The Perfect Pairing Partners For Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of other cheeses to create unique and delicious flavour combinations. While some people might prefer the classic combination of cheddar with a hearty bread or cracker, others might enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese to create a more complex and intriguing taste profile.

One popular pairing is cheddar and Gruyere, a semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that counterbalances the sharpness of the cheddar. This combination is often used in macaroni and cheese recipes, creating a creamy and tangy blend. Another option is to pair cheddar with Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste that can tone down the sharpness of cheddar. For those who enjoy a more intense flavour, pairing cheddar with Parmesan can create a bold and rich combination, especially when used in dishes like macaroni and cheese or cheese grits. Smoked Gouda is another semi-hard cheese that pairs well with cheddar, adding a creamy, smoky flavour to dishes.

In addition to these classic combinations, some people enjoy experimenting with more unique pairings. For example, Old Croc's Sharp Cheddar can be paired with dried fruit, creating a sweet and savoury blend. Apples and cheddar are a classic combination, offering different flavour profiles depending on the variety of apple chosen. Dried figs, dates, pineapples, and mangos can also add a Mediterranean flair to your cheddar, while smaller dried fruits like cherries and apricots pair perfectly with cheddar and nuts in a trail mix.

Gruyere, a semi-hard cheese with mild notes to counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar

Gruyere is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, creamy, salty, and nutty flavour. Named after the town of Gruyères in Switzerland, it is generally aged for six months or longer and is made from whole cow's milk. Gruyere is a famous Swiss cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries all over the world. Its nutty and creamy flavour profile, along with its semi-hard texture, makes it an excellent pairing with cheddar cheese.

Gruyere is known for its earthy and nutty flavours, which can range from mild creaminess and nuttiness when young, to a more complex earthiness as it ages. Its mild notes serve to counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar when the two cheeses are melted together. This combination is often used in recipes for macaroni and cheese.

Gruyere's semi-hard texture also complements the harder texture of cheddar. The two cheeses can be combined in grilled cheese sandwiches, where the gruyere provides a stretchiness that balances the base flavour of cheddar. In addition, gruyere's high water-to-oil ratio makes it an excellent melting cheese, ideal for fondues and dips. Its pleasant but not overwhelming flavour also makes it a good choice for baking, adding a distinct creamy texture and subtle sweetness to comfort foods like quiches and gratins.

When creating a cheese board, Gruyere is a great addition to cheddar, as its salty-nutty flavour is universally appealing. Its semi-hard texture and mild notes provide a contrast to the sharpness and hardness of cheddar, creating an engaging sensory experience for guests.

Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste to counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste that can counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar. It is made from cow's milk and is named after David Jacks, who, according to one version of the story, conned his way into owning the Monterey Peninsula and began making the cheese. Some manufacturers blend Monterey Jack with cheddar, as the sharpness of the cheddar is counterbalanced by the mild nature of Monterey Jack.

Monterey Jack is a great cheese to pair with cheddar in a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla. It can also be used as a base cheese, with cheddar added for extra flavour. For a perfect flavour combination, try a dry to off-dry sparkling wine or champagne with these two cheeses.

Monterey Jack is also a good cheese to include in a charcuterie board, where it can be paired with a variety of other cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers. When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to include complementary and contrasting flavours, textures, and pairings from the same geographical region. For example, the sharpness of cheddar pairs well with sweet, tart, and juicy fruits like blackberries, plums, figs, crisp apples, and pineapples.

Monterey Jack can also be paired with herbs, especially dill, to complement its creamy, mild nature. This combination goes well with fresh vegetables for a tasty snack.

Parmesan, a dry, hard, Italian cheese with a rich, biting flavor

Parmesan is a dry, hard, Italian cheese with a rich, biting flavor. It is made from skim cow's milk and aged for 12 to 16 months. Parmesan is often used as a topping for pasta dishes with red or white sauces. It is also a great cheese to pair with cheddar in dishes like macaroni and cheese or cheese grits. The intensity of Parmesan will shine through if paired with mild cheddar, while pairing it with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar will result in a bold, rich combination.

When creating a cheese board, it is important to include a variety of textures and flavors. Parmesan, being a hard cheese, pairs well with spreadable foods like jam. Its salty, rich flavor can also be complemented by the addition of nuts, such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts. For a sweet and savory blend, dried fruits such as figs, dates, and apricots can be added. Smaller dried fruits like cherries and apricots also go well with Parmesan and nuts.

In terms of drinks, Parmesan can be paired with wines that have equal intensity to the cheese in terms of alcohol by volume (ABV). Tannin-rich reds are suitable for strong and aged cheeses, while white wines with lower tannins complement lighter cheeses and some dry, sharp varieties. A Chardonnay is a perfect match for an aged Parmesan, and a dry to off-dry sparkling wine or Champagne can also be a good choice.

Overall, Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks to enhance its rich, biting flavor.

Smoked gouda, a semi-hard, creamy, smoky-flavored cheese

Smoked gouda is a semi-hard creamy, smoky-flavoured cheese that pairs well with cheddar. The cheese originates from Holland, where it is placed in ovens after being pressed, then smoked over hickory chips. This process infuses the cheese with its characteristic creamy, smoky flavour and yellow colour. The smoking process also causes the rind of the cheese to turn a deep brown.

Smoked gouda is a popular pairing with cheddar in dishes like macaroni and cheese. The smokiness of the gouda complements the creamy, sharp texture of the cheddar, creating a well-rounded, dynamic flavour profile.

When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider texture and flavour combinations. Smoked gouda, as a semi-hard cheese, can add a different texture to the board when paired with softer, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. For a well-rounded board, consider adding some crunchy elements like nuts or crackers, and sweet elements like dried fruit or jam, to complement the smokiness of the gouda and sharpness of the cheddar.

For a dynamic flavour profile, consider adding some spicy elements like pepper jelly or spicy pickles to your board. These unexpected pairings can create a memorable taste experience when paired with the smoothness of smoked gouda and the sharpness of cheddar. Just remember, a little goes a long way with these strong, spicy flavours!

Finally, when creating the perfect cheese board, don't forget the drinks! A medium-bodied red wine like Le Petit Caboche Vin de Pays de Vaucluse or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will enhance the intensity of the cheddar and provide a nice contrast to the smokiness of the gouda. If you prefer white wine, a crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay will allow the flavour of the cheddar to shine while still complementing the gouda.

Dried fruits, such as apples, pears, figs, and dates

Apples and cheddar are a classic pairing, offering different flavour profiles depending on the variety of apple used. For example, a Granny Smith apple will give a creamy, smooth, and tart blend, while a Fuji apple will result in a sharper, sweeter combination.

For a similar but sweeter and juicier taste, dried pears are an excellent choice. Like apples, pears typically have a softer texture and a sweeter flavour, which pairs well with the sharpness of cheddar.

Dried figs and dates also pair well with cheddar, adding a Mediterranean flair to the cheese's creamy texture. These smaller dried fruits, along with dried pineapples, mangos, cherries, and apricots, can also be combined with cheddar and nuts to make a delicious and healthy trail mix.

When creating a cheeseboard, the sharpness of cheddar pairs well with sweet, tart, and juicy fruits, so consider including options like blackberries, plums, and pineapples alongside your dried fruits.

Overall, dried fruits like apples, pears, figs, and dates offer a delightful contrast of flavours and textures when paired with cheddar cheese, making them a perfect choice for a savoury snack or a unique addition to a cheeseboard.

Frequently asked questions