Mustard's Cheesy Companions: Perfect Pairing With Sharp Flavors

Mustard and cheese are a match made in heaven. While it may not be the first condiment you think of to pair with cheese, mustard can actually help bring out the more subtle, floral notes found in many cheeses. The general rule of thumb is to contrast flavours and textures, along with regional overlap. For example, a Wisconsin cheese with a Wisconsin mustard. But how do you know which mustard to choose?

Honey mustard and soft, creamy cheeses

Honey mustard is a versatile condiment that can be paired with many types of cheese. When it comes to honey mustard, soft and creamy cheeses are a perfect match. The flavour notes in honey mustard complement cheeses with a soft, creamy texture and a buttery taste.

Brie and Camembert are classic choices that pair beautifully with honey mustard. Their rich, buttery flavours are enhanced by the sweet and tangy honey mustard, creating a delightful contrast. If you're looking for a more intense flavour experience, consider pairing honey mustard with a young or aged Gruyère. The creamy texture of young Gruyère complements the honey mustard, while aged Gruyère contributes sharper flavours with notes of hazelnut and apricot.

When selecting the right cheese to pair with honey mustard, it's important to consider the intensity of flavours. A delicate, mild-flavoured cheese may be overpowered by the robust taste of honey mustard. On the other hand, a very strong cheese, such as Roquefort, might overshadow the honey mustard, making it less noticeable. The key is to find a balance where both the cheese and the condiment can shine together.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, try contrasting the sweetness of honey mustard with a cheese that has a hint of heat, such as one infused with chilli peppers. This unexpected combination is sure to delight your taste buds.

When creating a cheese plate, it's essential to consider the overall presentation and flavour combinations. Honey mustard can be a star condiment, adding complexity and depth to the soft and creamy cheeses on your platter. Don't forget to serve the mustard in a small dish or ramekin to keep things tidy and elegant.

Mustard and cheese sandwiches

A cheese and mustard sandwich is a classic, and with so many types of mustard and cheese to choose from, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations.

Choosing the Right Mustard

Mustards come in a range of sweet and savoury flavours, with varying textures and cultural influences. You can choose from smooth to grainy mustards, mild to spicy, or sweet to tangy. When choosing a mustard, consider the flavour and intensity of your cheese. If your cheese is mild, a strong mustard will overpower it, and vice versa. You can also try to match the origin of the mustard and cheese, such as pairing a Wisconsin cheese with a Wisconsin mustard.

Cheese and Mustard Pairings

For a soft, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert, a tangy honey mustard can add a nice punch of sweetness. A classic cheddar also works well with honey mustard, especially a young cheddar with a strong mustard like Colman's or Dijon. Gruyère, whether young or aged, is another great option for honey mustard.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy, grainy mustard with a smooth cheese like Wisconsin Brick. For a crumbly, aged cheddar, a thin, sweet mustard is a perfect match. To add some heat to your sandwich, pair a sweet honey mustard with a cheese infused with chilli peppers.

Building Your Sandwich

When building your mustard and cheese sandwich, consider adding other ingredients like meats, vegetables, or spreads to enhance the flavours and textures. You might include ham, turkey, or salami, along with lettuce, pickles, or grilled vegetables.

To keep things tidy, especially if you're packing your sandwich to go, separate the mustard from the other ingredients. You can use ceramic ramekins or tiny glass jars with spoons to portion out the mustard, or pack it separately and add it to your sandwich just before eating.

With so many combinations to explore, you can create a different mustard and cheese sandwich every time!

Mustard and hard, strong cheeses

When it comes to hard, strong cheeses, mustard can be a great pairing. The key to a successful pairing is to consider the intensity of flavours and the textures of both the cheese and the mustard. For instance, a young, barely aged cheddar would be overpowered by a spicy stone-ground mustard. Likewise, a sweet honey mustard would be overshadowed by a powerful cheese like Roquefort.

A good tip to remember is that contrasting flavours and textures often work well together. For example, a crumbly aged cheddar with a thin, sweetly accented mustard is a solid match. A smooth cheese with a grainy mustard is another classic combination.

If you're looking for specific recommendations, a sharp cheddar or other strong, hard cheeses pair well with mustard. In particular, a 16-year-sharp Wisconsin cheddar is a good match for a strong English or Dijon mustard.

For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, a Habanero Cheddar with intense spiciness can be offset by the caramelised sweetness of maple syrup. This combination provides a fresh, sweet, and spicy bite that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Mustard and blue cheeses

Mustard is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of cheeses, including blue cheeses like Cabrales, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. The key to successful pairing lies in finding the right balance between the intensity of flavours and contrasting textures.

When it comes to blue cheeses, the pungent and salty flavours can be a perfect match for the right type of mustard. For instance, the sharpness of a strong English or Dijon mustard can stand up to the boldness of a blue cheese, creating a harmonious combination. The mustard adds a tangy kick that complements the saltiness of the cheese.

However, it's important to note that not all mustards are created equal. A mild or sweet mustard might get lost when paired with a robust blue cheese. The delicate flavours of the mustard could be overpowered, resulting in an imbalanced pairing.

To create a more nuanced flavour profile, consider a grainy mustard. The crunchy texture and varied intensity of a grainy mustard can provide an interesting contrast to the creaminess of a blue cheese. The seeds add a satisfying bite and a burst of flavour that enhances the overall tasting experience.

When serving mustard with blue cheeses, presentation is key. It's best to avoid placing the mustard directly on the cheese board. Instead, opt for ceramic ramekins or tiny glass jars with small spoons to prevent cross-contamination and keep the flavours distinct. This way, your guests can explore the pairings and discover their preferred combinations.

In conclusion, mustard and blue cheeses can be a delightful duo when paired thoughtfully. By considering the intensity of flavours, textures, and presentation, you can create a cheese board that showcases the unique characteristics of both the mustard and the cheese, resulting in a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Mustard and goat's cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a soft and spreadable cheese that pairs well with mustard. The tangy, peppery, and mustardy notes in mustard work harmoniously with the creamy richness of goat cheese. For instance, a goat cheese dip with fresh herbs and a little kick of Dijon mustard can be a quick, easy, and versatile treat.

A tangy citrusy aged or fresh goat cheese can also be paired with several flavored Dijon mustards such as blackcurrant or honey and balsamic vinegar. For instance, a warm goat cheese salad with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil is a simple and delicious recipe.

Goat cheese can also be used in a charcuterie board with mustards, jams, and honey. For instance, mixing goat cheese with blueberry bourbon pecan jam and serving it with a grainy mustard like Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard can take your charcuterie board to the next level.

In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, it is considered good taste to associate a good Dijon mustard with goat cheese. A few dabs of mustard boost the subtle and floral flavors of the cheese.

Frequently asked questions