The Perfect Pairing Partners For Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of other cheeses, foods, and drinks. While some pairings are more popular than others, the best combinations often come down to personal preference. When it comes to cheese, cheddar is commonly paired with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and Smoked Gouda. These cheeses can complement or counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar, creating delicious flavour profiles. In terms of food pairings, cheddar goes well with sweet and juicy fruits like apples, pears, and plums, as well as dried fruits like figs, dates, and apricots. Pickles, especially tangy varieties like dill or cornichons, also make a great duo with cheddar. For a heartier option, cheddar pairs well with hearty breads or crackers, such as wheat bread or seeded toast.

Characteristics of cheeses that go well with cheddar

Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan

Gruyere is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, named after a village in Switzerland. It has a mild, earthy, and nutty flavour, and when melted together with cheddar, its mild notes counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar. This combination is often used in macaroni and cheese recipes.

Monterey Jack, also made from cow's milk, is a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste. It is said that the sharpness of cheddar is counterbalanced by the mild nature of Monterey Jack. Some cheese manufacturers even mix these two cheeses together in a blend.

Parmesan is a dry, hard, Italian cheese made from skimmed cow's milk and aged for 12 to 16 months. It is known for its rich, biting flavour. When paired with a mild cheddar, the intensity of Parmesan shines through. However, when paired with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar, the combination results in a bold and rich flavour profile. Parmesan is often used as a topping for pasta dishes and pairs well with cheddar in macaroni and cheese or cheese grits.

Spicy Habanero Pickles

Ingredients:

• Pickling cucumbers (Kirby cucumbers)
• White wine vinegar
• Habanero chillies
• Jalapeno peppers (optional)
• Red pepper flakes
• Coriander seeds
• Mustard seeds
• Black peppercorns
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Sugar

Method:

• Cut the Kirby cucumbers into halves, quarters, or ⅛" slices, depending on the type of pickles you want.
• Place the cucumbers into a mason or pickling jar.
• Combine water, salt, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl and mix until the sugar and salt dissolve.
• Pour the water mixture into the pickling jar.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and seal the jar.
• Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 1 week.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of cucumbers, spices, and chillies to find your perfect combination.
• If you want more spice, try adding Italian Long Hots or jalapenos to the mix.
• Leaving the pickles in the refrigerator for two nights will give the flavours more time to absorb.
• These pickles will stay fresh for 1-2 months in the fridge.

Cheese Pairings:

• Monterey Jack: A semi-hard cheese with a mild taste. The sharpness of the cheddar is counterbalanced by the mild nature of Monterey Jack, as seen in some blends.
• Parmesan: A dry, hard, Italian cheese with a rich, biting flavour. If paired with mild cheddar, Parmesan's intensity will shine through.
• Gruyere: A semi-hard cheese with earthy and nutty flavours. The mild notes of Gruyere counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar when melted together.
• Smoked Gouda: A semi-hard, creamy, and smoky cheese. The smokiness of Smoked Gouda complements the sharp and creamy texture of cheddar.

Sharp Cheddar and Dried Fruit

Apples and cheddar are a classic combination, offering different flavour profiles depending on the variety of apple you choose. Granny Smith apples, for instance, create a creamy, smooth, and tart blend, while Fuji apples, cheddar, and a drizzle of honey make for a sharp and sweet delight.

For a sweeter and juicier taste, dried pears are a great choice. Pears typically have a sweeter flavour and a softer texture than apples, resulting in a delightful pairing with sharp cheddar.

Cheddar also pairs well with other dried fruits such as figs, dates, pineapples, and mangoes, adding a Mediterranean flair to your cheese platter. Smaller dried fruits like cherries and apricots are also excellent choices, pairing perfectly with both cheddar and nuts.

When creating a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and dried fruit, consider including a variety of textures and flavours to engage the senses and provide a delightful culinary experience. Remember to include some crackers or bread as a palate cleanser, and feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Wheat Bread

There are many ways to combine wheat bread and cheddar cheese. One option is to bake the cheese into the bread, creating a warm, cheesy loaf. This can be done by adding shredded cheddar to your dough before baking, or by creating a cheese and breadcrumb topping that bakes into the crust. For a more subtle flavour, you could make a wheat bread and cheddar cheese sandwich, with added extras such as chutney or pickle.

If you want to get creative, you could try making a wheat bread bowl and filling it with melted cheddar cheese. This can be served as a sharing dish, with the bread bowl taking centre stage on the table. For an extra special touch, you can add other ingredients to the melted cheese, such as chopped black olives, artichoke hearts, shrimp, or crab meat.

For a more indulgent option, you could try making a wheat bread and cheddar cheese toastie. This combines the crunch of toasted wheat bread with the melted, gooey goodness of cheddar cheese. You could even add some extra toppings, such as sliced tomato or avocado, to take your toastie to the next level.

So, there you have it! Wheat bread and cheddar cheese is a versatile combination that can be used to create a variety of delicious snacks and meals. Whether you bake the cheese into the bread, make a sandwich, or go for a toastie, you're sure to enjoy this classic flavour combination.

Dark Chocolate

When pairing dark chocolate with cheddar, it is recommended to go for a sharp cheddar, such as Seriously Sharp Cheddar, to balance the slightly bitter notes of the chocolate. The salty, savoury sharpness of cheddar is a surprisingly good match for the sweet, dark, extravagant taste of chocolate.

If you want to get more adventurous, you could try pairing dark chocolate with a soft ripened goat, sheep or cow's milk cheese, as these tend to be more pungent, acidic and aggressive and pair well with dark chocolate. Blue cheese, with its sharp, pungent aromas and flavours, will also enhance the undertones of a strong dark chocolate.

For a truly unique pairing, add a slice of camembert to a cup of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate will melt the cheese, and the cheese will absorb the flavours of the cocoa.

Frequently asked questions