackers or crostini and sliced Granny Smith apples, which will add a refreshing tartness.

Camembert is another mild, creamy cheese that will go well with sangria. It has a similar texture and flavour profile to brie, so it will provide a similar contrast to the drink. Like brie, Camembert is best served at room temperature to allow its flavour to fully develop, so be sure to take it out of the fridge ahead of time.

In addition to brie and Camembert, other types of cheese that pair well with sangria include aged cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, and goat cheese. Goat cheese, in particular, has a rich, earthy flavour that balances nicely with the fruitiness of sangria. Look for a variety that features a strain of ash or is mixed with fresh herbs.

When serving cheese with sangria, consider the sweetness level of the drink. Sangria can range from dry to very sweet, so you may want to adjust your cheese selections accordingly. For example, a drier sangria may pair better with a stronger, more pungent cheese, while a sweeter sangria may be better complemented by a milder, creamier cheese.

In addition to cheese, sangria also pairs well with a variety of other foods. Cold cuts, such as Serrano ham, prosciutto, and salami, are a good choice because their saltiness and smokiness contrast nicely with the sweetness of the drink. Seafood is another good option, especially grilled or fried calamari, shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab, and oysters.

Spicy foods like chorizo and jalapeno peppers pair well with sangria

Sangria is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed year-round and pairs well with a variety of foods. Its sweetness and summery quality make it an excellent match for spicy foods like chorizo and jalapeno peppers.

Red sangria, in particular, complements chorizo-based dishes, roasted chipotle salsa, and stuffed jalapeno peppers. The saltiness and smokiness of chorizo, combined with the refreshing sweetness of sangria, create a delightful contrast. The heat of jalapeno peppers is also balanced by the cool sweetness of the drink.

For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of brandy to your sangria, especially if your recipe doesn't already include it. The brandy will enhance the drink's ability to balance spicy dishes.

If you're serving appetizers, snacks, or finger foods, spicy chorizo and jalapeno peppers can be incorporated in a variety of ways. For instance, you could offer black bean chorizo flatbread pizza bites, or dress up store-bought queso dip with Mexican chorizo and sliced jalapenos. You could also provide salsa con queso with chorizo, sliced jalapenos, tomatoes, and green onions, served with tortilla chips on the side.

Spicy foods like chorizo and jalapeno peppers not only add flavour but also bring a delightful contrast to the sweetness of sangria, making them an excellent pairing.

Seafood and sangria are a good combination

Sangria is a Spanish punch, so it's no surprise that Spanish dishes like fried calamari and shrimp go well with it. For a simple and tasty snack to go with your drink, try serving fried calamari with aioli for dipping. Grilled or pan-seared shrimp with a spice rub is another tasty option.

If you're looking for something more substantial, try a seafood-based meal like grilled or baked white fish. Fresh white fish, such as haddock or tilapia, pairs well with sangria, especially when grilled or baked with a butter crumb topping. Scallop-based dishes, lobster, crab, and oysters are also good choices to accompany the drink.

For a refreshing summer meal, pair a glass of sangria with a salad with lightly seared fresh tuna. This light and healthy option will complement the drink's sweetness. You can also add grilled or seared shrimp to your salad for an extra touch of flavour.

Cold cuts, such as salami and prosciutto, are a good match

When creating a charcuterie board to pair with sangria, consider including a variety of cold cuts, such as Serrano ham, in addition to salami and prosciutto. The saltiness of these meats will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the drink. If you want to add some extra fat to your board, include some terrines and pates, which will provide a rich, fatty balance to the sangria. These can be served with crackers and fruit spread, adding some texture and sweetness to the plate.

To enhance the flavour profile even further, incorporate some sheep's milk cheeses, such as Manchego and Roncal, to bring an authentic Spanish touch to your spread. These cheeses are commonly found in Spain, where sangria also originates. The combination of salty, smoky meats and creamy, mild cheeses will create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

Additionally, consider serving your sangria in a beautiful beverage dispenser, garnished with extra fruit or herbs, to elevate the overall presentation and enhance the drinking experience for your guests. Whether you choose red or white sangria, the salty and smoky flavours of cold cuts like salami and prosciutto will surely be a delightful match.

Sheep's milk cheeses, like Manchego and Roncal, are authentic Spanish choices

Manchego is a popular choice for a cheese and wine pairing. It is a hard, mild cheese that pairs well with Serrano ham, arugula leaves, and olives on a flatbread or pizza. It can also be served with chorizo, roasted peppers, and olives on a pizza. For a vegetarian option, Manchego can be used on a white pizza with potatoes and asparagus.

Roncal is another style of sheep's milk cheese that can be used to bring an authentic Spanish flavour to your evening. It is a semi-firm, raw sheep's milk cheese with a nutty, buttery flavour. It is often used as a table cheese and pairs well with nuts, honey, and fresh or dried fruit.

When serving sheep's milk cheeses with sangria, consider the sweetness level of the sangria to avoid the sugar becoming overwhelming. The sweetness of the sangria will play off the spiciness of Spanish dishes, so consider pairing your cheese with chorizo, roasted chipotle salsa, or stuffed jalapeno peppers. If you are serving a white sangria, consider pairing it with seafood paella or chicken empanadas.

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