Gouda's Perfect Pair: Exploring Complimentary Cheeses

Gouda is a mild, sweet, and creamy cheese that is perfect for snacking or cooking. When creating a cheeseboard, gouda pairs well with fruits like peaches, plums, apples, and pears, as well as nuts such as cashews and pecans. For drinks, gouda goes well with wines like Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc, or beers like Bock Ale, Amber Ale, or Lager. In cooking, gouda is versatile and can be used in dishes like paninis, burgers, mac & cheese, soups, and stews. It can also be paired with ingredients like mustard, ham, and potatoes to create delicious meals.

Characteristics of cheeses that go well with gouda

Gouda and fruit

Gouda is a creamy, mild, and sweet cheese that pairs well with fruits, adding a delightful touch to your cheeseboard or snack plate. Here are some ideas for combining Gouda with fruits for a delightful culinary experience:

Apples

Gouda pairs exceptionally well with apples, enhancing each other's flavours. Try pairing a mature or vintage Gouda with a Honeycrisp apple for a spectacular combination. The crispness and sweetness of the apple provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, salty, and caramelized notes of the cheese.

Pears

Gouda and pear is a classic combination favoured by the Dutch. The sweetness of the pear complements the mild and nutty flavour of the Gouda. Try a Bosc pear or any variety of your choice for a delicious treat.

Peaches and Plums

For a summery twist, pair your Gouda with peaches and plums. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese. Add some cashews and pecans to the mix for a delightful snack plate or cheeseboard.

Tropical Fruits and Green Apple

If you're looking for a wine pairing to go with your fruit and Gouda, try a Vintage Lot 8 Gouda with a M.A.N. Chenin Blanc. The salty and sweet flavours of the aged Gouda are accentuated by the wine's notes of tropical fruits and green apple. The high acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Citrus and Green Notes

For a fun variation, try a Youngsters Pesto Gouda with a Hess North Coast Sauvignon Blanc. The rich basil flavour of the cheese is balanced by the wine's grapefruit, lemon, and lime notes, creating a refreshing and savoury combination.

Gouda and mustard

A popular way to enjoy this combination is to use smoked Gouda in a mustard sauce. This sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, such as a dressing for grilled asparagus or as a topping for fish. To make the sauce, simply melt butter in a deep saucepan, stir in mustard powders, and then add milk. Once combined, stir in shredded smoked Gouda until you reach your desired consistency.

You can also buy Gouda with mustard seeds already added to the cheese. This variety adds a tangy flavour to the creamy cheese, creating a versatile and popular taste. This type of cheese is made by adding mustard seeds to the mixture during the making of the cheese. The mustard seeds intensify the flavour of the cheese as it matures, adding acidity and a punchy flavour.

For a simple yet delicious snack, enjoy slices of Gouda with a dollop of mustard on the side for dipping. This pairing is a great way to showcase the quality of the Gouda without overwhelming its flavour.

Gouda and wine

Gouda is a creamy, mild, and sweet cheese that pairs well with various wines. Here are some specific types of Gouda and the wines that complement them:

Vintage Lot 8 Gouda and M.A.N. Chenin Blanc

The Vintage Lot 8 Gouda is salty and sweet, with a firm yet smooth texture. Its creaminess coats your tongue, so it pairs well with a wine that has high acidity. The M.A.N. Chenin Blanc is a perfect match with its notes of tropical fruits and green apple, balanced by fresh acidity and minerality. This combination will leave your palate feeling refreshed and ready for the next bite.

Youngsters Pesto Gouda and Hess North Coast Sauvignon Blanc

The Youngsters Pesto Gouda has a rich basil flavor that infuses the cheese with the taste of pesto. To complement this savory cheese, choose a wine with high acidity. The Hess North Coast Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice, with its grapefruit, lemon, and lime notes cutting through the savory flavors of the Gouda.

Youngsters Chilikaas Gouda and Singing Laurenz V Grüner Veltliner

The Youngsters Chilikaas Gouda is buttery and rich, with a balanced heat from fire-roasted Hatch Chiles. The Singing Laurenz V Grüner Veltliner is an excellent choice to complement this Gouda. It has notes of apple, peach, citrus, and white pepper, with high acidity and a surprising punch that enhances the spice of the Gouda while cutting through its creaminess.

Hay There Raw Milk Gouda with Lavender and Thyme and Delille Cellars Bordeaux Blend

The Hay There Raw Milk Gouda with Lavender and Thyme has a unique flavor profile that is floral, herbal, and earthy, while also being creamy and slightly sweet. The Delille Cellars Bordeaux Blend is an excellent choice to pair with this Gouda. It has a ton of flavor, including notes of blue and red fruits, earth, and slight tobacco. The wine finishes silky on the palate with soft tannins, creating a well-balanced combination.

Youngsters Hickory Smoked Gouda and Penner Ash Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Youngsters Hickory Smoked Gouda is aged for 4-6 weeks, achieving a perfect creamy texture. It is cold-smoked over hickory wood, infusing it with a gorgeous toasty oakiness. The Penner Ash Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is an excellent complement to this Gouda, with its earth and smoke notes mirroring the flavors in the cheese. The cherry notes and bramble fruit finish provide a refreshing touch to this indulgent pairing.

Gouda and bread

Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways, especially with bread. Here are some ideas to elevate your next meal or snack:

Simple Snacking

If you're looking for a quick and easy snack, gouda pairs well with a variety of breads. Try slicing some gouda and enjoying it with dark rye bread, butter, and a touch of mustard. You can also add other charcuterie board favorites like salami, or some fruit like apples, pears, or honeycrisp apples. For a more indulgent treat, wrap the gouda in puff pastry, egg-wash, and bake until golden.

Sandwiches

Gouda is a great addition to sandwiches, adding a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor. For a simple option, try a grilled cheese sandwich with gouda, or get creative with a turkey, gouda, and apple tea sandwich. You can also try a roast beef sandwich on roasted potato bread, or a classic panini with gouda and cured meats.

Beyond Bread

For a heartier meal, gouda can be the star ingredient in recipes like gouda and spinach pizza, gouda-stuffed chicken breasts, or gouda mac and cheese. You can also try a savory mushroom and smoked gouda puff, or a comforting bowl of golden gouda mushroom soup.

So, the next time you're looking to enjoy some gouda, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread and flavor combinations to create a delicious treat.

Gouda and meat

Gouda is a very versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with meat. Here are some ideas for combining Gouda and meat:

Gouda and Ham

Gouda pairs well with ham, as seen in the traditional Dutch dish of endive casserole, which consists of endive rolled in ham and Gouda and baked in the oven. Another option is to create a charcuterie board with sliced Gouda, rye bread, and good salami.

Gouda and Beef

For a hearty meal, try a roast beef sandwich on Gouda and roasted potato bread. Alternatively, you can make smoked Gouda and roast beef pinwheels as an appetiser. For a more indulgent option, try a bacon mac 'n' cheese cornbread skillet, or gouda-stuffed chicken breasts on brioche buns with spinach and a light aioli.

Gouda and Pork

Gouda can be used to make delicious pork dishes such as spinach and Gouda stuffed pork cutlets, or Sunday best stuffed pork chops. For a more casual option, try gouda and roasted potato bread with a beef patty for a unique take on a burger.

Gouda and Chicken

For a lighter option, try a chicken sandwich with avocado, bacon, and gouda. If you're feeling more adventurous, try crispy gouda chicken with herb salsa.

Gouda and Other Meats

Gouda can also be paired with other meats, such as smoked salmon, which can be enjoyed on rye bread. For a fun twist on a classic, try apple-gouda pigs in a blanket.

Frequently asked questions