Cheese And Pickled Onions: A Tangy, Savory Pairing

Pickled onions are a great addition to a meat and cheese platter, adding a slight tartness to complement the sweetness of the onion. They can also be used in recipes such as crispy pickled onion and cheddar cheese mash, spiced pickled onion fritters with sumac yoghurt, and bacon and pickled onion soda bread rolls. When it comes to cheese, pickled onions go well with cheddar, as seen in the Ploughman's Cheddar with Pickled Onion & Chives and the Snowdonia Pickle Power Mature Cheddar with Pickled Onion.

Ploughman's Cheddar with pickled onion and chives

Ploughman's Cheddar with Pickled Onion & Chives is the perfect summertime picnic food, bringing back memories of a ploughman's lunch. This cheese was a Bronze winner at the International Cheese Awards in 2009 and has been brought back as a special limited edition.

The Ploughman's Cheddar with Pickled Onion & Chives is a blend of real pickled onion chutney, chives, and mature cheddar cheese. The mature cheddar cheese makes up 84.1% of the product, while the spirit vinegar and silverskin pickled onion make up 8.41% and 7.36% respectively. The chives make up 0.13% of the product. The mature cheddar cheese contains milk, starter, salt, and rennet. The pickled onions contain onions, salt, sodium, and metabisulphite, while the spirit vinegar contains acetic acid, spirit vinegar, salt, glucose syrup, and preservatives.

This combination of flavours creates a tasty sensation when paired with crusty bread, and it can be enjoyed as a fast-food feast. It can also be paired with Old Hag Gourmet chutney and biscuits, along with beer or wine, for a pop-up picnic.

The waxed cheese typically has a best-before date of 1 to 4 months, and it is suitable for vegetarians.

Crispy pickled onion and cheddar cheese mash

A hearty, comforting meal that's perfect for a cold winter's day, this crispy pickled onion and cheddar cheese mash is a delicious twist on the classic mashed potato. The addition of crispy pickled onions and cheddar cheese takes this dish to the next level, adding a tangy and crunchy element that's simply irresistible. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 6 Maris Piper potatoes
• 2 sliced pickled onions
• Butter
• Cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
• While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the crispy pickled onions. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pickled onions and fry until they are crispy and golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Add a generous knob of butter and a splash of cream to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until they are light and fluffy.
• Shred or grate your cheddar cheese. A mature cheddar will add a nice sharp flavour to the mash.
• Mix the fried pickled onions and shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the crispy pickled onion and cheddar cheese mash while it's still hot. This dish pairs well with roasted meats, crispy bacon, or a fresh green salad.

This unique mash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is a great way to elevate your average mashed potatoes. The combination of tangy pickled onions and melted cheddar creates a delicious flavour and texture profile that will keep people coming back for more!

Spiced pickled onion fritters with sumac yoghurt

Ingredients:

• 6 sliced pickled onions (red or white)
• 200ml natural yoghurt
• Gram flour
• Curry powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Water
• Sumac

Method:

Start by preparing the fritter batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, curry powder, cumin, salt, and water. Mix well until a paste-like consistency is achieved. The amount of water added can be adjusted to attain the desired consistency. Next, add the sliced pickled onions to the batter and mix gently to coat the onions evenly.

Shape the batter-coated onions into round, flat cakes. The size can vary according to your preference. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C. Carefully place the onion fritters into the hot oil and deep-fry for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

For the sumac yoghurt, simply mix the natural yoghurt with a generous amount of sumac. Adjust the amount of sumac to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of salt to the yoghurt to enhance the flavour.

Plate the spiced pickled onion fritters and serve them with a generous dollop of the sumac yoghurt on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!

Cheese Pairing:

When it comes to cheese pairings, pickled onions are incredibly versatile. A classic combination is to serve them with a sharp, crunchy cheddar cheese. The tanginess of the pickled onions complements the creamy, sharp flavour of cheddar. Other hard cheeses, such as Kerry Gold Aged Cheddar or Boar's Head Wisconsin Cheddar, can also be excellent choices.

Additionally, you can create a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, such as white and yellow cheeses, mild and smoked, to offer a range of flavours and textures to your guests. Accompany the cheeses with pickled onions, antipasti, crackers, and fresh and dried fruits for a well-rounded and aesthetically pleasing platter.

Cheddar with pickled onion

One classic way to savour this duo is in a grilled cheese sandwich. The sharpness of the Cheddar, paired with the tangy crunch of pickled onions, creates a mouth-watering sandwich. You can use sourdough, Italian, or French-style bread, and add butter to the pan for a golden, crispy exterior. For an extra cheesy bite, try adding some Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese to the mix.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a salsa-Cheddar omelette with pickled onion. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick and easy dinner. Beat eggs with salsa instead of water or milk, and cook them slowly on low heat. Add the grated Cheddar, and top with pickled onions for a tasty garnish.

No matter how you choose to pair them, Cheddar and pickled onion are a delicious combination that adds a unique twist to any dish.

Cheese charcuterie and pickled onions

Pickled onions are a great addition to a charcuterie board, adding a slight tartness to the sweet onion that pairs well with meats and cheeses. When creating a charcuterie tray, it's important to vary the textures and colours, and pickled onions are a great way to add some crunch and a pop of colour.

So, which cheeses go well with pickled onions? A mature cheddar is a classic pairing, as the sharpness of the cheese complements the tanginess of the onions. The Cheshire Cheesecake Company offers a Ploughman's Cheddar with Pickled Onion and Chives, which is perfect for a summertime picnic. Snowdonia also offers a Pickle Power Mature Cheddar with Pickled Onion. For something a little different, try a crispy pickled onion and cheddar cheese mash or spiced pickled onion fritters with sumac yoghurt.

When creating your charcuterie board, be sure to include a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as some antipasti for colour. Grilled red peppers, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and nuts are all great options. You can also add some fresh or dried fruit, as well as crackers or breadsticks. And don't forget the crackers, bread, or baguettes for serving!

Remember, there's no wrong way to create a charcuterie tray. It's all about your personal style and preferences. So, get creative and enjoy snacking on your delicious creation!

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