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Cheddar cheese pairings are not an exact science. No two palates are the same and half the fun is in experimenting with different combinations until you find the perfect one to tempt your tastebuds. That said, there are certain pairings we’re happy to champion and others that perhaps are best approached with caution. Take a look at some of our favourite matches below.
Happy experimenting!
WHAT WINE GOES WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE?
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, our philosophy is to let your curiosity guide you. Some wines do, however, complement the tangy flavour of cheddar better than others, resulting in a match made in culinary heaven.
RED WINE
You’d be hard-pressed to find a red wine that doesn’t go well with cheddar cheese (hooray!). But we all have our favourites and the team here at Godminster love a medium-bodied red such as Le Petit Caboche Vin de Pays de Vaucluse which is a perfect match for any hard cheese, particularly our own Vintage Bruton Beauty. A more full-bodied red such as Cabernet Sauvignon is also a winner, superbly enhancing the intense flavour of cheddar.
WHITE WINE
A crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc high in acidity allows the flavour of the cheddar to shine without smothering it. Alternatively, pairing cheddar with Chardonnay brings out the best of both flavours – the fruitiness of the wine and the bold tanginess of the cheese.
PORT
For a perfect after-dinner treat, a bottle of Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port paired with our own Vintage Bruton Beauty is a glorious combination which will live long in the memory.
WHAT FRUIT PAIRS WELL WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE
The sharpness of cheddar pairs well with fruits that are sweet, tart and juicy, such as blackberries, plums, figs, crisp apples and pineapples, providing a sublime array of flavours for any cheeseboard.
WHAT CHUTNEY GOES WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE?
We don’t like to blow our own trumpet here at Godminster (OK, we do!) but our Beetroot & Apple Chutney with its balance of sweetness, acidity and fruitiness is the ultimate companion to cheddar – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT PAIR WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE?
Not every cheddar cheese pairing can be a winner. Here are some guidelines on what to avoid when seeking that perfect accompaniment.
Very sweet fruit and jams
While a little sweetness can complement the sharpness of vintage cheddar wonderfully, overly sweet or sugary fruits and jams can overpower the cheddar’s unique flavour
Strong flavoured seafood
Fish and seafood with a very strong or fishy flavour can clash with the rich taste of cheddar, causing the two to compete rather than harmonise.
Spicy food
Food such as pepper jelly, spicy pickles or any curried foods can completely smother the cheddar, leaving a lingering, not entirely pleasant, taste on the palate.
Dessert wines
Sweet dessert wines generally don’t pair well with cheddar, overwhelming rather the complementing the distinct flavours of the cheese.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHEDDAR CHEESE RECIPE?
For the ultimate mouth-watering cheddar cheese snack, why not try our Bruton Beauty Cheddar Nachos?
Spread a 175g packet of plain tortilla chips evenly on a baking tray. Add the following:
- 2 heaped tablespoons of guacamole
- 2 heaped tablespoons of salsa
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 ½ jalapeños
- 1 spring onion
- Finally, sprinkle 100g of our Vintage Bruton Beauty Organic Cheddar on top and add a pinch of crushed chilli to make the perfect cheesy comfort food.
Visit our recipes page for more inspiration.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM THE GODMINSTER TEAM
If this article has suitably whetted your appetite, why not treat the cheese lover in your life (or even yourself!) to some of Godminster’s very own award-winning Vintage Bruton Beauty Cheddar? This firm favourite enrobed in our signature burgundy wax is matured for up to 12 months, at which point we select only the best of the best to be made into one of our legendary truckles. It’s an absolute must for every cheeseboard!
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