Best Cheeses To Pair With Summer Sausage

Sausages and cheese are a match made in heaven, and summer sausage is no exception. But with so many cheeses to choose from, how do you know which one will complement this variety of sausage? Well, it depends on your taste preferences and the occasion. For a simple snack, a slice of summer sausage paired with cheddar cheese and a pickle on a cracker is a classic combination. If you're looking to impress guests at a party, a cheese platter with summer sausage, gouda, and Colby Jack is a perfect choice. For a unique twist, try adding cheese to your summer sausage by incorporating sharp cheddar or pepper jack into the meat for a spicy kick.

Cheese and summer sausage platter combinations

Creating a cheese and summer sausage platter is a fun and tasty way to entertain guests. The following are some tips and tricks to create a delicious and well-rounded platter.

Cheese Selection

When selecting cheeses to pair with summer sausage, it's best to choose those that are fairly common and mild in flavour. Harder cheeses with less fat are also a good option, as they won't melt as quickly. Some ideal choices include:

• Cheddar
• Gouda (regular or smoked)
• Colby Jack
• Monterrey Jack
• Smoked Gouda
• Havarti with dill
• Edam
• Provolone (harder, high-quality pieces if possible)
• Halloumi (a semi-hard cheese with a high melting point)
• Pepper Jack (a spicy, semi-soft American cheese)

Meat Selection

If you're not a fan of summer sausage, you can substitute it with an assortment of Italian cured meats such as salami and soppressata, or grilled sausage. However, summer sausage is a great, inexpensive option that is easier to chew than cured meats. It also has the benefit of not requiring refrigeration, making it a convenient choice.

Crackers and Extras

Include some mildly flavoured crackers that won't overpower the sausage and cheese, such as stone-ground wheat crackers, toasted crackers, or saltines.

To cut through the heaviness of the cheese and meat, add some pickled relishes like small dill pickles, pickled okra, or olives, or pickled garlic. Fresh fruit like grapes can also add a nice touch, providing a sweet contrast to the savoury items on the platter.

Platter Assembly

When arranging your platter, start by adding any condiments or relish bowls. Then, place the cheese and fan out the slices. Find an opening for the summer sausage and arrange it in a fish-scale pattern. Fill in any remaining spaces with crackers.

And there you have it! A delicious cheese and summer sausage platter, perfect for entertaining or even just a cosy night in.

Cheese types to include

When it comes to choosing cheese to pair with summer sausage, it's a good idea to stick to common, mild-flavoured varieties. If you're making a cheese board, you could include a mix of the following:

• Cheddar: A classic, crowd-pleasing choice.
• Gouda (regular or smoked): Smoked gouda pairs well with smoked meats and beer.
• Colby Jack: A good option to include if you're serving cured Italian meats alongside your summer sausage.
• Monterrey Jack: Another versatile choice that goes well with cured meats.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding a "fancier" cheese to the mix. Some more unique options that go well with summer sausage include:

• Provolone: Stick to harder, high-quality pieces if possible. This semi-hard Italian cheese has salty undertones and hints of nuts.
• Halloumi: This semi-hard cheese, made from goat and sheep milk, has an incredibly high melting point, making it perfect for grilling.
• Pepper Jack: A spicy, semi-soft American cheese with habanero chillies, garlic, rosemary, and sweet peppers.

How to prepare the cheese

When preparing a cheese platter with summer sausage, it's best to slice the cheese beforehand. This makes it easier for your guests to eat and enjoy. Keeping the cheese in the same shape as the block helps your guests know what they are eating and looks pretty cool.

If you are making a cheese ball, you will need to chop the summer sausage into small pieces. You can then add this to a mixture of whipped cream cheese, green onions, and chives. Roll the cheese ball in shredded cheese and chill before serving.

If you are making a summer sausage and cheese slider, you will need to slice the summer sausage thinly.

If you are adding cheese to your summer sausage, you will need to cut the cheese into cubes and mix it with the ground meat by hand. Refrigerating or freezing the cheese cubes beforehand can help them preserve their shape.

Meats to pair with summer sausage

Summer sausage is a type of hard, dried, and smoked sausage that is similar to salami in preparation but can be kept without refrigeration. It is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed on its own, in a dish, or paired with other meats and cheeses. Here are some meat options to pair with summer sausage:

Salami: Salami is a cured meat that pairs well with summer sausage. It offers a different texture and flavour profile, adding variety to your charcuterie board. Salami is typically sliced thin and can be a great complement to the heartier summer sausage.

Grilled Sausage: Grilled sausage, whether it be a classic pork sausage or a flavourful Italian sausage, can be a tasty addition to your summer sausage offering. Grilling the sausage adds a charred, smoky dimension to the flavour, creating a contrast with the other meats on the board.

Italian Cured Meats: Italian cured meats such as soppressata, prosciutto, or capicola can bring a touch of sophistication to your meat and cheese platter. These meats are typically drier and more delicate in flavour, providing a nice counterpoint to the robust summer sausage.

Deli Meats: Deli meats such as ham and turkey can also be paired with summer sausage. These meats are often sliced thin and offer a softer, less intense flavour that can provide a break from the richer, more savoury options.

Bacon: Who doesn't love bacon? Adding some crispy, smoky bacon to your summer sausage platter can be a delicious choice. Bacon pairs well with many cheeses and can be a versatile addition to your charcuterie offerings.

When pairing meats with summer sausage, consider a variety of textures, flavours, and curing methods to create a well-rounded and appealing selection for your guests. Remember to slice the meats thinly, especially for denser cured meats, to ensure they are easy to chew and enjoy.

Crackers to serve with summer sausage and cheese

When serving summer sausage and cheese, it's important to choose a cracker that won't overpower the flavours of the sausage and cheese. A mildly flavoured cracker is the best option. Here are some suggestions:

• Stone-ground wheat crackers
• Saltines
• Water crackers
• Toasteds crackers (which come in a variety of 3)
• Carrs Assorted Biscuits
• Golden Toasted crackers
• Olive Oil & Rosemary crackers
• Garlic & Herb Flatbread

When creating a cheese and sausage platter, first add your relishes to small bowls or ramekins and place them on a large platter, cheese board, wooden cutting board, or tray. Next, place your cheese, followed by the sausage, and then fill in the remaining spaces with crackers. If you have any extra crackers, place them in a bowl or tray near the platter.

Frequently asked questions