Randy Chandler
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many foods. When creating a cheese board, it is best to have at least three cheeses to provide a good range of flavours. Cheddar is a great base for any cheese board because of its popularity and familiar flavour. When selecting cheeses to pair with extra sharp cheddar, it is best to choose complementary rather than similar flavours. For example, a sharp cheddar pairs well with a soft cheese like brie or a blue cheese.
Characteristics of cheeses that pair with extra sharp cheddar
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Gruyere/Comte, Aged sheep milk cheeses (Manchego curado, Idiazabal, sharper pecorino), American Asiago or Parmesan, Asiago d'allevo, Fontina val d'aosta, Brie/soft cheese, Blue cheese, Goat Gouda, Ossau-iraty, Casatica di bufala |
| Other Foods | Sweet apricot preserves, tart dried cranberries, dried fruits (cherries, apricots, figs, dates, pineapples, and mangos), Fuji apple, honey, dried pears, pumpkin, dark chocolate, rich cured salami, whole grain mustard, roasted red peppers, mixed olives, garlic toast, prosciutto, cranberry preserves, maple syrup, chopped dates, and cranberries |
| Bread | Wheat bread, brown bread, seeded bread, oat bread |
| Drinks | Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay |
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What You'll Learn
Gruyere or Comte
When creating a cheese board, it is generally recommended to choose complementary rather than similar flavours. So, if you're looking for cheeses to pair with extra sharp cheddar, in addition to Gruyere or Comte, you might consider a softer cheese like Brie, or a blue cheese. You could also explore cheeses made from alternative milks, such as sheep ricotta, goat Gouda, or buffalo mozzarella.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try some unique pairings for cheddar that go beyond just cheese. Cheddar pairs well with dried fruits like pears, figs, dates, apricots, and cherries. It also goes well with nuts, wheat bread, honey, and even dark chocolate. For a festive touch, add some dried cranberries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
And if you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, a pumpkin mac and cheese with smoked sharp cheddar is a perfect choice for a fall day. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a savoury and satisfying dish.
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Aged sheep milk cheeses
One well-known sheep milk cheese is Manchego, which originates from the La Mancha region of Spain. It has a firm yet pliant texture and a relatively mild flavour. Another classic is Idiazábal, a hard, pressed cheese from the Basque country made from the milk of Latxa and Carranzana sheep. It is aged for a minimum of 60 days, resulting in a nutty, brown butter flavour. Sometimes, Idiazábal is smoked, giving it a distinctive dark rind.
Pecorino, an Italian favourite, offers several varieties to explore, such as pecorino romano, pecorino toscano, and pecorino siciliano. Each variety reflects the unique terroir and palate of its region. In southern Italy, pecorino is often flavoured with truffles, walnuts, pistachios, or spices, enhancing its inherent nuttiness. For a bolder option, consider Casu Marzu, a traditional Sardinian sheep's milk cheese with live insect larvae, taking pecorino to a more fermented level.
In addition to these European varieties, sheep milk cheeses are also produced in other parts of the world, such as Greece, with feta being a notable example. Feta is a brined curd cheese made primarily from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. It easily crumbles into salads or flaky pastries, adding a salty, tangy flavour. When creating a cheese board, remember that variety is key, and don't forget to leave the rinds on for a dash of colour!
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Soft cheeses like Brie
When creating a cheese platter, it is a good idea to include at least three cheeses to provide a good range of flavours. Cheddar is a great anchor for any cheese board, given its popularity and familiar flavour. It is a good basis for comparison against other cheeses.
If you are looking to pair soft cheeses like Brie with an extra sharp cheddar, you could consider the following:
Brie and Blue Cheese
As mentioned, a soft cheese like Brie is a good complement to the sharpness of cheddar. You could also include a blue cheese if you enjoy this style.
Alternative Milk Cheeses
You could also try cheeses made from alternative milks, such as sheep ricotta, or buffalo mozzarella for fresh, or goat gouda, ossau-iraty, or casatica di bufala.
Fruits and Nuts
Fruits and nuts are also excellent accompaniments to cheese. Smaller dried fruits, such as tart cherries and apricots, pair perfectly with cheddar and nuts. Dried figs and dates, pineapples, and mangos also pair well with cheddar, adding a Mediterranean and island flair. For a sweet and juicy taste, dried pears are an excellent choice. The duo has a similar taste to an apple plate, but with a softer texture.
Bread and Crackers
Cheese is also best when paired with hearty bread or crackers. Wheat bread is a great match for the bold taste of extra sharp cheddars. The rich, robust flavour and granular texture of extra sharp cheddar taste divine on a toasted piece of brown, seeded or oat bread.
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Blue cheese
When creating a cheese board, it is a good idea to have at least three cheeses to provide a good range of flavours. Blue cheese is a good option to add to a board with extra sharp cheddar because it has a completely different flavour profile, offering a sharp and salty contrast to the rich, buttery tang of cheddar. The sharpness of blue cheese can also help to cut through the saltiness of other cheeses, like cheddar, and provide a refreshing, tangy bite.
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Smoked Gouda
When building a cheese board, Smoked Gouda is an excellent choice to anchor your selection. Its popularity and familiar flavour make it a crowd favourite, providing a great basis for comparison with other cheeses. For a well-rounded cheese board, consider including at least three cheeses with varying flavours and textures. To complement the sharpness of extra sharp cheddar, you might include a soft cheese like Brie and a blue cheese. Adding cheeses made from alternative milks, such as sheep ricotta or goat Gouda, will further enhance the variety of flavours and textures on your board.
To ensure the best flavour and texture, proper storage of Smoked Gouda is essential. When stored in the refrigerator at the ideal temperature of 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C), this cheese can last for about 2-3 weeks. For optimal freshness, consume it within one to two weeks of purchase. To prevent the cheese from drying out and absorbing unwanted odours, keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in parchment paper and plastic wrap.
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Frequently asked questions
Some cheeses that can be paired with extra sharp cheddar are Gruyere, aged sheep milk cheeses (Manchego curado, Idiazabal, sharper pecorino), American Asiago or Parmesan, Asiago d'allevo, and Fontina val d'aosta.
Some food items that can be paired with extra sharp cheddar are dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, dates, figs, pineapples, and mangos, as well as honey, pumpkin, and dark chocolate.
A glass of Pinot Noir or Riesling is a great drink option to be paired with extra sharp cheddar.
