Bushra Griffith
The British condiment Branston Pickle is a popular choice for cheese and pickle sandwiches. The sweet and spicy chutney, which contains chunks of vegetables, is often paired with cheddar, brie, or blue cheese. It can be spread on sandwiches, crackers, or even used as a dip. In addition to sandwiches, Branston Pickle can be used in recipes such as lasagne and deviled eggs. While it may be harder to find in some places, such as the United States, it is available in some stores and can also be purchased online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese pairings | Cheddar, Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar, Dubliner White Cheddar, Double Gloucester, Extra Mature Cheddar, Wensleydale, Blue Cheese, Brie |
| Bread pairings | Sourdough, Country White, Reduced-calorie multi-grain, Thick slices of sturdy bread |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Mayo, Lettuce, Ham, Onions, Tomato |
| Meal ideas | Sandwich, Toasty, Lasagne, Ploughman's lunch, Crackers, Open-faced melted cheese toast |
| Availability | Available in the UK and the US, can be purchased online |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese and Branston pickle sandwiches
The Cheese and Branston Pickle sandwich is a British classic. It is a simple yet delicious combination of cheese, butter, Branston Pickle, and bread. Here is a guide to creating the perfect Cheese and Branston Pickle sandwich.
Ingredients
The key ingredients are bread, butter, Branston Pickle, and cheese. For the cheese, a sharp or extra sharp cheddar is a popular choice, although other options include Wensleydale, Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar, or Dubliner White Cheddar. For a more indulgent sandwich, you could try Brie or blue cheese.
Branston Pickle is a British condiment that adds a unique flavour to the sandwich. It is a chutney-like spread with a sweet and spicy taste and chunks of vegetables. Branston offers different varieties, including a standard chunky version and a small-chunk version, which is better if you prefer a smoother texture.
Assembly
Start by buttering two slices of bread. Some recipes suggest spreading a small amount of mayonnaise on the bread as well. Next, spread a generous amount of Branston Pickle on one slice of bread. If you are making a toastie, it is recommended to add the cheese first, followed by the pickle, and then more cheese to prevent the pickle from seeping into the bread. For a cold sandwich, you can simply place the cheese on top of the pickle. Finally, top it off with the second slice of bread.
Serving Suggestions
If you are making a toastie, butter the outside of the bread and fry it in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden and the centre is gooey. For a cold sandwich, some suggest that it tastes better when served cold. You can serve it with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup, or some ready-salted crisps on the side.
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Branston pickle with crackers
Branston pickle is a beloved British condiment that can be paired with crackers and cheese. It is a chutney-like spread with a sweet and spicy flavour and chunks of vegetables. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to pair with Branston pickle and crackers, there are several options to consider:
Cheddar
A sharp or extra sharp cheddar is a classic pairing with Branston pickle. The strong, tangy flavour of the cheese complements the sweetness of the pickle. For a true British experience, opt for an extra mature cheddar that crumbles easily. Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar is a popular choice, and Dubliner White Cheddar is a similar option readily available at Costco.
Brie
For a more elegant option, baked brie pairs beautifully with Branston pickle on crackers. The creamy texture of the cheese offsets the tanginess of the pickle, adding a touch of sweetness reminiscent of fig jam.
Blue Cheese
If you're feeling adventurous, blue cheese is a flavourful option that works surprisingly well with Branston pickle. The strong, pungent flavour of the blue cheese creates an explosion of flavour when paired with the sweet and spicy pickle.
Other Cheeses
In addition to the classics, there are several other cheeses worth considering. Wensleydale, a traditional English cheese, is a great choice to pair with Branston pickle. If you're looking for a more unique option, Price's Pimento Cheese, a Texas favourite, can add a southern twist to your crackers.
Cracker Recommendations
When it comes to crackers, a simple water cracker or Triscuit can be a great base for your Branston pickle and cheese. For a heartier option, consider a crispbread or a thicker cracker that can withstand the weight of the cheese and pickle.
Ploughman's Lunch
For a traditional British experience, create a ploughman's lunch by pairing your Branston pickle and cheese crackers with a side of bread, butter, and onions. This classic combination is a popular menu item in British pubs and is sure to satisfy.
In conclusion, Branston pickle and crackers are a delightful combination, especially when paired with a variety of cheeses. Experiment with different options, from sharp cheddars to creamy bries, and don't be afraid to get creative with your cracker choices and side dishes to create a unique and tasty treat.
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Branston pickle in ploughman's lunch
A ploughman's lunch is a popular menu item in British pubs that consists of a base of bread, cheese, and onions, and is usually accompanied by butter and some form of pickle—in this case, Branston Pickle. Branston Pickle is a very common condiment in a British pantry and is often served as part of a ploughman's lunch.
Branston Pickle is a sweet and spicy chutney full of flavour, spice, and vegetable pieces. It is a cherished British condiment that is amazing for spreading on crackers, sandwiches, and more. The standard version is chunky, but there is also a small-chunk version that is good for when you need a smoother, more spreadable version of the condiment.
Branston Pickle is a fantastic addition to a ploughman's lunch because it adds a sweet and tangy flavour to the traditional cheese and bread. It can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, extra mature cheddar, Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar, Wensleydale, or even baked brie. It can also be added to a ploughman's lunch sandwich, which is a popular variation of the traditional ploughman's lunch.
When making a ploughman's lunch sandwich with Branston Pickle, it is recommended to use thick slices of sturdy bread, such as sourdough. The sandwich can be made by spreading butter on the inside of the bread, adding cheese, spreading the Branston Pickle, and then topping it with more cheese and bread. For an extra touch of flavour, some raw onion and lettuce can be added to the sandwich.
The ploughman's lunch is a classic British meal, and the addition of Branston Pickle only enhances its flavour and appeal. Whether served as part of a traditional ploughman's lunch or a ploughman's lunch sandwich, Branston Pickle is a delicious and versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with cheese and bread.
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Branston pickle with ham
Branston Pickle is a popular British condiment that is commonly paired with cheese and bread to make sandwiches. It is made from a variety of diced vegetables, including rutabaga, carrots, onions, and cauliflowers, and has a sweet and spicy chutney-like flavour. The condiment is known for its tanginess and vegetal taste, which pairs well with creamy cheeses like baked brie. It can also be used in ploughman's lunches, which typically include bread, cheese, and onions, or as a dip with pita chips.
When it comes to Branston pickle with ham, the key is to choose a type of cheese that complements both the pickle and the ham. A popular option is to use cheddar cheese, which provides a sharp and savoury flavour that balances the sweetness of the Branston pickle. This combination can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a sandwich or panini, on crackers, or even as part of a ploughman's lunch.
One way to prepare a Branston pickle, ham, and cheddar sandwich is to use sourdough bread, which has a slightly sour taste that can complement the other flavours in the sandwich. Another option is to use a multi-grain bread, which can add a crunchy texture to the sandwich. For those who prefer a warmer sandwich, grilling the sandwich on a panini press or in a toaster oven can melt the cheese and create a crispy bread texture.
When assembling the sandwich, it is important to consider the ratio of ingredients. A generous amount of Branston pickle is recommended to ensure each bite has a balance of flavours. Thinly sliced ham can be used to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients, and the cheddar cheese can be shredded or sliced to allow for even distribution. Spreading butter or mayonnaise on the bread can also add moisture and flavour to the sandwich.
In addition to the core ingredients, some people like to add raw onion slices to their sandwiches for a crunchy texture and a sharper flavour. Others might prefer to add a few slices of tomato to introduce a juicy element to the sandwich. These additional ingredients can be tailored to personal preferences or omitted altogether to let the Branston pickle, ham, and cheddar shine.
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Branston pickle with tuna salad
Branston Pickle is a popular British condiment that can be used to enhance the flavour of a variety of dishes, including tuna salad. It is made from a combination of diced vegetables, such as rutabaga, carrots, onions, and cauliflower, pickled in a sauce made from vinegar, tomato, apple, and spices. The result is a sweet and spicy chutney with a tangy and savoury taste.
When it comes to creating a tuna salad with Branston Pickle, there are a few ways to incorporate this condiment. One option is to use Branston Pickle as a relish or spread, adding a small amount to complement the other flavours in the salad. This could involve spreading it on sandwiches or crackers that accompany the salad, or using it as a topping for items such as deviled eggs or dosas. The smooth version of Branston Pickle, which has smaller chunks, is often preferred for its spreadability.
Additionally, Branston Pickle can be combined with tuna to create a unique twist on the classic tuna melt. This involves mixing drained tuna with mayonnaise until soft, spreading it on toasted bread, and then adding drops of Branston Pickle on top. The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese melts, creating a warm and indulgent dish. This combination of flavours and textures can elevate a simple tuna salad, making it a satisfying and flavourful meal.
When choosing a cheese to pair with Branston Pickle in a tuna salad context, sharp cheddar or creamy brie are popular options. The sharpness of cheddar provides a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy Branston Pickle, while creamy brie complements its savoury and vegetal notes. For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, blue cheese or a bold Stilton could be considered, adding a pungent and salty dimension to the dish.
In conclusion, Branston Pickle is a versatile condiment that can enhance the flavour of tuna salad. It can be used as a spread, a topping, or incorporated into a tuna melt. When paired with complementary cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, it creates a delightful combination of flavours that elevates the dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to pair with Branston Pickle is a sharp cheddar. This can be a Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar, a Wensleydale, or a Double Gloucester.
Yes, there are several other cheese options that pair well with Branston Pickle. These include Brie, blue cheese, and Red Leicester.
To prepare a Branston Pickle and cheese sandwich, start by buttering two slices of bread. Then, spread a small amount of mayonnaise or additional butter on the other two slices of bread. Next, spread 1-2 tablespoons of Branston Pickle on two slices of bread, followed by the cheese of your choice. If desired, sprinkle over some Red Leicester or additional cheddar, then top with the remaining slices of bread. Finally, gently press down on the sandwich to contain the filling, and slice diagonally before serving.
Yes, there are several variations of the Branston Pickle and cheese sandwich that you can experiment with. For a ploughman's lunch sandwich, add some ham and/or lettuce to the sandwich. You can also create a toasty version of the sandwich by buttering the outside of the bread instead of the inside, and frying it over medium heat in a pan until both sides are golden and the centre is gooey.
