Crunchy, Tangy Pairing: Pickles And Cheese, A Match?

Pickles and cheese is a classic combination, especially in the UK, where it is a staple of the traditional Ploughman's lunch, typically served in pubs. The salty, sharp, and pungent flavours of pickles complement the rich, fatty mouthfeel of cheese. The classic cheese and pickle sandwich is made with mature cheddar cheese and Branston Pickle, a type of pickled vegetable chutney. However, there are many other types of cheese and pickles that go well together, such as delicate pickled blueberries with fresh cheeses like chevre or fromage blanc, and pungent, salty blue cheese with rich, sweet pickled cherries.

Cheddar and Branston Pickle Sandwich

The Cheddar and Branston Pickle Sandwich is an absolute British classic. It combines the salty, fatty flavour of cheese with the sweet, tangy flavour of pickle.

Ingredients

• Sliced white farmhouse bread
• Butter or margarine
• Mature Cheddar Cheese
• Branston Original Pickle
• Red Leicester Cheese (optional)
• Mayo (optional)
• Fresh deli-style ham (optional)
• Vine-ripened tomatoes (optional)
• Thin slices of red onion (optional)

Instructions

• Butter two slices of bread and spread a touch of mayo on the other two.
• Spread 1-2 tbsp of Branston Original Pickle on the two slices without mayo.
• Top with grated mature Cheddar cheese.
• Sprinkle over grated Red Leicester cheese (or more Cheddar).
• Top with the remaining slices of bread.
• Squish gently to contain the filling, then slice diagonally.

Serving Suggestions

The Cheddar and Branston Pickle Sandwich can be served with ready-salted crisps and a bowl of tomato soup.

Cheese and Pickle Toastie

The cheese and pickle toastie is a British classic. The salty, fatty flavour of the cheese is perfectly complemented by the tangy vinegary taste of the pickle.

Ingredients

• Thick slices of sturdy bread (e.g. sourdough)
• Butter
• Cheese (e.g. mature cheddar, Red Leicester)
• Pickle (e.g. Branston)

Optional Extras

• Ham
• Tomato
• Red onion

Method

• Butter the outside of the bread.
• Top with cheese, then add the pickle.
• Top with more cheese.
• Add the second slice of bread and spread with butter.
• Place in a large pan over medium heat.
• Fry both sides until golden.

Serving Suggestions

The cheese and pickle toastie is a tangy combination, so it goes well with ready-salted crisps. It is also delicious as part of a soup and sandwich combo, served with a bowl of tomato soup.

Ploughman's Lunch

A ploughman's lunch is a British cold meal based on bread, cheese, and fresh or pickled onions. The salty, savoury cheese is perfectly complemented by the tangy, crunchy pickle.

The ploughman's lunch is believed to have originated in the 1950s when the Cheese Bureau, a marketing body, began promoting it in pubs as a way to increase cheese sales. However, the concept of combining bread, cheese, and beer has been part of the British diet for centuries.

When assembling a ploughman's lunch, it is essential to include crusty bread, butter, a variety of English cheeses, and pickles. Here are some specific recommendations for a delicious ploughman's lunch:

Bread

Choose a rustic and crusty loaf, such as sourdough, wholemeal, or granary bread. Avoid using a French baguette, as it doesn't fit the traditional style.

Butter

Use salted butter to enhance the flavour of the bread and other components.

Cheese

Offer at least three different types of cheese: one blue cheese (such as Stilton, Wensleydale Blue, or Shropshire Blue), one hard cheese (such as Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester, or Double Gloucester), and one soft cheese (such as Camembert, Goat's Cheese, or Brie).

Pickles

Include traditional pickled onions, which can be store-bought or homemade. You can also add gherkins for extra crunch and flavour. Drain the pickles before serving to keep everything dry.

Chutney

Serve a generous portion of chutney, such as Branston pickle, Pan Yan Pickle, or homemade varieties.

Salad Vegetables

Add some crispiness and freshness to your ploughman's lunch with salad vegetables like tomatoes, celery, and apple slices.

Accompaniments

Provide salt and pepper, as well as some real ale or cider to drink. These beverages pair perfectly with the salty cheese and tangy pickles.

Now you have all the ingredients for a delicious ploughman's lunch! Enjoy the combination of flavours and textures that the cheese and pickles bring to this classic British meal.

Cheese and Pickle with Salami

The classic British "Ploughman's lunch" is a combination of bread, butter, cheese, onion, pickles, and salad, often accompanied by a pint of English beer. The sharpness of the pickles and the saltiness of the cheese complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and addictive flavour profile.

While any English cheese can be used, mature sharp cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for a Ploughman's sandwich. The stronger the cheese, the better the combination. The creamy, buttery nature of cheddar also goes well with the tangy, sweet, and salty Branston Pickle, a famous brand of chopped vegetables preserved in a vinegary sauce. Red Leicester is another good option to add to the sandwich.

To make a Cheese and Pickle with Salami, you can follow these steps:

• Butter two slices of bread (white or brown, preferably crusty) and spread a touch of mayonnaise on the other two slices.
• Spread 1-2 tablespoons of Branston Pickle on two slices of bread.
• Add sliced or grated mature cheddar cheese to the bread.
• If desired, sprinkle over some grated Red Leicester or add more cheddar.
• Top with the other slices of bread.
• Gently press the sandwich to contain the filling, and then slice diagonally or in half.

For an extra touch of flavour, you can add julienned salami to the sandwich. This combination of cheese, pickle, and salami is a match made in heaven, with the salty, fatty cheese and tangy, crunchy pickles providing the perfect base for the savoury, umami-rich salami.

Cheese and Pickle with Ham

The cheese and pickle sandwich is a classic British dish, often served as part of a "Ploughman's lunch" in pubs. It is typically made with two slices of bread, cheese, and Branston Pickle, a type of pickled vegetable chutney. While mature cheddar cheese is the classic option, you can also add Red Leicester or substitute it with more cheddar.

If you're looking to elevate your cheese and pickle sandwich, consider adding some extra goodies such as slices of fresh deli-style ham, vine-ripened tomatoes, and very thin slices of red onion. Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling this delicious sandwich:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium slices of soft white bread
• 1/2 cup (50g) of mature cheddar cheese, grated (or to preference)
• 1/2 cup (50g) of Red Leicester cheese, grated (optional)
• 2-4 tablespoons of Branston Pickle, or to preference
• Mayo, as needed (or substitute with butter)
• Optional extras: ham, tomato, red onion

Method:

• Butter two slices of bread and spread a small amount of mayo (or butter) on the other two slices.
• Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pickle on the buttered slices, adding more if desired.
• Top the pickle with grated cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle over the Red Leicester cheese (if using) or add more cheddar.
• Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side down.
• Gently press the sandwich together to contain the filling.
• Cut the sandwich diagonally or in half.
• Enjoy as is or toast it for a crispy treat!

Tips:

• For a toastie, use thick slices of sturdy bread like sourdough and butter the outside of the bread instead of the inside.
• When adding the fillings, stack them in the following order: cheese, then pickle, then more cheese. This will prevent the pickle from seeping into the bread.
• Fry the sandwich over medium heat in a large pan until both sides are golden and the centre is gooey.
• If making ahead, butter both slices of bread to prevent the pickle from making it soggy. Tightly wrap and store in the fridge overnight.

Cheese and pickle sandwiches are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, salty, and fatty flavours. The addition of ham provides a savoury element that complements the other ingredients. This sandwich is a delicious and easy option for lunches, picnics, or road trips. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions