Perfect Pear and Cheese Combinations

With seasonal gatherings just around the corner, it’s time to upgrade your charcuterie board with some fresh ideas. Bringing together a gorgeous medley of textures and flavors, pears and cheese are ready to come together and delight your taste buds. We’re going to show you how you can put together the perfect elevated appetizer with these delicious pear and cheese pairings.

You may be wondering - what cheese goes with what pear? The possibilities are endless. From decadent sandwiches like a melty Cheddar and Pear Panini, to refreshing greens like a Pear and Gorgonzola Cheese Salad, there’s no limit to pear pairings. Our Cabot cheese connoisseurs have you covered with these suggestions for your next festive gathering.

At only 100 calories per serving, pears are also fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free.

Comice Pear & Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pear Flavor: Delicate, creamy texture with a full-bodied sweet flavor.
Cheddar Flavor: Our signature Vermont Sharp Cracker Cuts are smooth and buttery with a sharp yet subtle tang, and they come pre-sliced and ready to top for easy snacking. Learn more about Cracker Cuts here.

Bartlett & Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pear Flavor: Quintessential pear flavor and aroma with abundant juice.

Cheese Flavor: Our Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a dense, milky white cheddar with a slightly crumbly texture that is ready to soak up a juicy pear pairing. Layer between some artisanal sourdough and melt for a next-level grilled cheese.

Green Anjou & Pepper Jack Cheese

Pear Flavor: Refreshingly sweet and juicy with a hint of citrus.
Cheese Flavor: Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts are crisp and buttery with just the right amount of heat to balance out the acidity of the pears. Simply pop these pre-sliced treats on top of your favorite cracker and top with a dollop of Anjou Pear Jam!

Red Anjou & Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pear Flavor: Juicy and fresh with a sweet-tart finish.
Cheese Flavor: Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a creamy, white cheddar with an almost crumbly texture and a sophisticated citrus-y tang.

Bosc & Colby Jack Cheese

Pear Flavor: Crisp and woodsy with a honey sweetness.
Cheese Flavor: Colby Jack Cracker Cuts are smooth and mild with a lovely marbling, and come pre-sliced to take the prep work out of the equation.

Our Favorite Pear & Cheddar Recipes

Feeling inspired? Check out our favorite pear and cheese recipes like these Cheddar and Roasted Pear Canapes or a 3-Year Cheddar, Pear and Almond Appetizer. Prefer something lighter? Try a Pear and Goat Cheese Salad with a peppery arugula base! 

About USA Pears

The 900 pear growers in Oregon and Washington are proud to produce 88% of the U.S. fresh pear crop. USA Pears are in season nearly year-round with 10 varieties to choose from. A ripe pear is a sweet pear, so “Check the Neck for Ripeness!” Press the “neck” of the pear near the stem; if it yields to gentle pressure, it’s ripe. If it feels firm, keep it at room temperature to ripen. Once they are ripe, refrigerate pears to enjoy for several days. To learn more visit USAPears.org.