The Perfect Cheese And Sangria Pairing: A Tasty Adventure

Sangria is a fruity, refreshing drink that can be made with red or white wine, sparkling or flat, and is perfect for summer. While its sweetness may make it challenging to pair with food, it goes well with various dishes, especially spicy ones. So, what kind of cheese goes well with sangria? Like many wines, sangria pairs well with cheese, especially creamy cheeses with mild flavours such as brie and goat cheese. Brie served with crackers, crostini, or sliced Granny Smith apples can complement the drink's sweetness. Goat cheese, with its rich, earthy flavour, also balances nicely against the fruitiness of sangria.

Brie, goat's cheese, and pepper jack are good strong cheeses to pair with sangria

When it comes to strong cheeses that pair well with sangria, there are a few varieties that stand out: Brie, goats cheese, and pepper jack.

Starting with Brie, this cheese is known for its rich creaminess and mild flavour. It pairs exceptionally well with the fruity notes in sangria. To serve, consider presenting the Brie on crackers or crostini with sliced Granny Smith apples, as the tartness of the apples can complement the cheese and the drink.

Goats cheese, or goat cheese, is another excellent choice. Its rich, earthy flavour balances nicely against the fruitiness of sangria. Opt for a variety that features a strain of ash or is mixed with fresh herbs to enhance the flavour profile.

For those who enjoy a bolder, more pungent cheese, pepper jack is an ideal option. Its strong and flavourful character can stand up to the rich, bold flavours of sangria. When serving pepper jack, choose a sturdy cracker or bread, such as a Triscuit, to match the cheese's robust texture and taste.

When pairing cheese with sangria, it's important to consider the sweetness level of the drink. Sangria can range from dry to sweet, and you don't want the cheese to overpower the drink or vice versa. A good rule of thumb is to balance the sweetness of the sangria with the saltiness or spiciness of the cheese.

Spanish sheep's milk cheeses like Manchego and Roncal bring an authentic flavour

Sangria is a fruity, refreshing drink that can be made with red or white wine, sparkling or flat, depending on your preference. While its sweetness may make it difficult to pair with food, it goes well with a variety of dishes, particularly spicy ones.

If you're looking to bring an authentic Spanish flavour to your evening, consider serving Spanish sheep's milk cheeses like Manchego and Roncal. Spain is famous for its sheep, and sheep's milk cheeses are loved throughout the country. These cheeses will pair well with the rich flavour of sangria.

In addition to cheese, seafood is a great option to serve with sangria. The citrus fruit in the drink complements seafood dishes like grilled or fried calamari, grilled shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab, and oysters. Cold cuts like Serrano ham, prosciutto, and salami also work well with sangria due to their saltiness and smokiness.

When it comes to other snacks, consider serving Marcona almonds, homemade salsa, spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms, or red pepper and basil pinwheels. For a heartier option, Spanish-inspired pizzas or flatbreads topped with Serrano ham, Petit Basque cheese, and arugula are a delicious choice.

So, whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a party, sangria is a versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of cheeses and dishes to create a delightful culinary experience.

Cold cuts like Serrano ham, prosciutto, and salami complement the drink

Prosciutto, on the other hand, is the Italian version of cured ham. It is aged in a more humid environment, resulting in suppler meat and sweeter fat. Prosciutto tends to be paler pink and paper-thin, making it ideal for wrapping around asparagus or breadsticks, or melting into a pizza. It is more interchangeable with other dishes due to its milder flavour.

Salami, a cured sausage, also pairs well with the saltiness and smokiness of sangria. These cold cuts can be served together on a charcuterie board, alongside cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, aged cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, and Camembert, and crackers or nuts. The saltiness and smokiness of the meats complement the sweetness of the sangria, making them a perfect pairing for a summer afternoon or alfresco party.

Spicy foods like chorizo, jalapenos, and Thai curries pair well with sangria

Spicy foods and sangria are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the sangria plays off the heat of the spicy food, creating a delightful contrast. This is why spicy chorizo-based dishes, roasted chipotle salsa, stuffed jalapeno peppers, and Thai curries pair so well with a glass of sangria.

The key to a successful pairing is to balance the sweetness of the sangria with the spiciness of the dish. If you're serving a particularly sweet sangria, opt for a milder spice level in your food, and vice versa. This will ensure that neither the sweetness of the sangria nor the spice of the food overwhelms the other.

When it comes to spicy foods, chorizo is an excellent choice to pair with sangria. Chorizo is a type of sausage that originated in Spain and Portugal and is known for its deep red colour and smoky, spicy flavour. It is often made with paprika, garlic, and other spices, giving it a unique and robust taste. Chorizo can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, pizzas, or empanadas. When paired with sangria, the cool sweetness of the drink helps to balance the spiciness of the chorizo, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

Jalapenos are another spicy food that goes well with sangria. Jalapenos are medium-spicy peppers that are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They have a bright, tangy flavour that can add a kick to any dish. When paired with sangria, the sweetness of the drink helps to temper the heat of the jalapenos, creating a pleasant and refreshing combination. Stuffed jalapeno peppers, in particular, make for a tasty pairing with sangria, as the creamy filling helps to balance the spice.

Thai curries are also a fantastic choice to pair with sangria. Thai cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavours, often incorporating a variety of spices and herbs such as chilli, lemongrass, and ginger. The sweetness of the sangria can help to temper the heat of a spicy Thai curry, creating a harmonious combination of flavours. Whether you opt for a red or green curry, the fruity notes in the sangria will complement the aromatic spices of the dish.

In addition to these spicy delights, other savoury and salty foods also pair well with sangria. Cold cuts, such as Serrano ham, prosciutto, and salami, are excellent choices due to their saltiness and smokiness. Seafood, particularly grilled or fried calamari and shrimp, also pairs beautifully with the citrus notes in sangria.

Seafood like grilled shrimp, calamari, and scallops are also good pairings

Seafood, like grilled shrimp, calamari, and scallops, pairs well with sangria. The citrus fruit in the drink complements the seafood, especially grilled dishes. For example, grilled shrimp skewers with vegetables or grilled shrimp tacos are great options to serve with sangria.

Calamari, grilled or fried, is another great pairing with sangria. It can be served with aioli for dipping.

Scallops, lobster, crab, and oysters also go well with the wine punch. For instance, a scallop-based dish like seafood paella is a great option.

Other seafood options that pair well with sangria include grilled or baked white fish, such as haddock or tilapia, with a butter crumb topping. Alternatively, a salad with lightly seared fresh tuna is another great pairing.

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