Randy Chandler
The perfect cheeseboard is a delicate balance of flavours and textures. While there are many types and flavours of chutney, from savoury to sweet, sour, and spicy, finding the right chutney to pair with your cheese can elevate your cheeseboard to the next level. The ultimate secret to a good cheeseboard is variety, and chutneys provide a delicious contrast to the individual character of your cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | For larger parties, offer up to five or six varieties. For smaller gatherings, three or four should suffice. |
| Types of cheese | Hard, soft, blue, goat's, sheep's, pungent, washed-rind, etc. |
| Chutney flavours | Caramelised onion, sweet chilli, tomato & garlic, red pepper & tomato, spiced plum & damson, gamekeeper's, Caribbean pineapple rum, lemon & champagne, plum & elderberry, onion-based, tomato & chilli, spiced blackberry & apple, mango, farmhouse, tapenade, truffle, garlic, onion |
| Jam flavours | Spiced plum and damson, lemon and champagne marmalade, plum and elderberry |
| Other condiments | Pesto, mustard, honey, aioli, hummus, bacon jam |
| Other foods | Fruits, crackers, bread, pâté, charcuterie, pickled vegetables, olives |
What You'll Learn
Caramelised onion chutney with smoked cheddar
Caramelised onion chutney is the perfect pairing for smoked cheddar on a cheeseboard. The chutney is sweet and sticky, with a complex flavour that adds a hint of sweetness to the savoury smoked cheddar. This chutney is made with red onions, slowly caramelised to bring out their natural sweetness, and spiced with bay leaves, black pepper, and chilli flakes or mustard seeds. The addition of vinegar and sugar creates a tangy, acidic flavour that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
To make caramelised onion chutney, start by peeling and thinly slicing your onions. Then, sauté them in butter and oil with bay leaves until tender. Next, add sugar and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has a jam-like consistency. Finally, ladle the chutney into sterilised jars and seal them. This process results in a chutney that is the perfect texture and flavour to complement the smoked cheddar.
When assembling your cheeseboard, remember to take the cheese out of the fridge ahead of time to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance the flavour of the cheese and give it a softer texture that is easier to spread on crackers. The contrast between the sharp, smoky flavour of the cheddar and the sweet and tangy chutney will create a delicious flavour combination that your guests are sure to enjoy.
Caramelised onion chutney is a versatile condiment that can also be paired with other cheeses such as brie or goat cheese. It can be served hot or cold and is a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and even pizza. The chutney will keep in the fridge for up to six months, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it for months to come.
Whether you're creating a cheeseboard for a dinner party or simply enjoying a night in with a good movie and a tasty snack, the combination of caramelised onion chutney and smoked cheddar is sure to impress. The sweet and tangy chutney complements the smoky, savoury notes of the cheddar, creating a flavour profile that is both complex and delicious. So go ahead, indulge in this tasty pairing, and enjoy the best of both sweet and savoury worlds!
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Sweet chilli jam with vintage cheddar
Sweet chilli jam and vintage cheddar is a match made in heaven. The sweet and spicy jam, with its subtle kick, perfectly complements the strong flavour of vintage cheddar. This combination is a must-have on any cheese board and will leave your guests wanting more.
When preparing a cheese board, it is essential to consider the different flavours and textures of the cheeses and condiments. Variety is key to creating a mouth-watering platter that caters to a range of tastes. By including sweet chilli jam with vintage cheddar, you add a unique punchy flavour to the board that is sure to impress.
To elevate this pairing even further, serve the cheese at room temperature. This enhances the flavour of the cheese and gives it a softer texture, making it perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. The jam, on the other hand, should be served slightly chilled to maintain its fresh appearance and flavour.
Sweet chilli jam is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways on your cheese board. Spread it on a sandwich with the vintage cheddar, or serve it alongside crackers. For a more creative approach, consider baking the jam onto savoury cookies or using it as a base on your homemade pizza before adding the cheese.
In addition to its delicious taste, sweet chilli jam also offers a beautiful visual appeal with its golden-reddish colour. It is a true showstopper and will add a touch of elegance to your cheese board. Whether you are a seasoned host or trying out a cheese board for the first time, this combination of sweet chilli jam and vintage cheddar is a winning choice.
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Tomato and garlic chutney with spicy cheese
Tomato and garlic chutney is a perfect match for spicy cheese. The chutney is a spicy and tangy condiment flavoured with garlic and is often served with papads, parathas, and breads. It can also be served with dosa, a thin pancake-like bread made from fermented rice batter and black lentils. The chutney's tanginess and spiciness will complement the spiciness of the cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavours.
When creating a cheese board, it is essential to offer a variety of flavours and textures to impress your guests and cater to their diverse tastes. In addition to chutney and cheese, consider adding fruits, preserves, breads, crackers, and charcuterie. Offering at least four different types of cheese will elevate your cheese board and provide a delightful experience for your guests.
To enhance the flavour of your cheese board, leave the cheese out of the fridge for a while before serving. This will bring the cheese to room temperature, intensifying its flavour and giving it a softer texture that spreads effortlessly on crackers.
For a delightful pairing, try serving the Flamin' Heart Cheese Truckle with the Chuckling Tomato and Garlic Chutney. The spicy and savoury combination will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cheese board experience. Don't forget to tag us in your delicious creations!
Ingredients:
- 6 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Lemon juice from one lemon
- Oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add all the ingredients except sugar, lemon, and red chilli powder.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the tomatoes soften.
- Add sugar and red chilli powder, continuing to cook until the chutney thickens.
- Turn off the heat, add lemon juice, and stir. Adjust salt, sweetness, and spice to your preference.
- Your sweet and spicy tomato chutney with garlic is now ready to be served!
Remember to store any leftovers in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about a week. Enjoy your homemade tomato and garlic chutney with your favourite spicy cheese!
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Onion-based chutneys with strong cheddars
Caramelised onion chutney is a popular condiment to serve with a cheese board, and it pairs particularly well with mature cheddars. The sweetness of the chutney is a perfect match for the strong flavour of the cheese.
You can make your own caramelised onion chutney, which is a great way to customise the flavour to your taste. You can add ingredients like wholegrain mustard, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
If you're making your own, the key step is to caramelise the onions. This involves slowly cooking the onions in oil over medium heat for around 30 minutes until they are soft and golden. You can then add the remaining ingredients, such as sugar, vinegar, and spices, and cook for another 30-40 minutes until the liquid has reduced and generously coats the onions.
Caramelised onion chutney is a versatile condiment that can be served hot or cold. It can be enjoyed on crackers or bread with sliced cheese, or used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and even pizzas.
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Spicy sauces with mellow, creamy cheeses
Chilli Jam with Cheddar
Chilli jam is a popular choice for a cheese board, offering a lovely sweet taste with a spicy kick. This can be paired with a strong, mature cheddar, such as a vintage cheddar, to create a delicious combination of flavours. The sharpness of the cheddar will cut through the spice of the jam, resulting in a well-rounded bite.
Chuckling Tomato & Garlic Chutney with Flamin' Heart Cheese Truckle
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, pairing a rich and savoury tomato and garlic chutney with a Flamin' Heart Cheese Truckle is a perfect choice. The combination of fresh hand-picked tomato and garlic flavours in the chutney will complement the spicy notes in the cheese, creating a harmonious blend of spices and savoury flavours.
Summer Red Pepper and Tomato Relish with Creamy Brie
A summer red pepper and tomato relish can be an excellent pairing for a creamy Brie. The sweetness of the red peppers and tomatoes will balance the mellow, creamy texture of the Brie, resulting in a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
Spiced Plum and Damson Jam with Creamy Blue Cheese
For a unique combination, try pairing a spiced plum and damson jam with a creamy blue cheese. The sweetness of the jam will offset the sharpness of the blue cheese, creating an intriguing blend of flavours that will tantalise the taste buds.
Classic Chinese Chilli Oil with Burrata
Drizzling classic Chinese chilli oil over a creamy, mellow cheese like Burrata creates a magical pairing. The spice of the chilli oil complements the creamy texture of the cheese, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent bite. Other similar cheeses that can be used include Mozzarella, Stracciatella, Scamorza Bianca, Chevre, and Ricotta.
When creating a cheese board with spicy sauces and mellow, creamy cheeses, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The key is to have the cheese complement the sauce, creating a harmonious combination that enhances the dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some chutney and cheese pairings to get you started:
- Caramelised Onion Chutney with Smoked Cheddar or Smoky Oak
- Sweet Chilli Jam with Vintage Cheddar or Cheddar Crunch
- Tomato & Garlic Chutney with Flamin’ Heart Cheese Truckle
- Farmhouse Chutney with Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, Taleggio, Emmental, or Gouda
- Mango Chutney with Roquefort, Grana Padano, or Aged Cheddar, Gouda, and Manchego
The ultimate secret to a good cheeseboard is variety. You want to offer your guests a range of tastes and textures. In terms of chutneys, it's a good idea to include at least one onion-based chutney, one fruity preserve, and at least one type of crunchy pickle. Chutneys with strong flavours go well with strong cheeses, while milder chutneys are better paired with milder cheeses.
It's best to exercise restraint when creating a cheese board. If you're having several guests, aim for no more than five or six different varieties of cheese. If it's a smaller gathering, three or four types of cheese should suffice. Make sure to include a variety of tastes and textures, such as a hard cheese, a soft cheese, and a blue cheese. Leave the cheese out of the fridge for a bit before serving to bring out more flavour and to give it a softer texture.
