Cheese And Chutney: Perfect Pairing Recommendations

There are many types of cheese that go well with chutney, including cheddar, brie, stilton, and manchego. Chutney is a great addition to a cheeseboard, and can be used as a palate cleanser, cutting through the fattiness of the cheese. There are also many types of chutney, including caramelised red onion, sweet tomato and chilli, plum and bramley apple, and pear.

Cheddar and chutney grilled cheese

A delicious combination of sweet and savoury, this grilled cheese sandwich is a delight for the taste buds. The sharpness of the cheddar is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the chutney, creating a flavour profile that is both unique and irresistible. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering treat:

Ingredients:

• 12 slices of good-quality white bread (1/4-inch thick)
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 jar (8.5-ounce) of mango chutney or any chutney of your choice
• 3 cups grated extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Instructions:

• Lay 6 slices of bread on a cutting board. Brush each slice generously with melted butter.
• Turn the slices over and spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of chutney on each slice.
• Place 1/2 cup of grated cheddar evenly on each slice.
• Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of each sandwich. Brush the tops generously with melted butter.
• Heat a panini press and grill the sandwiches following the machine's instructions. Alternatively, use a sauté pan with a small skillet on top. Cook until the bread is nicely browned on both sides and the cheddar is starting to melt.
• Place the sandwiches on a cutting board and cut each one in half diagonally. Serve hot.

Feel free to experiment with different types of chutney to find your favourite pairing with cheddar. Some popular options include caramelised red onion chutney, sweet tomato and chilli chutney, and plum chutney. You can also adjust the amount of chutney and cheese to suit your taste preferences.

So, there you have it! A simple yet delectable grilled cheese sandwich that elevates the classic to a whole new level. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savoury in every bite.

Chutney and cheese pairings

Chutney and cheese is a classic combination. Whether you're looking to elevate your cheese board or create a unique grilled cheese sandwich, here are some chutney and cheese pairings to try:

Cheddar and Chutney

Cheddar, a popular and versatile cheese, pairs well with various chutneys. A traditional cheddar goes well with a traditional chutney like the Bramley Apple, Date, and Stout Chutney. The sweet and tangy chutney complements the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. You can also try pairing cheddar with a Caramelised Red Onion Chutney, especially if you're using a mature cheddar or a strong blue cheese like Stilton or Blacksticks Blue. For a spicier option, combine cheddar with a Sweet Tomato and Chilli Chutney.

Blue Cheese and Chutney

Blue cheese, known for its strong and pungent flavour, can be beautifully complemented by the right chutney. Besides the aforementioned Caramelised Red Onion Chutney, blue cheese also goes well with a Plum and Bramley Apple Chutney. The sweetness of the chutney balances the saltiness of the blue cheese.

Brie and Chutney

Brie, a soft and creamy cheese, can be paired with chutneys that add a touch of sweetness and acidity. Try pairing it with a Pineapple, Coconut, and Zesty Lime Chutney for a tropical twist. The combination of pineapple and lime, along with a hint of chilli and a coconut finish, creates a unique taste sensation.

Goats Cheese and Chutney

For a more delicate pairing, combine whipped goats cheese with a Caramelised Onion Chutney. The tanginess of the goats cheese is enhanced by the sweet and rich flavours of the chutney. This pairing is often served with Parma ham and fresh figs on homemade seeded crackers.

Manchego and Chutney

Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain, can be paired with a Tomato Chutney for a flavourful experience. The tangy and slightly sweet tomato chutney complements the nutty and buttery flavours of the Manchego cheese. This pairing is often served with Gordal olives and Serrano ham.

Chutney-making challenge

In this challenge, you will be making your own chutney to pair with cheese. Chutney is a delicious condiment that can elevate a simple dish to something truly special. When paired with cheese, chutney can add a burst of flavour and create a unique taste experience. By making your own chutney, you can experiment with different ingredients and find the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that complement your favourite cheeses.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make chutney, you will need a variety of ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and vinegar. Common fruits used in chutney include apples, plums, mangoes, and tomatoes. You can also add onions, garlic, ginger, and chillies to give your chutney a savoury kick. For equipment, you will need a large pot, a wooden spoon, sterilised jars, and labels.

The Process

Start by chopping your chosen fruits and vegetables into small pieces. Cook them in a pot over medium heat with vinegar, spices, and a sweetener such as sugar or honey. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pot. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and the fruits and vegetables become soft. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the recipe. Once your chutney is cooked to your liking, carefully ladle it into the sterilised jars and seal them tightly. Label your jars with the date and the type of chutney.

Pairing with Cheese

Now comes the fun part—pairing your homemade chutney with cheese! Here are some classic combinations to try:

• Caramelised Red Onion Chutney with mature Cheddar or Blue Cheese
• Sweet Tomato and Chilli Chutney with smoked log cheese or Red Leicester
• Plum & Bramley Apple Chutney with Brie or Cambazola
• Mango Chutney with Cheddar
• Red Garlic Chutney with Sharp Cheddar
• Mint Chutney with Vintage Cheddar

Remember, these are just suggestions—feel free to experiment and find your own favourite pairings!

Cheese ball with chutney

A cheese ball is a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser that can be served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. It can be made ahead of time and only uses pantry staples. Here is a recipe for a chutney cheese ball:

Cheddar Chutney Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened or at room temperature
• 2/3 cup mango chutney
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (7.5-ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

• Add the cream cheese, chutney, green onions, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl of an electric mixer.
• Beat until everything is combined, scraping the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is incorporated.
• Fold in the cheddar cheese.
• Taste the mixture on a cracker and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap. Add the cheese mixture to the centre of the plastic wrap and pull up the sides.
• Wrap the mixture into a round shape or add it to a ramekin. Chill for at least an hour or a few days.
• Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans and serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

You can also garnish the top of the ramekin with some more chutney, chopped pecans, and green onions. This cheese ball can also be baked and served warm.

Other Chutney Cheese Ball Combinations:

If you're looking for some variations or add-ins to the above recipe, here are some ideas:

• Dried fruit: Try adding 1/2 cup of dried cherries (either tart or sweet) or other dried fruit.
• Nuts: Instead of pecans, you can use other chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a nice flavour boost.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes.
• Meat: For a heartier cheese ball, mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon, salami, or prosciutto.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheese, chutney, and add-ins to find your favourite flavour profile!

Chutney and cheese etiquette

The Basics

When serving cheese and chutney, there are a few basic rules to follow. Firstly, use a separate knife for each cheese and a separate spoon for each chutney—double-dipping is not allowed! It is also important to remove the cheese from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving. This will allow the fats to soften and release the flavours, and it will give the cheese a softer texture. When cutting a piece of cheese from a wedge, slice neatly from the rind to the tip to get an even quantity of both the outside and the middle.

Chutney and Cheese Pairings

When it comes to pairing cheese and chutney, there are many delicious combinations to explore. Here are some specific chutney and cheese pairings to try:

• Caramelised Red Onion Chutney pairs well with strong hard cheeses like mature Cheddar or strong blue cheeses like Stilton.
• Sweet Tomato and Chilli Chutney goes well with smoked log cheese or hard cheeses like Red Leicester or Double Gloucester.
• Plum & Bramley Apple Chutney is perfect with white soft cheeses like Brie, or blue cheeses like Stilton.
• Mango Chutney is a versatile option that can be used in many dishes, including with cheese. It is a good choice for a cheese ball, which can be served as an appetizer with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
• Red Garlic Chutney works particularly well with sharp Cheddar cheese.
• Mint Chutney is a versatile option that can be used as a side dish for meats, barbecues, or as a sandwich filler with vintage Cheddar cheese.
• Pineapple Chutney is a staple side dish for dinner parties and pairs well with cheeses.
• Sweet and Sour Mango Chutney is prepared with fresh, ripe mangoes and spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Hot Chili Chutney is for the chilli and chutney aficionados out there! It uses 10 hot red peppers, so it's definitely spicy.
• Sandwich Chutney is a great option for packed lunches or picnics. It is packed with peanuts, chat masala, coriander, and mint leaves.

Get Creative

While there are some classic pairings, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheese and chutney. You can also add other ingredients to your platter, such as almonds, hazelnuts, Parma ham, fresh figs, sun-dried tomatoes, honey, artichokes, dates, fruit cake, whipped butter, olives, crackers, biscuits, and breads. Just remember to avoid celery—unless you're a fan!

Frequently asked questions