Chutney And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing Guide

The world of cheese offers a plethora of weird and wonderful flavours, from sharp cheddars to creamy bries and pungent blues. Elevating this experience further is the addition of chutneys – a condiment that comes in various consistencies, from chunky to smooth, and flavours, from sweet to sour and spicy.

When it comes to pairing chutney with cheese, it's all about finding the right balance of flavours and textures. Sweet chutneys often complement sharp cheeses, while tangy or spicy chutneys go well with creamy or mild varieties. For instance, the sweetness of mango chutney contrasts the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the jam-like consistency of fig chutney complements the bold, tangy flavour of blue cheese.

Chutney can also be used to enhance grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a sweet and tangy kick to the salty, fatty, and creamy nature of the cheese.

Chilli jam pairs well with mild cheeses

Chilli jam is a zesty, sweet, and spicy spread that can add some extra zing to your favourite dishes. When paired with cheese, the sweetness of the jam complements the sharpness of the cheese, and the spice of the chilli gives the perfect amount of kick.

For example, the slight crumbly texture of cheddar pairs well with chilli jam, as it provides a contrast in texture. The butteriness of cheddar also helps to balance out the sweetness of the jam, while the melty quality of the cheese makes it easy to spread on crackers or bread.

When it comes to goat's cheese, a classic goat's log with a velvety rind and bright citrussy flavour, such as Kidderton Ash Goat's Cheese, pairs beautifully with chilli jam. The dollop of fiery chilli jam boosts the flavour of the cheese, and the trio is completed by a rosemary and olive cracker.

Brie, a mild, buttery cheese with a strong earthy aroma, also goes well with chilli jam. The spice of the jam is tempered by the mildness of the cheese, and the runny, creamy texture of the cheese helps to balance out the sweetness of the jam.

When creating a cheese board with chilli jam, it is recommended to let the cheese settle at room temperature to bring out more flavour and enable a softer texture that is easier to spread on crackers.

Caramelised onion chutney goes with smoked cheese

Caramelised onion chutney is a versatile condiment that can be paired with various cheeses, and its sweet and savoury notes make it an ideal companion for smoked cheese. Here's why this pairing works so well and how you can elevate your tasting experience:

The Perfect Pairing: Caramelised Onion Chutney and Smoked Cheese

The combination of caramelised onion chutney and smoked cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. The sweet and savoury flavours of the caramelised onion chutney beautifully complement the smoky, indulgent notes of the smoked cheese. This pairing creates a delightful contrast, resulting in a sophisticated flavour profile that is sure to impress.

Enhancing the Flavour Profile

When it comes to smoked cheese, the smoking process adds a delicate layer of complexity. Notes of wood or even meat-like flavours come to the fore, creating a unique taste experience. By pairing smoked cheese with caramelised onion chutney, the sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the chutney enhance the smoky flavour, creating a well-rounded and satisfying bite.

Creating a Balanced Bite

The key to a successful pairing is often finding a balance between the flavours. Smoked cheese can have a strong, indulgent taste, and caramelised onion chutney brings a touch of sweetness to the palette, creating a harmonious combination. The onion chutney cuts through the richness of the smoked cheese, making each bite more interesting and nuanced.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this pairing, consider serving it on a crunchy cracker. The texture of the cracker adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy cheese and the smooth chutney. Alternatively, try spreading the chutney on a slice of baguette or fresh bread for a heartier option. For an extra indulgent treat, layer a slice of your favourite ham or thinly sliced beef with the smoked cheese and caramelised onion chutney for a classic British twist.

Exploring Variations

While the classic pairing of caramelised onion chutney and smoked cheese is a winner, you can also experiment with different types of smoked cheese. Try a smoked cheddar or gouda, as the natural oak smoking process adds a delightful creaminess to these varieties. Additionally, you can explore different variations of caramelised onion chutney, such as those with a hint of spice, to add an extra kick to your tasting experience.

Fig chutney is a good match for blue cheese

Fig chutney is a great match for blue cheese. The rich, jam-like consistency of fig chutney complements the bold, tangy flavour of blue cheese, resulting in a marriage of savoury and sweet notes. If you are not a big fan of blue cheese, the sweetness of fig chutney can help balance the bitterness, making it more palatable.

Fig chutney can be used in place of fresh figs in recipes. For instance, you can use it in fig and goat cheese tarts. You can also try making a homemade alternative like a nectarine and date chutney.

The sweetness of a sticky fig and honey spread will also help to balance the bitter flavours of English stilton or Gorgonzola. This pairing works well when served on thin, delicate crackers.

Fig chutney is not the only option for blue cheese, though. Sweet jams and chutneys, in general, can make blue cheese more palatable if you are not a big fan. Apple or pear chutney, for example, pairs well with blue cheese. You can also try a slice of baguette or fresh bread, or crisped-up prosciutto ham with blue cheese and fig chutney.

Apple or pear chutney is great with brie or Camembert

Apple or pear chutney is a great companion to brie or Camembert. The crispness of apple chutney, in particular, pairs excellently with the creamy, buttery texture of these mild cheeses, offering a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. Some apple and pear chutneys have a hint of spice, making this a great festive combination.

If you want to take your brie and Camembert one step further, try adding a dollop of apple chutney to your cheese before roasting it in the oven until gooey. You can also spread apple or pear chutney on a baguette or fresh bread and top it with a slice of brie or Camembert.

Both cheeses pair well with the sweetness of autumn fruits, but they have some signature differences. Brie is made with cow's milk and has a milder flavour, while Camembert is made with a mixture of cow's and goat's milk and has a more pungent aroma and flavour.

If you're looking for a chutney that pairs well with a range of cheeses, caramelised onion chutney is a versatile option. It goes well with aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged Gouda, as well as with smoked cheeses.

Tomato chutney pairs well with gouda or havarti

Tomato chutney is a condiment that is a staple of South Indian cuisine. It is made with fresh ripe tomatoes, spices, and herbs. The tang and sweetness of the tomatoes are balanced by the spices and herbs. The chutney is usually hot, tangy, and spicy.

The combination of tomato chutney with gouda or havarti creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese complement each other, while the spices in the chutney add a tangy and spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• 1 container of low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
• Whole wheat toast rounds or whole grain crackers

Instructions:

• Combine tomatoes, onion, almonds, vinegar, and rosemary in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 35 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a separate bowl, beat yogurt, cheeses, and parsley (if using) with an electric mixer until well blended.
• Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. Spread the cheese mixture in the bowl.
• Cover and chill for at least four hours.
• To serve, invert the bowl onto a serving plate and remove the bowl and plastic wrap.
• Spoon the chilled tomato chutney over the top of the torte.
• Serve with toast rounds or crackers.

Frequently asked questions