Cheese And Stout: The Perfect Pairing For Guinness Lovers

When it comes to pairing cheese with Guinness, there are several options to consider. One popular choice is Guinness Cheddar, a unique blend of cheddar curd and Guinness beer created by the Cahill family in Ireland. This cheese has a marbled appearance and a hint of sweetness, making it a tasty pairing with the smooth and slightly bitter flavour of Guinness. Aside from cheese, other popular pairings with Guinness include burgers, shellfish, steak, and potatoes.

Cheddar cheese with Guinness

Cahill’s Farmhouse Cheese produces a cheddar cheese with Guinness, which is visually stunning and features a gorgeous marbling of cheddar and Guinness throughout. The cheese has a crumbly texture with a hint of a sweet aroma. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is suitable for vegetarians as it uses a vegetable rennet.

Flavour

The cheese has a rich, tangy flavour with a hint of Guinness in the finish. It is not overly aged, and the Guinness does not overpower the cheddar taste. The pairing of Guinness with this cheese works, and it is a great way to accent the complexities of the beer.

Recipes

This cheese can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter. It can also be used in recipes such as macaroni and cheese, where the Guinness and cheddar add a slight sharpness to the dish.

Reviews

Reviews for this cheese are generally positive, with some people describing it as "superb", "rich", and "smooth". However, there is one review that states it is "not a smart product".

Guinness cheese dip

A cheesy dip flavoured with Guinness is a great snack for parties, game day, or any other gathering. It's easy to make and can be served with tortilla chips, baked pretzels, crackers, or vegetables. Here's a recipe for Guinness cheese dip that you can make in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 32 ounces of processed cheese food (such as Velveeta), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup of Irish stout beer (Guinness is a good option)
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the cheese in a slow cooker on high until melted, which should take around 20 minutes.
• Stir in the beer, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated through, which will take about 10 minutes.
• Serve with your choice of dippers, such as tortilla chips, baked pretzels, crackers, or vegetables.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use a different type of stout beer if you don't have Guinness or prefer a different brand.
• If you want to make the dip in a smaller batch, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
• For a thicker dip, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Mix it with a small amount of the thin dip in a separate bowl, and then slowly add it back into the main batch.
• To make the dip more of a queso, add some drained diced tomatoes and green chilis.
• If you like your food spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
• For a stronger mustard flavour, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Guinness and blue cheese

The Cheese

Blue cheese is a general term for a variety of cheeses produced by the bacterial ripening of cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The bacteria form veins or pockets throughout the cheese, giving it a distinctive appearance and flavour. The cheese can range from mild and creamy to sharp and pungent, depending on the type of milk used and the ageing process.

When pairing blue cheese with Guinness, it is essential to consider the intensity of the cheese. A milder blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola Dolce or Danish Blue, will complement the beer without overwhelming its complex flavours. More assertive blues, like Roquefort or Stilton, can also work well, but it is crucial to find a balance between the cheese and the beer.

The Beer

Guinness, a dark Irish stout, is a natural companion to blue cheese. Its roasted malt and coffee flavours provide a delightful contrast to the salty, tangy notes of blue cheese. The beer's creamy texture and slight sweetness help to mellow the sharpness of the cheese, creating a well-rounded pairing.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Guinness with blue cheese, consider presenting the cheese at room temperature to allow its full flavour to emerge. Accompany the cheese with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh or dried fruit, which can help refresh the palate between sips of the beer.

For a more indulgent treat, try creating a Guinness and blue cheese fondue. Simply melt the cheese with Guinness and a touch of cream, and serve with bread cubes, apple slices, or roasted potatoes for dipping. This fondue makes a delicious and unique appetiser or party dish.

Guinness and cheese crisps

Guinness and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The bitterness and light caramel of Guinness complement the saltiness and tanginess of cheese, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours.

One popular way to enjoy this pairing is in the form of Guinness and cheese crisps. In Ireland, it is common to find ham and cheese toasties or cheese and onion crisps as snacks to accompany a pint of Guinness. The salty, crunchy crisps provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth, creamy beer.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even make your own Guinness and cheese crisps at home. All you need is a bag of plain crisps, some shredded cheddar cheese, and a few tablespoons of Guinness. Simply spread the crisps out on a baking tray, sprinkle with cheese, and drizzle with Guinness. Pop them under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you've got yourself a delicious snack that's perfect for enjoying with a cold pint of Guinness.

For an extra indulgent treat, why not try making a Guinness cheese dip to enjoy with your crisps? This simple recipe combines melted cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a generous glug of Guinness to create a rich and creamy dip that's perfect for sharing. Serve it warm with a side of crispy, salty crisps, and you'll have your guests wondering why they've never thought of this pairing before.

So there you have it—a perfect match of Guinness and cheese crisps. Whether you're enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a party, this classic combination is sure to impress. So go ahead, pour yourself a pint, and indulge in the delicious flavours of Guinness and cheese!

Guinness and cheese toastie

A Guinness and cheese toastie is a delicious and hearty snack that combines the bold flavours of Guinness and cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this indulgent treat:

Ingredients:

• Guinness
• Cheddar Cheese
• Bread
• Unsalted Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Mustard
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Method:

• Start by pouring yourself a glass of Guinness. This drink is a perfect companion to the cooking process and will help you achieve the ultimate flavour combination.
• Prepare the Guinness cheese dip by heating butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until combined.
• Slowly incorporate milk, beer, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, whisking continuously until everything is well combined.
• Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it slightly thickens. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
• Add your chosen cheese and whisk until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, especially Irish Cheddar, as it pairs beautifully with the Guinness.
• Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the toastie.
• Lightly butter the bread slices and spread a generous amount of the Guinness cheese dip on one slice. You can also add other ingredients like sliced tomatoes, onions, or pickles to enhance the flavour profile.
• Place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich.
• Heat a skillet or sandwich press to medium heat and cook the toastie until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
• Cut the toastie in half and serve it with a side of crispy chips or a refreshing salad. Enjoy with a sip of Guinness for the ultimate flavour combination!

Tips:

• For an extra indulgent twist, try using a sharp Cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavour.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or pita, to add a unique texture and taste to your toastie.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your dip! You can add spices, herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it some heat.
• If you're serving this to a group, cut the toasties into smaller triangles for easy-to-eat, bite-sized treats.

So, there you have it! A delicious Guinness and cheese toastie, perfect for a cosy night in or as a fun sharing platter at your next gathering. Enjoy the unique combination of smooth, creamy cheese and the robust flavour of Guinness.

Frequently asked questions