Complementing Sharp White Cheddar: Best Cheese Pairings

Sharp white cheddar is a popular cheese variety, often enjoyed on its own or as part of a charcuterie board. When it comes to pairings, several factors come into play, such as flavour, texture, and origin. In terms of flavour, contrasting combinations are often recommended, such as sweet with salty or spicy. As for texture, hard cheeses pair well with spreadable foods, while soft cheeses complement crunchy nuts and crackers. With this in mind, what are some cheese pairings that go well with sharp white cheddar?

Gruyere: a semi-hard cheese with earthy and nutty flavours

Gruyere is a semi-hard cheese with a distinctive appearance and a complex flavour profile. Named after a village in Switzerland, it is made from cow's milk and ranges in colour from white to yellow, with small, sporadic holes throughout. These holes are less dense than those found in Swiss cheese.

Gruyere is known for its earthy and nutty flavours, which can be a great complement to sharper cheeses like cheddar. When melted together, the mild notes of Gruyere can counterbalance the sharpness of cheddar, making them a popular pairing in recipes such as macaroni and cheese.

Gruyere's versatility extends beyond its pairing with cheddar. It is a popular ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a savoury flavour without overpowering other ingredients. Its melting properties make it a good choice for hot meals and French onion soup.

When building a charcuterie board, Gruyere can be a delicious addition, offering a contrast in texture and flavour. Its semi-hard consistency pairs well with crunchy nuts and crackers, providing an engaging sensory experience for those enjoying the board.

In terms of beverage pairings, Gruyere's nutty and earthy notes complement both red and white wines. A tart, fruity wine can also be a good match for Gruyere, with its acidity cutting through the cheese's richness. For a more unusual pairing, sparkling wine can be a delightful contrast to the creaminess of Gruyere, acting as a palate cleanser.

Monterey Jack: a semi-hard cheese with a mild taste

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery taste and a slight tang. It is made from cow's milk and is white in appearance. The cheese dates back to the farmers' cheeses that are said to have fed Caesar's army. It was later brought to the coast of California by Spanish Franciscans during colonisation. The cheese is named after David Jacks, who, according to one version of the story, conned his way into owning the Monterey Peninsula. With a surplus of milk, he began to make cheese, which became known as "Jack's Cheese" or "Monterey Jack".

Monterey Jack is a good pairing with sharp cheddar as its mild nature counterbalances the sharpness of cheddar. The two cheeses are sometimes mixed together in a blend. Monterey Jack also goes well with crackers, nuts, and fruits like mangoes, grapes, and peaches. It is a good match with milk chocolate, as both have soft and creamy textures that complement each other. The cheese also pairs well with herbs like dill, which has a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavour.

Monterey Jack is perfect for burgers and melts well, making it a good choice for grilled sandwiches, cooked vegetables, and warm dishes. It is also a good pairing with Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, light-bodied wine with hints of citrus that will not overpower the freshness and milder qualities of the cheese.

Parmesan: a dry, hard, Italian cheese with a rich, biting flavour

Parmesan is a dry, hard Italian cheese with a rich, biting flavour. It is made from skimmed cow's milk and aged for 12 to 16 months. Parmesan is white in colour and is often used as a topping for pasta dishes with red or white sauces. It can also be used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese, or when making cheese grits.

When paired with a mild cheddar, Parmesan's intensity shines through. If you're looking for a bold combination, try pairing Parmesan with a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. This creates a dish with two rich, bold cheeses. Parmesan also pairs well with other cheeses, such as Colby Jack, a semi-soft cheese that melts well and is often used in grilled sandwiches and warm dishes.

For a charcuterie board, it is best to offer a variety of textures and flavours. Hard cheeses like Parmesan go well with spreadable foods like jam. On the other hand, soft cheeses are better suited for crunchy nuts and crackers. If you're creating a charcuterie board with Parmesan, consider including some sweet jellies or jams to create a contrast of flavours. Honey, for example, can be used as a complementary third element to tie two different flavours together.

When it comes to wine pairings, white wines with lower tannins complement lighter cheeses as well as some dry, sharp varieties. An aged Parmesan pairs well with a creamy Chardonnay. Firm and nutty cheeses are also versatile and can be enjoyed with both red and white wines.

Smoked gouda: a semi-hard cheese with a creamy, smoky flavour

Smoked gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy, smoky flavour. It is made from cow's milk and originated in Holland. After being pressed, the cheese is placed in ovens and smoked over hickory chips, which gives it its distinctive taste and yellow colour. The smoking process also turns the rind of the cheese a deep brown.

Smoked gouda is a popular pairing with sharp cheddar, as the smokiness of the gouda complements the sharp, creamy texture of the cheddar. This combination is often used in dishes such as macaroni and cheese.

Smoked gouda can be grated, sliced, cubed, and melted, making it a versatile cheese to cook with. It is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as its smoky flavour adds depth to the dish. The cheese also goes well with crackers, fruits, and nuts on a charcuterie board. Its creamy texture and smoky flavour can stand up to stronger, more bitter crackers and breads, while its semi-hard consistency provides a nice contrast to softer, crunchier foods.

When creating a cheese board with smoked gouda, consider including other semi-hard or hard cheeses, such as cheddar, to provide a range of textures and flavours. Adding nuts, like pistachios or almonds, can enhance the smoky flavour of the gouda, while sweeter elements like honey or fruit can provide a delicious contrast. Smoked gouda also pairs well with wines, especially tannin-rich reds or sparkling wines, as the higher acidity and carbonation of these beverages can complement the creamy, smoky flavour of the cheese.

Extra sharp cheddar and pears

Extra sharp cheddar is a bold, rich cheese with a strong flavour and a creamy, sharp texture. The longer processing and aging time gives it a sharper taste than milder cheddars. The citrusy tang of the cheese cuts through the sweetness of the pears, creating a harmonious combination of flavours.

Pears are a sweet and juicy fruit that pairs well with the sharpness of the cheddar. The sweetness of the pears balances the tanginess of the cheese, resulting in a delicious and refreshing combination. The texture of the pears also provides a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider the texture and flavour of the cheese. Extra sharp cheddar is a hard cheese that pairs well with the soft, juicy texture of pears. The contrast in textures and flavours engages the senses and provides a well-rounded tasting experience.

In addition to pears, extra sharp cheddar also pairs well with other foods such as crackers, nuts, and meats. For a more adventurous pairing, try combining extra sharp cheddar with dark chocolate or honey. The key to successful pairings is to find complementary and contrasting flavours that enhance the taste of the cheese.

By understanding the characteristics of extra sharp cheddar and pears, you can create a delicious and well-balanced combination that showcases the best of both ingredients. This pairing is a great way to elevate a cheese board or appetizer and offers a unique sensory experience.

Frequently asked questions