The Perfect Pairings For English Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese, named after a village in Somerset, England, is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom, accounting for 51% of the country's cheese market. It is also the second-most popular cheese in the United States. Cheddar is a relatively hard cheese with a sharp, pungent flavour and a firm texture. It is often paired with crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, and chocolates. Some common food pairings include:

- Salami

- Ham

- Chorizo

- Prosciutto

- Capicola

- Almonds

- Apples

- Strawberries

- Pears

Wine and English cheddar cheese

English cheddar cheese is a hard, off-white cheese with a sharp, pungent flavour. It is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, where it has been produced since the Middle Ages. Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the UK, making up 51% of the country's cheese consumption.

When it comes to wine and English cheddar cheese pairings, the best wine to pair with cheddar depends on how mature the cheese is. A mild to medium block cheddar will be much easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar that has been ageing for 18 months or more.

• Syrah/Shiraz with Tobacco Notes: The tobacco notes in Shiraz, influenced by oak barrels, add a spicy complexity that pairs well with the smokiness of aged cheddar. Syrah also works well due to its herb and dark fruit flavours.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A dry red Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of dark fruits and herbs can bring out the strong flavours of extra sharp cheddar. The bold flavours of the wine and cheese will complement each other.
• Champagne/Sparkling Wine: The bubbles in Champagne or sparkling wine act as a palate cleanser, making it a good pairing for the close-textured hard cheese like cheddar. The apple and toasty citrus flavours in Champagne also complement cheddar.
• Riesling: An off-dry, light-bodied Riesling with well-balanced sweetness, acidity, mineral notes, and tropical fruits, pairs well with a wide range of cheeses, including cheddar. Try pairing a semi-dry Riesling with medium-aged and semi-hard cheddar cheese to balance the intense flavours.
• Pinot Noir: If you like bold cheddars like Vermont sharp cheddar, consider pairing it with a Pinot Noir, which has earthy notes. The ripe red fruit flavours of Pinot Noir also go well with nutty, medium-firm cheeses.
• Chardonnay: Chardonnays aged in oak complement sharp cheddar cheese's bold and sophisticated flavours, bringing out the fruitiness of the wine and the mellowness of the cheese. Chardonnay also pairs well with Parmesan, baby Swiss, brick, Asiago, and alpine-style cheeses.

In addition to these specific wine varietals, some general guidelines for pairing wine and English cheddar cheese include:

• Tannin-rich reds are best suited for strong and aged cheddars as their bitterness can stand up to these intense flavours.
• White wines, due to their lower tannin content, pair well with lighter cheeses as well as some dry, sharp varieties.
• Sweet wines can be matched with unique, eclectic cheeses as the sweetness balances out the funkiness or stinkiness of these cheeses.
• Sparkling wines, with their higher acidity and carbonation, act as a palate cleanser for soft and sticky cheeses.
• Firm and nutty cheeses complement both red and white wines, so you have some flexibility in your choice of wine when enjoying an English cheddar.

Beer and English cheddar cheese

English cheddar cheese, which originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, southwest England, is a hard, off-white (or orange if colourings are added) and sometimes sharp-tasting cheese. It is the most popular cheese in the UK, making up 51% of the country's annual cheese market.

English cheddar is generally matured for 12-14 months, resulting in a foundation of tangy and nutty undertones. It is described as having grassy notes from its fields of origin, with a sweet and crumbly texture.

When it comes to pairing English cheddar with beer, the type of beer you choose will significantly impact the flavour. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating delicious combinations:

Choosing the Right Beer

The flavour of beer cheese dip or sauce depends largely on the type and flavour of beer used. If you prefer a subtle beer flavour, opt for a pale or light beer, which will result in a sweeter dip. For a more intense and robust flavour, choose a darker ale that showcases the bitterness of the beer.

It is recommended to use a beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavour will be intensified in the dip or sauce. A lager-style beer is an excellent choice for a robust yet light taste.

Beer and Cheddar Recipes

Beer Cheese Dip

A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for game day or any time you're craving a cheesy snack. This dip can be served warm or cold and goes well with pretzels, crackers, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed (white cheddar is also a good option)
• Softened cream cheese
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Beer (pale for a light sweet flavour or a dark ale for a more robust, bitter flavour)

Creamy Beer Cheese Sauce

This ultra-creamy sauce is perfect for dipping or topping your favourite foods. It is made with lager beer, milk, cheddar cheese, and spices.

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Lager beer
• Milk (whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream)
• Grainy dijon mustard or regular dijon
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried parsley (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favourite cheese)

Fruit and English cheddar cheese

When creating a cheese platter, it's important to keep in mind the various complementary tastes and textures. For example, sweet, succulent fruit pairs wonderfully with rich and savoury cheeses.

• Apples, especially semi-sour varieties like Granny Smith, complement the sharpness of cheddar, creating a classic and satisfying combination.
• Blackberries go well with aged cheddar.
• Grapes, especially when roasted with olive oil and balsamic and served on a crostini with cheddar, make for an excellent pairing.
• Pears and their sweet and slightly grainy texture contrast nicely with the flavour of cheddar.
• Mangoes, when made into a salsa with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, can be a great topping for a cracker with English cheddar.
• Plums, when sautéed in olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, pair well with cheddar and crackers.
• Poached pears topped with grated English extra sharp cheddar, a dollop of yogurt, pecans, and dried cranberries make for a slightly savoury dessert.
• Grilled peach halves topped with grated English cheddar and garnished with honey, chopped nuts, and basil make for a fun summer side dish or dessert.
• Strawberries, with their tangy sweetness, pair well with the creamy, savoury flavour of lite cheddar.
• A classic strawberry spinach salad with lite cheddar is a light yet flavorful lunch option.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite fruit and English cheddar cheese pairings!

Vegetable and English cheddar cheese

English Cheddar cheese is a hard, off-white cheese with a sharp, pungent flavour. It is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom, with an average annual consumption of 10 lbs per capita.

When it comes to pairing English Cheddar with vegetables, there are several options that can complement the cheese's strong flavour. Here are some ideas to create delicious and harmonious combinations:

Sun-dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes offer a chewy texture and a burst of flavour. Their slight sweetness and acidity can help cut through the richness of English Cheddar, creating a well-rounded bite. Their concentrated flavour makes them a perfect match for strong cheeses.

Asparagus

Asparagus, especially when pickled or roasted, can be an excellent pairing with English Cheddar. Pickled white asparagus has a sweet and sour taste that helps balance the rich, creamy flavour of the cheese. Roasted asparagus, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, takes on a meaty and earthy character, making it a good match for semi-soft cheeses.

Mushrooms

Roasted mushrooms, particularly portobello mushrooms, offer a meaty texture and a slightly sweet flavour. Their earthy notes complement the savoury, brothy characteristics of English Cheddar. Pair roasted mushrooms with semi-soft cheeses like Muenster or Havarti for a delightful combination.

Radishes

Thinly sliced radishes provide a crisp texture and a slight spice that can be a wonderful pairing with English Cheddar. The simplicity of fresh radishes adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese, similar to the classic combination of sliced apples with cheddar.

Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes can be a hearty and flavourful pairing with English Cheddar. The natural sweetness of the potatoes creates a delightful contrast with the savoury, nutty notes of the cheese.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables, such as onions, apples, or mixed vegetables, can add a tangy and crunchy dimension to English Cheddar. The acidity of pickled items helps cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and intriguing combination.

Chocolate and English cheddar cheese

The Characteristics of English Cheddar Cheese

English Cheddar cheese, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is a natural, relatively hard cheese with a distinct sharp, pungent flavour and a firm texture. The traditional method of making English Cheddar involves "cheddaring," an additional step where the curd is cut and stacked to drain excess whey, resulting in the cheese's characteristic firmness. The cheese is then matured in ideal conditions, often in caves, for 12 to 18 months, contributing to its sharp and earthy notes.

The Magic of Chocolate and Cheddar

The combination of chocolate and English Cheddar cheese may seem unexpected, but it offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. The sweetness and smoothness of chocolate beautifully balance the sharpness and tanginess of the cheese. When paired together, the chocolate can enhance the nutty and caramelly notes found in some English Cheddars, creating a unique sensory experience.

Chocolate Cheddar Creations

The pairing of chocolate and English Cheddar cheese has inspired creative innovations, such as chocolate cheddar fudge. This unique treat is crafted by blending creamy original cheddar into a secret fudge recipe, resulting in a surprisingly delicious combination. The savoury and sweet flavours meld together to create a fudgy delight that tantalises the taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

When serving chocolate and English Cheddar cheese, consider the following suggestions to elevate the experience:

• Pair a piece of English Cheddar with a square of dark chocolate, allowing the cheese to come to room temperature to fully appreciate its flavour and texture.
• Create a cheese board featuring English Cheddar, assorted chocolates, fresh and dried fruits, and crackers.
• Experiment with chocolate-infused cheese sauces or fondue, incorporating melted English Cheddar for a unique twist.
• Explore sweet and savoury dishes, such as chocolate-cheese truffles or chocolate-cheese brownies, taking care to select complementary ingredients that enhance the flavours of both components.

In conclusion, the pairing of chocolate and English Cheddar cheese offers a unique sensory journey, combining sweet and savoury notes with intriguing textures. While it may be an unexpected combination, it showcases the versatility of English Cheddar and the magic that occurs when these two indulgent ingredients come together.

Frequently asked questions