Cheese And Bloody Mary: The Perfect Pairing

A Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail. It is a savoury, spicy drink, typically made with vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, celery salt, and pepper. It is often garnished with a stick of celery, but many people like to add more substantial garnishes, such as bacon, grilled shrimp, or cheese. In fact, some people add so many toppings that their Bloody Mary resembles a salad in a glass!

When it comes to cheese, there are several varieties that pair well with a Bloody Mary. These include brie, blackberries, yellow cheddar cheese, pickle chunks, white cheese curds, beef sticks, blue cheese-stuffed olives, old cheddar, jalapeño Havarti, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Blue cheese stuffed olives

To make blue cheese stuffed olives, you will need the following ingredients:

• Large green olives (such as Spanish Queen olives)
• Blue cheese (e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton)
• Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• Black pepper (freshly cracked)
• Parsley (diced)

First, remove the pimiento peppers from the olives. You can use a toothpick to carefully dislodge them. Then, fill a piping bag or a simple plastic bag with the blue cheese filling. You can make this filling by mixing the blue cheese and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.

Next, carefully pipe the blue cheese mixture into each olive. Garnish with cracked black pepper and diced parsley. You can serve these tasty treats with toothpicks, or add them to a dry martini for a savoury garnish.

If you want to change it up, you can substitute the blue cheese with creamy goat cheese or opt for a milder blue cheese like gorgonzola. For an added crunch, stuff a roasted almond into the blue cheese filling. You can even fry the stuffed olives and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce.

These blue cheese stuffed olives are sure to be a hit at your next cocktail party or gathering, offering a salty and tangy explosion of flavour!

Brie and blackberries

A combination of brie and blackberries is a great way to add a sweet touch to a spicy Bloody Mary. The creamy texture of the brie is balanced by the juicy blackberries, creating a classy combo that is sure to impress.

To make these skewers, cut the brie into small cubes and alternate between the cheese and fruit on a skewer until it is filled. This simple yet elegant combination will elevate your Bloody Mary experience, providing a delightful contrast to the savoury and spicy notes of the drink.

If you're looking for variations, you can swap out the brie for Camembert or Gouda to add a different creamy element. For a gourmet twist, try smoked salmon or prosciutto instead of beef. For vegetarian options, replace the meat with cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.

Remember to assemble the skewers right before serving to ensure freshness. Get creative with your combinations and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent splinters.

These brie and blackberry skewers are a perfect addition to your Bloody Mary, bringing a touch of sweetness and elegance to your favourite brunch cocktail.

Cheddar cheese and pickle chunks

If you're a classic Bloody Mary lover, yellow cheddar cheese and pickle chunks are a winning combination. The sharpness of the cheddar and the tanginess of the pickle will add a burst of flavour to your drink.

To make this pairing a reality, cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes and the pickles into small chunks. Then, simply alternate the cheddar and pickle pieces on a skewer until it's filled. You can also add other ingredients to the skewer, such as beef sticks or olives, for an even heartier snack.

To elevate your Bloody Mary experience, pay attention to the glassware and presentation. Use tall glasses that feel good in your hand, and don't forget to rim the glass with a mix of salt and spices. You can also provide different flavoured salts for your guests to choose from.

Remember, the key to a great Bloody Mary experience is customisation. Everyone has their own preferences, so feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, pickles, and other ingredients to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your drink and snack, all in one!

White cheese curds and beef sticks

To make this delicious pairing a reality, simply cut your beef sticks into small chunks and alternate them with white cheese curds on a skewer. This creates a beautiful presentation and makes it easy for your guests to enjoy the flavours together.

If you want to take your Bloody Mary game even further, you can create a full-flavoured skewer by adding other ingredients such as pickles, olives, or even small cubes of bread to create a mini-sandwich on a stick. Soak wooden skewers in water first to prevent splinters, and assemble them right before serving to keep everything fresh.

For a show-stopping presentation, use tall glasses that feel good in your hand, fill them with ice, and then pour in your favourite Bloody Mary mix. Don't forget to add a celery stick and give it a stir before adding your skewers.

You can make your own Bloody Mary mix by combining tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For an extra kick, add more hot sauce or experiment with different types of hot sauce. If you're short on time, you can also use a store-bought mix—just add your own twist to make it unique!

Grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect pairing with a Bloody Mary, offering a savoury, crunchy, and satisfying bite to accompany the drink. The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, and when paired with the Bloody Mary, it becomes an indulgent treat. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich to accompany your Bloody Mary.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Choose a thick-sliced, crusty bread such as sourdough, rye, or a country loaf. The bread should be able to withstand the weight of the cheese and grilling process without falling apart.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best for grilling the sandwich. You can also use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an extra crispy texture.
• Cheese: Opt for a combination of cheeses for added depth of flavour. Try a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. You can also add cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra creamy texture.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs such as oregano or thyme.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Meat: Consider adding thin slices of ham, bacon, or salami to elevate the sandwich and create a heartier bite.
• Vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, spinach, or caramelised onions can add a nice touch, but be mindful of adding too much moisture, which can make the sandwich soggy.

Instructions:

• Gather your ingredients and preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread generously. You can also spread mayonnaise on the other side for an extra crispy exterior.
• Place the buttered side of the bread face down on a clean surface. Layer your chosen cheeses on one slice, adding any desired seasonings or add-ins. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
• Place the sandwich on the preheated skillet or griddle. Grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.
• Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwich from the heat and let it rest for a minute. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and ensure a neat, tidy bite.
• Cut the sandwich diagonally into triangles or halves. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

The grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations of cheeses, seasonings, and add-ins to create your signature sandwich. Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich alongside a refreshing Bloody Mary for the ultimate indulgent treat.

Frequently asked questions