Frederic Melton
When it comes to aged cheese, there are endless possibilities for what to serve alongside it. A classic option is to keep it simple with a fresh-sliced baguette or crackers. For those who want to get more creative, nuts, honeycomb, preserves, pickles, and locally made artisan crackers can all make excellent accompaniments. When it comes to specific types of aged cheese, such as cheddar, suggestions include honey, grilled cheese sandwiches, meats, and other cheeses. For a more sophisticated pairing, consider a glass of Riesling or Chardonnay, and for a French favourite, Mimolette, a glass of beer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Baguette, sourdough |
| Crackers | Artisan crackers, oatcakes |
| Nuts | Pistachio, walnuts |
| Honey | |
| Fruits | Kumquats, nectarines, strawberries, roasted figs, pineapple |
| Meat | Salami, prosciutto |
| Preserves | Cranberry preserves, nectarine and serrano jam |
| Drinks | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, beer |
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What You'll Learn
Pairing aged cheese with cured meats
When pairing aged cheese with cured meats, it's important to remember that both foods are full of fat, protein, and salt. As such, it's best to proceed with caution when pairing the two so as not to overwhelm the palate.
A classic pairing of aged cheese and cured meat is Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. This pairing is so iconic because the whey byproduct of Parmigiano Reggiano production is fed to the hogs whose back legs become Prosciutto di Parma. The salty, nutty, and coarse Parmigiano Reggiano is a perfect complement to the Prosciutto di Parma's sweet and buttery flavour.
Another pairing to try is Cracker Barrel's Aged Reserve Cheddar with rich cured salami and whole-grain mustard. The bold, sharp flavours of the cheddar are also complemented by mixed olives, garlic toast, and prosciutto.
When in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to pair like flavours. For example, two sour ingredients may be paired together, allowing other flavours to flourish. However, a more common approach is that opposites attract. This means that a sharp, salty cheese may be balanced by a sweeter, nuttier meat.
Finally, cured meats fall into two major groups: whole muscle or encased. Whole muscle meats, like prosciutto, are typically dry-cured and have a more subtle, sweet, and nutty flavour. Encased meats, like salami, are usually fermented and have a noticeable tang with intense aromas of black pepper, red pepper, and fennel. Keeping these differences in mind will help you create balanced and complementary flavour profiles when pairing aged cheese with cured meats.
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Sweet foods to serve with aged cheese
When it comes to aged cheese, there are several sweet foods that can be served alongside it. Firstly, honey is an excellent choice, as it adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the sharpness of aged cheeses. You can also try drizzling honey over a triple creme cheese like Brillat Savarin, made from pasteurized cow's milk, for a sweet and lactic delight. Another option is to pair aged cheese with dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, which provide a burst of sweetness and a contrasting texture.
For a more indulgent option, consider pairing your aged cheese with nuts and dried fruits. Honey and pistachios, for example, can highlight the buttery nuttiness of a sharp cheddar, while walnuts and roasted figs complement the flavour profile of extra sharp cheddar. Additionally, a drizzle of maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness to your cheese board.
If you're looking for something unique, try pairing your aged cheese with sweeter cheeses. Von Trapp Oma, a washed-rind raw cow's milk cheese, has a mellow and fruity sweetness. Another option is Rogue River Blue, a boozy and sweet cheese wrapped in grape leaves macerated in pear brandy. These sweeter cheeses can add an interesting dimension to your cheese board and surprise your guests.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of fresh fruits to balance out the richness of aged cheese. Sliced or pureed nectarines, for instance, can be made into a slightly spicy jam to accompany aged cheeses. Fresh strawberries can also add a burst of freshness when paired with extra sharp cheddar.
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Savoury foods to serve with aged cheese
When serving aged cheese, it is important to let the cheese shine as the star of the dish. You can serve it on a cheese board with other cheeses, meats, crackers, and accompaniments, or use it as an ingredient in grilled cheese sandwiches or salads. Here are some specific ideas for savoury foods to serve with aged cheese:
Salami and Mustard
The complexity of aged cheddar pairs perfectly with rich cured salami and whole-grain mustard. The saltiness of the salami and the sharpness of the mustard complement the bold flavour of the cheese.
Olives, Garlic Toast, and Prosciutto
These savoury items provide an exquisite match with the bold, sharp flavours of aged cheddar. The brininess of the olives and the garlicky aroma of the toast create a complex flavour profile that enhances the cheese experience.
Crackers and Honey
Aged cheddar can be served with crackers, and a drizzle of honey to add a touch of sweetness. The contrast between the salty, sharp cheese and the sweet honey creates a delightful flavour combination.
Nuts and Dried Fruits
Aged cheese can also be paired with nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, as well as dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and dates. The sweetness and chewiness of the dried fruits balance the saltiness and creaminess of the cheese, while the nuts add a crunchy texture.
Savoury Oatcakes
You can also pair aged cheese with savoury peppery oatcakes. These oatcakes can be enjoyed with or without cheese and provide a nice contrast to the creamy, salty flavour of aged cheese.
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Wines to serve with aged cheese
Wine and cheese is a timeless pairing, with near-endless combinations to explore. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, there are some classic pairings that are worth trying.
Aged cheddars have a fattiness that pairs well with the mouth-drying tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich, chocolatey Malbec is also a good match for the sharp tang of an aged cheddar. Chardonnay is another wine that goes well with cheddar, especially when served with sweet and fragrant raisin bread or strawberries, which add a burst of freshness. Pinot Grigio is also a good match for cheddar, especially when served with walnuts, roasted figs, and honey.
Other classic wine and cheese combinations include Sangiovese and Parmigiano-Reggiano, Brunello di Montalcino and Grana Padano, and Tempranillo with the harder texture of Idiazabal. For goat's cheese, try a French Sauvignon Blanc to bring out the nutty and herbal flavours, or a Grüner Veltliner. For blue cheese, try Sauternes, and for raclette, a high-acidity Riesling is a good match.
When it comes to pairing wine with salty, nutty Manchego, it is best to shop around in the cheese’s country of origin. The semi-hard cheese pairs well with a glass of Rioja, the quintessential Spanish wine. Comté cheese, from France, often develops sweet fruit notes with age, undercut with a nutty and smoky finish. This calls for a highly aromatic wine, such as a Gewürztraminer, bursting with white flower aromas and low acidity.
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Aged cheese as part of a cheese board
When building a cheese board, it is important to select a variety of cheeses to provide a range of flavours. Cheddar is a great anchor for any cheese board due to its popularity and familiar flavour. It also provides a good basis for comparison against other cheeses.
Aged cheese, such as a 20-year-old cheddar, can be the star of a cheese board. Its intense flavour can be complemented by various foods and drinks. A small dab of honey on sharp cheddar can enhance its flavour. Honey infused with brined green peppercorns is another option to accompany aged cheese. Honey and pistachio can highlight the buttery nuttiness of extra sharp cheddar, while pineapple provides a lively contrast, adding brightness to this unexpected combination.
For a more savoury option, aged cheddar pairs well with rich cured salami and whole-grain mustard. The sweetness of roasted red peppers complements this combination, and a glass of Riesling rounds it out. Mixed olives, garlic toast, and prosciutto also provide an exquisite savoury match with the bold, sharp flavours of aged cheddar.
When serving aged cheese, it is best to slice or cut the cheese just before serving. Leaving the rinds on the cheese adds a dash of colour to the cheese board.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that can accompany aged cheese are crackers, bread, nuts, honeycomb, preserves, pickles, cured meats, and fruits.
Some foods that can be served with aged cheddar are salami, whole grain mustard, roasted red peppers, garlic toast, prosciutto, cranberry preserves, maple syrup, honey, and various wines.
Aged cheese can be served on a cheese board, in a grilled cheese sandwich, or grated on top of another dish.
Some types of aged cheese are cheddar, mimolette, and manchego.
