Cheese And Cranberry: Perfect Pairing For A Festive Board

Cranberries and cheese are a classic combination, especially during Thanksgiving. The tartness of cranberries pairs well with creamy, milky cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese. For those who prefer a stronger flavour, aged cheddars or blue cheeses can also complement the tartness of cranberries. Cranberry sauce can be drizzled over cheese plates or used in grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet and savoury treat. Additionally, cranberries can be incorporated into cheese through cranberry-infused wines or beers, or by adding dried cranberries to the cheese itself.

Cranberries and cheese in a salad

Cranberries and cheese are a classic combination, and they pair well in a salad. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a delicious cranberry and cheese salad:

Choosing the Right Cheese

The key to a successful cranberry and cheese salad is selecting complementary flavours and textures. Creamy, mild cheeses such as chèvre (goat cheese), feta, brie, or ricotta go well with the tartness of cranberries. Blue cheese, smoked gouda, or aged cheddar can also work well, adding a salty or smoky element to the dish. Consider using a combination of cheeses to create a varied and interesting salad.

Preparing the Cranberries

Fresh, whole cranberries can be used in the salad, adding a burst of flavour and a vibrant pop of colour. If you prefer a less intense flavour, dried cranberries are a great option. They are slightly sweeter and can be easily incorporated into the salad. You can also try making a cranberry vinaigrette to dress the salad, combining cranberry sauce with olive oil, spices, and vinegar.

Additional Ingredients

To build a well-rounded salad, consider adding some greens such as arugula or spinach. These leaves add a peppery or earthy flavour and provide a nice base for the cranberries and cheese. You can also include nuts or seeds, such as candied walnuts or almonds, for added crunch and flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with other ingredients like sliced apples, pears, or avocado to create a unique and tasty salad.

Presentation

When plating the salad, aim for a balance of colours and textures. Sprinkle the cranberries and cheese throughout the greens, ensuring each bite has a mix of flavours. You can also add some garnishes, such as sprigs of rosemary or fresh herbs, to enhance the visual appeal and add a final touch of flavour.

Sample Recipe

For a simple cranberry and cheese salad, start with a bed of mixed greens. Add crumbled goat cheese or feta, fresh or dried cranberries, and some sliced almonds. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette or a cranberry vinaigrette for a more festive touch. Serve this salad as a side dish or a light lunch, and enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavours.

Cranberry sauce and cheese on crostini

A creative and delicious appetiser, cranberry sauce and cheese on crostini is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury. This simple dish can be made in under 30 minutes and is a great way to elevate your cheese board or impress guests at a dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 small loaf of crusty whole grain bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 10 ounces of goat cheese, preferably at room temperature (alternatives: Brie, ricotta, or cream cheese)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange (orange part only)

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Lightly sprinkle the slices with salt.
• Toast the bread in the oven for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly golden on both sides.
• Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft ones.
• In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to a gentle boil.
• Add the cranberries and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has formed.
• Remove from heat and stir in about two-thirds of the orange zest.
• Spread a generous amount of cheese on each slice of toast, followed by the cranberry sauce, and a light sprinkle of orange zest.

Tips and Variations

• For a nuttier flavour, use whole grain bread.
• If you prefer your cheese warm, you can place the assembled crostini in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• For a spicy kick, add jalapenos to the cranberry sauce.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce.

Cheese Recommendations

While there are no strict rules, some cheeses are particularly well-suited to pairing with cranberry sauce:

• Brie: Its creamy texture and mild flavour complement the tartness of the cranberries.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy and savoury, goat cheese creates a beautiful contrast with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
• Cheddar: A strong, salty, aged cheddar will balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as blue cheese, Gruyere, Manchego, or smoked Gouda to find your favourite combination!

Cranberry grilled cheese sandwich

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 a holiday dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cranberry grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Sturdy bread sliced about 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick, such as sourdough or any leftover bread from Thanksgiving stuffing.
• Cheese: Mild melty cheese like white Cheddar Jack or Mozzarella, and soft cheese like Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese.
• Cranberries: Fresh or leftover cranberry sauce.
• Butter: Room temperature or softened butter for spreading.
• Oil: Neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil for frying.
• Optional Extras: Fresh arugula, sliced jalapeños, sriracha hot sauce, or mustard.

Instructions:

• Spread butter on both sides of the bread slices.
• Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a small amount of oil.
• Place the bread slices in the pan and lightly fry both sides.
• On one slice of bread, pile on the shredded Cheddar or similar melty cheese.
• Add spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the cheese.
• If desired, add optional extras like arugula, jalapeños, or a spread of mustard.
• Carefully lay slices of Brie or similar soft cheese on top.
• Cover with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
• Press down on the sandwich and fry until golden, about 3 minutes.
• Lift the sandwich out of the pan, add more oil if needed, and carefully turn it over. Fry the second side until dark golden brown.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan, cut in half, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For maximum meltiness, shred or grate the cheese.
• Add a pinch of salt to the cranberry sauce to balance out the sweetness.
• For a spicy kick, include something spicy like arugula or jalapeños to round out the flavours.
• Fry both sides of each slice of bread for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• For extra convenience, look for cheese that already has cranberries incorporated, such as Wensleydale.

Cranberry sauce and cheese on a cheeseboard

Cranberry sauce and cheese are a classic combination, especially during the holiday season. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a delicious and visually appealing cheeseboard with cranberry sauce:

Cheese Selection:

When it comes to cheese selection, a variety of options will ensure there's something for everyone. Include a mix of soft, semi-soft, and firm cheeses, as well as a strong blue cheese for those who enjoy its distinct flavour. Some specific recommendations include:

• Brie: A soft, creamy cheese that pairs well with the tartness of cranberry sauce.
• Cheddar: A strong, salty, aged cheddar can balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
• Goat Cheese: Its tanginess complements cranberry sauce, and it works well in salads or as crumbles on a cheeseboard.
• Gruyere, Manchego, or Quark: These cheeses can also be good choices to pair with cranberry sauce.
• Blue Cheese: The salty funk of blue cheese can accentuate the cranberry sauce.
• Smoked Cheeses: Try smoked Gouda or provolone for a little smokey flavour.

Presentation and Pairings:

The presentation of your cheeseboard is important, and you can fill in gaps with garnishes such as rosemary sprigs, pomegranate seeds, or pine cones. Here are some ideas for pairings and accompaniments:

• Crackers: Provide a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or crisps to serve as a vehicle for the cheese and cranberry sauce.
• Fruit: In addition to cranberry sauce, include fresh seasonal fruit like grapes, apples, or pears.
• Dried Fruit: Cranberries or raisins are classic choices to pair with cheese.
• Honey: A dollop of honey on brie or other soft cheeses is a sweet treat.
• Spreads: Fig and orange jam, or a sweet and spicy cranberry salsa, can be delicious toppings for cheese and crackers.
• Charcuterie: Add some spicy salami, prosciutto, Marcona almonds, and candied walnuts for a savoury contrast.
• Wine: A bottle of Pinot Noir or other wine pairings can enhance the flavours of the cheeseboard.

Creative Combinations:

Don't be afraid to get creative with your cranberry sauce and cheese combinations:

• Grilled Cheese: Combine cranberry sauce with white cheddar, Brie, or both for a unique grilled cheese sandwich.
• Crostini: Top whole grain crostini with tangy goat cheese and bold cranberry-orange sauce for a simple and stunning appetizer.
• Salad: Crumbed goat cheese or feta with fresh cranberries adds a beautiful and tasty touch to a leafy green salad.
• Stuffing: Try a cranberry and cheese combination in your holiday stuffing, such as Cranberry Comtè Stuffing.

Remember to allow your cheeseboard to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the cheese is soft and flavourful. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating a delightful holiday cheeseboard!

Cranberry sauce and cheese in a stuffing

Cranberry sauce and cheese is a classic combination, with the tartness of the cranberries complementing the creaminess of the cheese. This dynamic duo can be used to create a delicious and unique stuffing. Here are some tips and ideas to create a mouth-watering cranberry sauce and cheese stuffing:

Cheese Selection

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your stuffing, there are several options that pair well with cranberry sauce. Here are some recommendations:

• Cheddar: A strong, aged cheddar adds a salty and melty element to balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. You can use white cheddar or try a sharp 5-year-aged cheddar for an extra punch of flavour.
• Brie: This soft and creamy cheese is a popular choice to pair with cranberry sauce. Its mild flavour and smooth texture create a delightful contrast with the tart cranberries.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has a tangy and creamy flavour that blends beautifully with cranberry sauce. It adds a sophisticated touch to your stuffing.
• Blue Cheese: For a bolder option, blue cheese brings a salty and pungent flavour to the mix. It accentuates the tartness of the cranberries for a flavourful explosion.
• Smoked Gouda: If you're looking for a smoky twist, smoked gouda adds a unique depth of flavour to your stuffing. It pairs surprisingly well with the cranberry sauce.
• Manchego: This Spanish cheese is a wonderful option for something a little different. Its nutty and buttery flavour complements the cranberry sauce beautifully.

Stuffing Ingredients and Flavours

Now that you've selected your cheese, it's time to talk about the other ingredients and flavours that will make your stuffing shine:

• Herbs: Combine your chosen cheese with cranberry sauce and a mix of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. These herbs will add a savoury depth of flavour to your stuffing.
• Nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to your stuffing. They also provide a textural contrast to the creamy cheese and tangy cranberries.
• Spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. These spices enhance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and add a warm, festive touch to your dish.
• Bread: Choose a sturdy bread as the base for your stuffing. Artisan sourdough or whole grain bread can add a nutty flavour and a rustic charm to your creation.
• Additional Fruits: Consider incorporating other dried or fresh fruits like oranges, raisins, or apples. They will enhance the sweetness and create a more complex flavour profile.

Preparation and Serving

• Shredded Cheese: For optimal melting, shred your cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a cohesive stuffing mixture.
• Salt: Cranberry sauce can be quite sweet, so don't forget to season your stuffing with a pinch of salt. This will balance the flavours and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Spice/Heat: Adding a touch of spice or heat, such as wild arugula or sliced jalapeños, can round out the flavours. It helps to balance the sweetness of the cranberries and the creaminess of the cheese.
• Baking: When preparing your stuffing, consider baking it in the oven rather than cooking it on the stovetop. This allows the flavours to meld together and creates a crispy, golden topping.
• Serving Suggestions: This cranberry sauce and cheese stuffing can be a versatile dish. Serve it as a side dish during the holidays, stuff it into roasted birds, or use it to fill vegetables like peppers or squash.

By combining your chosen cheese with cranberry sauce and a variety of complementary ingredients, you can create a stuffing that is sure to impress. Whether you're serving it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this unique and flavourful dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in the delicious combination of cranberry sauce and cheese!

Frequently asked questions