Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks. The ideal pairing depends on the age of the cheddar, with older cheddars having a drier, nuttier, and sharper flavour. Aged cheddars go well with crackers, crusty French bread, mustard, cured meats, and fruits such as apples, pears, and berries. When it comes to drinks, aged cheddars are best paired with brown ales, traditional British pale ales, or American pale ales. For wines, a Chardonnay or Riesling is a good choice, while a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz is better suited for cheddars aged 4 years or more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine | Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Ruby Port, Champagne, sparkling whites, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Rioja, Nebbiolo, Red Rhône blends, Tawny Port, medium-bodied reds, full-bodied reds, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Beer | Pilsner, Helles Lager, Kölsch, brown ales, traditional British pale ale, American pale ale, Imperial IPA, Trappist ales |
| Whiskey | Aged whiskey |
| Fruits | Blackberries, plums, figs, crisp apples, pineapples, dried pears, dried figs, dates, pineapples, mangoes, cherries, apricots |
| Other foods | Crackers, crusty French bread, mustard, cured salami, roasted red peppers, chilli, chocolate, mac and cheese, pumpkin |
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What You'll Learn
Fruits, crackers, bread and mustard
The sharpness of aged cheddar pairs well with fruits that are sweet, tart, and juicy. Blackberries, plums, figs, crisp apples, and pineapples are all excellent choices. Apples and cheddar are a classic combination, and you can experiment with different varieties of apples to find your favorite. For example, a Granny Smith apple will give you a creamy, smooth, and tart blend, while a Fuji apple with a bit of honey will create a sharp and sweet delight. Dried fruits such as dates, cranberries, apricots, and cherries also pair well with aged cheddar, adding a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture.
When it comes to crackers and bread, the robust flavor of aged cheddar pairs perfectly with hearty wheat bread, especially if the bread is toasted and has a seeded or oat variety. The contrast between the rich, robust flavor of the cheese and the crunchy texture of the bread or crackers creates a delightful sensory experience. For a unique twist, try pairing aged cheddar with sweet breads such as date nut bread or cinnamon raisin bread. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is simply divine.
To enhance the flavor of aged cheddar, consider spreading it on crackers with a hint of spice, such as black pepper crackers. Additionally, whole-grain mustard is an excellent condiment to pair with aged cheddar, especially when served alongside rich cured salami. The sharpness of the cheddar and the tanginess of the mustard create a flavor profile that is both bold and satisfying.
While aged cheddar is delicious on its own or with the aforementioned pairings, you can also get creative and incorporate it into recipes. For a comforting fall meal, try a pumpkin mac and cheese, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the sharpness of smoked cheddar. Alternatively, for a unique dessert, pair aged cheddar with dark chocolate to indulge in a rich and bitter flavor combination that complements the cheese's extra crunch.
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Beer
When it comes to pairing beer with aged cheddar cheese, the type of beer you choose will depend on the creaminess and sharpness of the cheddar, as the bitterness of the hops will help match the sharpness of the cheese while also cutting through its rich flavours.
For cheddar aged around 9-12 months, which has a slightly sweet and buttery flavour, a pilsner or helles lager is a good choice. These beers are smooth and crisp with mild bitterness and a spicy flavour from Saaz hops. A Kölsch beer, with its smooth, fruity, and crisp body with mild bitterness, will also pair well with this type of cheddar.
If your cheddar is aged for 2 to 3 years, it will have developed dry, nutty, creamy flavours, and you should look for a brown ale, which tends to be maltier and sweeter on the palate with a fuller body. A traditional British pale ale, which is typically malty and buttery with light, balanced hops, will also complement the creamy flavour of the cheddar. American pale ales, which are fruity and bitter with a lighter malt flavour, can also be a good match for cheddar aged for 2 to 3 years.
For cheddars aged 4 or more years, you should reach for an Imperial IPA or a Trappist ale, such as Westvleteren 12 quadrupel, which has malty, dried fruit, nutty flavours with a slightly bitter finish.
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Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with cheddar cheese, the ideal pairing depends on how mature the cheese is. A good rule of thumb is to achieve a balance of flavour, where neither the cheese nor the wine overpowers the other.
For a cheddar aged for 9 to 12 months with a slightly sweet, buttery flavour, a Chardonnay or Riesling is a good choice. A Chardonnay is said to bring out the best of both flavours – the fruitiness of the wine and the bold tanginess of the cheese. A crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc high in acidity is also a good option, as it allows the flavour of the cheddar to shine without smothering it.
If your cheddar is aged for 2 to 3 years, acquiring dry, nutty, toasted, and hazelnut flavours, you can pair it with a Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Ruby Port, Champagne, or other sparkling whites.
For a cheddar aged 4 or more years, you can go for a full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon, an aged French Bordeaux, Shiraz, Rioja, Nebbiolo, Red Rhône blends, or Tawny Port.
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Whiskey
When it comes to whiskey, there are several varieties to choose from, each with its own distinct flavour profile. Here is a guide to help you navigate the world of whiskey and find the perfect pairing for your aged cheddar cheese:
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskeys are primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, resulting in sweet, smooth flavour notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. While younger cheddars pair well with bourbon, aged cheddar cheese is better complemented by a peated Scotch whiskey. However, if you're looking for a bourbon to pair with your aged cheddar, the bourbon's sweetness and spice will be a good match for the sharpness of the aged cheddar.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskeys are made from at least 51% rye and aged in charred oak barrels, resulting in spicy and peppery flavour notes with hints of cinnamon and clove. While younger cheddars go well with rye whiskey, aged cheddars are better paired with other whiskeys.
Scotch Whisky
Scotch whiskies are made in Scotland from malted barley and aged in oak barrels, giving them a smoky, peaty flavour with notes of honey, heather, and sea salt. The smokiness of the whisky comes from how the peat is burned to dry the barley. Aged cheddar pairs well with peated Scotch, with the sharpness of the cheddar complementing the whisky's fruity flavours and strong pineapple notes. The nuttiness of the cheddar also goes well with the sweet and spicy notes of the whisky.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskeys are made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, mellow flavour with notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. The ageing process lends sweeter flavours such as caramel and oak. Irish whiskey pairs well with aged cheddar, especially the subtly nutty and salty Irish cheddars. The lighter character, density, and flavour notes of Irish whiskey also make it a good match for goat's cheese.
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Salami
Provolone
Provolone is a classic pairing with salami. Its mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture complement the spiciness of salami, creating a perfect harmony.
Gouda
Gouda, a semi-hard Dutch cheese, offers sweetness and nuttiness that beautifully match the savoury and spicy notes of salami. Both young and aged Gouda can be used, providing different texture experiences. The creamy, slightly sweet flavour of Gouda creates a delightful contrast with the savoury taste of salami.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a mild and buttery cheese with a slight tang. Its melting quality makes it a versatile choice for various dishes, such as burgers, quesadillas, and nachos. When paired with salami, it adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang to balance the spiced flavour of the meat.
Brie
For a softer option, Brie provides a creamy and mild counterpoint to the robust flavour of salami. Its buttery texture enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pairing, creating a rich and indulgent experience.
Asiago
If you're looking for a harder cheese option, Asiago is a nutty and slightly fruity cheese that pairs well with Milano salami. This lean salami is stuffed with peppercorns, and the combination can be served on a meat and cheese platter or in a sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Aged cheddar cheese can be paired with cured meats like salami, fruits like apples, blackberries, plums, figs, pineapples, and pears, and crackers or crusty French bread.
Aged cheddars pair well with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Port, Champagne, and other sparkling whites.
Aged cheddars go well with brown ales, pale ales, IPAs, and whiskey.
