What Are The Best Accompaniments For Different Types Of Cheese?

“I’m organizing a cheese tasting event at my home in Birmingham, UK, and I want to make sure I pair my selected cheeses with the best possible accompaniments. I have a variety of cheeses on hand: cheddar, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese, and gouda. Could you guide me on what accompaniments work best for each type of cheese?” Thanks, Rachel, Birmingham, UK.

Hey Rachel,

Great to hear you’re planning a cheese tasting event! Pairing cheese with the perfect accompaniments can really elevate the flavors and make for a delightful tasting experience. Let’s break down the best accompaniments for the different types of cheese you mentioned. Cheese pairing can sound a bit daunting, but with some simple guidelines, you’ll make it look effortless. Understanding which accompaniments enhance the unique flavors of each type of cheese will make your event a hit.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese, especially aged varieties, has robust and tangy flavors that pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some to consider:

• Fruit: Apples and pears are classic choices. The sweetness complements cheddar’s sharpness.
• Chutney: Tangy chutneys or fruit preserves like apple or mango chutney can enhance cheddar’s flavor.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or even pecans provide a pleasing crunch and a slightly oily contrast to the crumbly texture of cheddar.
• Crackers/Bread: Whole grain crackers, baguette slices, or even hearty bread work well to balance the strong flavors.
• Charcuterie: Pairing with cured meats like salami or prosciutto can be delightful due to the complementary savory profiles.

Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. It pairs beautifully with fruity, sweet, and tangy accompaniments:

• Fruit: Grapes, figs, and berries are perfect because their sweetness cuts through brie’s richness.
• Honey: Drizzling brie with honey enhances its creamy nature and adds an irresistible sweetness.
• Nuts: Walnuts and pecans bring out the earthy undertones in brie.
• Crackers/Bread: Soft and crusty baguette slices or light water crackers won’t overpower the delicate flavor of brie.
• Jam/Preserves: Think on the lines of fig jam or apricot preserves—simple, yet effective in enhancing brie’s profile.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, with its intense and tangy profile, might seem intimidating, but pairing it with the right ingredients can make it more approachable. Consider the following:

• Fruit: Pears, apples, and grapes offer a sweetness that balances the bold flavors of blue cheese.
• Honey: Just like with brie, honey can mellow out blue cheese’s strong taste.
• Nuts: Walnuts, particularly when candied, enhance blue cheese’s complexity and complement its tanginess.
• Crackers/Bread: Rye bread or whole grain crackers provide a sturdy base without being too overpowering.
• Wine: Strong wines like port or even bold reds can stand up to the intensity of blue cheese, creating a harmonious balance.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is versatile and can range from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly. Its tanginess is complemented well by several accompaniments:

• Fruit: Fresh figs, grapes, and strawberries can cut through the tartness of goat cheese.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness that mingles wonderfully with goat cheese’s tangy notes.
• Beets: Roasted beets bring an earthy sweetness that pairs excellently with the tart flavors of goat cheese.
• Crackers/Bread: Light, crispy crackers or toasted baguettes are the way to go.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can add a fragrant layer of complexity.

Gouda Cheese

Gouda can range from young and mild to older and more caramel-like. It’s versatile enough for numerous pairings:

• Fruit: Apples, pears, and even grapes match well with gouda, providing a fresh contrast.
• Mustard: A good quality mustard can bring out the richness in aged gouda.
• Nuts: Almonds, pecans, and even cashews add a delightful texture contrast.
• Crackers/Bread: Seeded crackers, multigrain bread, and pretzels work splendidly with gouda.
• Cured Meats: Think prosciutto, smoked ham, or chorizo, which add an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts…

Rachel, it sounds like your cheese tasting event will be absolutely wonderful with these pairings in mind! By understanding how each cheese’s unique flavors can be enhanced with the right accompaniments, you’ll make the experience memorable for your guests. Thanks for reaching out with your fantastic question, and happy cheese tasting!