Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks to create delicious combinations. While some pairings like sweet dessert wines or fish with a strong flavour may not be the best match for cheddar, there are still plenty of options to choose from. So, what are some of the perfect partners for this popular cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chorizo, Salami, Prosciutto, Capicola, Italian Salami, Ham |
| Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Riesling, Sparkling Wine, Rosé, Port |
| Beer | Mild Beer, Lager, Stout |
| Fruit | Figs, Dates, Pineapples, Mangos, Cherries, Apricots, Blackberries, Plums, Apples |
| Bread | Wheat Bread, Brown Bread, Seeded Bread, Oat Bread, Date Nut Bread, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Cranberry Walnut Bread |
| Other | Pickles, Chocolate, Nuts, Crackers |
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What You'll Learn
Wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of wines, from reds to whites and even sparkling options. When it comes to red wines, a medium-bodied option like a Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice to complement the sharpness of cheddar. The fruity notes in the wine create a delightful contrast with the bold tanginess of the cheese. For a more full-bodied experience, a Merlot is a great option, as its dark fruit or herbal characteristics seamlessly blend with sharp and tangy cheddars. If you're feeling adventurous, a Zinfandel with its blackberry and peppery notes will take your taste buds on a journey when paired with a seriously sharp cheddar.
Moving on to white wines, a crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, with its high acidity, is an elegant choice to accompany cheddar. The acidity in the wine highlights the flavour of the cheese without overwhelming it. Chardonnay is another fantastic option, as its fruitiness beautifully enhances the bold tanginess of cheddar, creating a harmonious pairing. For a refreshing twist, a dry to off-dry sparkling wine or Champagne is a delightful surprise when paired with cheddar, especially a softer variety.
While red and white wines are the most common choices for cheese pairings, a drier rosé should not be overlooked. The bright fruit flavours and acidity in rosé make it a versatile option for mild cheddar, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable combination. Additionally, sparkling wines are not just for whites; they can also be paired with softer cheddars. The higher acidity and carbonation in sparkling wines act as a palate cleanser, making them a perfect match for especially soft and creamy cheddars.
When it comes to wine and cheddar pairings, it's important to remember that experimentation is key. While some combinations may be more classic, don't be afraid to let your curiosity guide you. Ultimately, the perfect pairing depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics of the cheese and wine.
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Pickles, from dill to spicy Habanero
Pickles and cheddar cheese is a classic combination, especially in the UK, where it is a staple of the traditional Ploughman's lunch, typically served in pubs. The salty, sharp, and pungent flavours of pickles complement the rich, fatty mouthfeel of cheddar cheese.
Dill pickles, in particular, are a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a tangy taste to the comfort food. The sandwich typically includes a slice of cheese, sliced dill pickles, and a second slice of cheese layered on a slice of bread. The sandwich is then cooked on a skillet or pan until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
For those who like their food spicy, habanero peppers can be added to the grilled cheese sandwich to give it a kick. Alternatively, you can use a flavoured cheese with habanero, such as Bothwell's Habanero with Cracked Black Pepper. When pairing a high-heat cheese like this, it is recommended to add something fatty to reduce the intensity of the hot peppers or something sweet to give the impression of reduced heat. Bread is also a good pairing with habanero cheese as it absorbs the oils in the habanero peppers and balances out the heat.
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Dried fruits, from figs to mangoes
Dried fruits are a great pairing with cheddar cheese, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the cheese's creamy texture. Dried figs, in particular, are a wonderful choice, as their natural sweetness is a perfect match for the sharpness of cheddar. The rich, robust flavour and granular texture of an extra sharp cheddar can be beautifully offset by the sweetness of dried figs.
Other dried fruits that pair well with cheddar include dates, pineapples, and mangoes. These fruits add a touch of tropical flair to the pairing, evoking a Mediterranean or island vibe. Smaller dried fruits, such as tart cherries and apricots, are also excellent choices, as they complement the cheese perfectly and can be combined with nuts for a delicious and healthy trail mix.
When creating a charcuterie board, consider adding some dried fruits to complement the cheddar cheese. The sweetness of the fruit will provide a nice contrast to the saltiness of meats like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo. For a well-rounded board, include some crackers or hearty bread, such as wheat bread or brown seeded bread, which pairs exceptionally well with cheddar.
For a unique and indulgent treat, try pairing your cheddar with a glass of wine. A bright, fruity rosé or a crisp, light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc can complement the flavour of cheddar without overwhelming it. If you prefer red wine, a medium-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot will enhance the sharpness of the cheddar. However, it's important to note that overly sweet wines or dessert wines may not be the best choice, as they can overpower the delicate flavour of the cheese.
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Breads, from wheat to sweet date nut bread
When it comes to bread, wheat bread is a great match for the bold taste of cheddars. The rich, robust flavour and granular texture of extra sharp cheddar taste divine on a toasted piece of brown, seeded, or oat bread.
For a sweet and savoury combination, cheddar can be plated with sweet breads such as date nut bread or cinnamon raisin bread. For a unique twist, shred sharp cheddar on a piece of cranberry walnut bread and toast it in the oven until crispy.
For a more classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich made with wheat bread and cheddar is a popular choice. The sharpness of cheddar is balanced by the savoury, toasted bread.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, cheddar can also be paired with chocolate. The rich bitterness of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is a perfect match for a cheddar that has a rich flavour and extra crunch, like a cheddar that's been aged for two years. Together, the duo creates a milky and savoury blend.
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Meat, from chorizo to Italian salami
When it comes to pairing cured meat and cheese, it's all about finding the right balance of flavours and textures. Cured meats, such as salami and chorizo, offer a range of flavours that can complement the sharpness of cheddar cheese.
Let's start with chorizo, a cured sausage from Spain that is typically made with paprika and cayenne pepper, giving it a zesty, spicy kick. When paired with an aged cheddar, the creaminess of the cheese helps to balance out the heat of the chorizo. This combination creates a delightful interplay of flavours, leaving you with a lingering taste of paprika, garlic, and a slight artichoke note. For a truly exceptional pairing, opt for a sheep's milk cheddar, such as La Serena, which will melt in your mouth and provide the perfect contrast to the spicy chorizo.
If you're looking for a milder option, Italian salami offers a range of flavours that can complement cheddar cheese. Salami is typically made with black pepper, red pepper, fennel, and sometimes truffle, resulting in a tangy and intense flavour profile. When paired with a sharp cheddar, the tanginess of the salami is accentuated, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. To enhance this pairing, consider adding a spicy brown or Dijon mustard, which will bring out the best in both the salami and the cheddar.
When creating a charcuterie board with these pairings, don't forget to include a variety of textures to elevate your tasting experience. Crackers, nuts, and pickles not only add crunch but also provide a palate-cleansing contrast to the softness of the meat and cheese.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with additional condiments to further enhance your pairings. Honey, for example, pairs wonderfully with aged cheddars, bringing out their nutty characteristics. A drizzle of honey can add a new dimension to your chorizo or salami and cheddar combinations, creating an even more indulgent tasting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Some unique foods to pair with cheddar cheese include tangy or spicy pickles, dried fruits (such as figs, dates, pineapples, and mangoes), dark chocolate, and charcuterie meats like chorizo, salami, and prosciutto.
Cheddar cheese pairs well with a variety of wines, especially red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and medium-bodied reds. It also goes well with some white wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. When it comes to beer, mild beers are recommended to be paired with mild cheddars, while stronger and heavier beers like lagers and stouts go well with ripe, rich cheddars.
It is recommended to avoid overly sweet or sugary fruits and jams, fish or seafood with strong flavours, pepper jelly, spicy pickles, curried foods, and sweet dessert wines as they can overpower or clash with the flavour of cheddar cheese.
