The Ultimate Cheese Pairing Guide

Cheese is delicious all on its own, but combining various kinds of cheese with meats, fruits, nuts, and other foods creates some amazingly mouth-watering flavors. Learning how to carefully select the right pairings drastically changes the taste of the cheese and pleases the palate. Here we'll discuss some of the most popular types of pairings to help you discover how to pair cheese based on its flavor, texture, and origin.

Contents:

• What To Look For When Pairing Cheese
• Cheese Pairing Mistakes
• Charcuterie and Cheese Pairings
• Wine and Cheese Pairings
• Beer and Cheese Pairings
• Fruit/Vegetable and Cheese Pairings
• Herb and Cheese Pairings
• Chocolate and Cheese Pairings
• Nut and Cheese Pairings
• Spreads and Cheese Pairings

What To Look for When Pairing Cheese

It's important to learn about each cheese to understand how to pair it with the best food or beverage item that amplifies its flavor and improves the eating experience. Take a look at things like:

• Heritage Type: The origins of the cheese matter. Keep in mind, "what grows together goes together." Knowing the geographical location of both the cheeses and foods you wish to pair with is a great advantage as what is grown and produced in the same area usually pairs wonderfully. For example, a Tuscan cheese does very well with other Italian favorites like wines and meats, while an aged Manchego from Spain is excellent with jamona serrano.
• Flavor Profile: Different, but complementary flavor combinations are typically best to enhance the taste. Get some contrast by pairing sweet with salty or sweet with spicy.
• Bridging Flavors: Tie two different flavors together by using a complementary third element like honey. This simple addition changes the taste and opens up new possibilities.
• Texture: Your approach to selecting the best texture is much different when you need a single cheese as an ingredient for a recipe than if you are setting out a charcuterie board. Contrast is key once again. If you are showcasing a variety of foods on a charcuterie board, aim for varying textures to engage the senses and provide greater interest. Hard cheeses are best with spreadable foods like jam, while soft cheeses go great with crunchy nuts and crackers. The consistency of the cheese is another important factor. Cracker cuts are great to grab and easier for guests than soft, spreadable cheeses.

Cheese Pairing Mistakes

There is no right or wrong way to pair cheese. Everyone has different preferences, so the best flavor combinations are highly subjective. That said, there are some common pairing mistakes you should avoid:

• Don't mix high acidity foods with bitter flavors
• Don't combine bitter and fresh flavors
• Don't pair dry cheese with fresh fruit or vegetables
• Don't forget a palate cleanser like bread or crackers
• Don't always stick to safe pairings; instead, mix it up to discover amazing new taste combinations
• Don't rush the experience, savor it!

Top Cheese Pairings

Now that you know some of the basics, we'll look further into the top cheese pairings.

Charcuterie and Cheese Pairings

Displaying various kinds of cheeses and perfectly selected food pairings on a charcuterie board is an instant crowd-pleaser. But, how do you choose the best pairings? You need to have a game plan. Start by deciding what else you wish to serve, such as meats, nuts, fruits, and chocolate.Remember to follow the rules we discussed above and include complementary and contrasting flavors, pairings from the same geographical region, and a variety of textures. Choose four to six different varieties to provide a nice range of textures and flavors.

Charcuterie boards are a fantastic way to serve up some excellent meat and cheese pairings. Explore Cabot's Charcuterie and Cheese Pairing Guide. Here are some of our favorite charcuterie and cheese pairings:

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Chorizo

Seriously Sharp Cheddar's bold flavor and texture is a perfect match for the spicy, smoky taste of chorizo.

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Ham

Extra Sharp Cheddar's citrusy tang cuts through the salty sweetness of ham for a luscious combination.

White Oak Cheddar Cheese & Prosciutto

White Oak's subtle sweetness and smooth texture nicely balances a salty, full-flavored prosciutto.

Pepper Jack Cheese & Capicola

Pepper Jack's subtle heat and creamy texture contrasts the slight fattiness of Capicola.

Wine & Cheese Pairings

Pairing wine and cheese together is always a taste sensation and a favorite for both intimate gatherings and entertaining large crowds.

Follow these tips to learn more about wine that is commonly paired with cheese:

• Pair wine and cheese with equal intensity based on the wine's percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, the best pinot noir cheese pairing partners are aged cheeses that have a more intense flavor.
• Tannin-rich reds are best suited for strong and aged cheeses since the bitterness can often overpower more delicate flavors.
• White wines are lower in tannins and do well with lighter cheeses as well as some dry, sharp varieties. A perfect Chardonnay cheese pairing is either an aged parmesan or a creamy Colby jack.
• Match sweet wine with unique, eclectic cheese. The sweetness is the perfect balance for funky or stinky cheeses.
• Pair sparkling wine with soft and creamy cheeses. The higher acidity and carbonation of the wine act as a palate cleanser to especially soft and sticky cheeses.
• If in doubt, firm and nutty cheeses complement both red and white wines.
• Explore more Wine and Cheese Pairing options from Cabot.

Red Wine and Cheese Pairing Suggestions

For red wine, aged, hard cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Manchego are excellent because their robust sharp flavors and tannins stand up to bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Softer, creamier or milder young cheddar cheeses, Brie, or a pungent blue cheese pair wonderfully with lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Merlot. The key is matching the wine's intensity with the cheese's strength: aged cheeses for full-bodied reds and softer, milder options for lighter reds.

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Cabernet Sauvignon

A savory, fruity Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with cheddar cheese for a sophisticated party or a night in with friends.

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Merlot

The dry and dark fruity or herbal characteristics of a classic Merlot combine seamlessly with sharp and tangy cheeses.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese & Pinot Noir

A light-bodied red wine paired with cheeses like Garlic & Herb Cheddar embrace the flavors of the cooler climate vineyards.

Alpine Cheddar & Malbec

Look for a smooth and fruity Malbec to pair with Cabot's Swiss-inspired Alpine Cheddar. With it's nutty, slightly sweet flavor profile Alpine Cheddar pairs well with a any light or medium red wine.

White Wine and Cheese Pairing Suggestions

The best cheeses for white wine depend on the wine's style. Crisp, dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc love a sharp, tangy aged cheddar, a spicy flavored cheese or buttery Gouda. Richer whites like Chardonnay pair well with a medium sharp cheddar, creamy Brie, or nutty Gruyère. Sweet whites like Reisling or Moscato complement a flavorful, spicy or salty cheese. With a lighter white wine like Pinot Grigio look for milder flavored cheeses like Monterey or Colby Jack.

Vermont Sharp Cheddar & Chardonnay

One of our favorite chardonnay cheese pairings is Vermont Sharp Cheddar cheese with chardonnay. A fresh and fruity Chardonnay is a heavenly match for milder cheese varieties, enhancing the creaminess of sharp cheddar cheese with just the right whisper of sweet.

Pepper Jack Cheese & Sauvignon Blanc

A bright, light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with hints of citrus will pair perfectly with the freshness and slight bite of a Pepper Jack cheese.

Habanero Cheddar Cheese & Riesling

The combination of acid, sugars and fruit of a Riesling nicely offset zestier, spicier cheeses.

3 Year Cheddar Cheese and Prosecco

A dry to off-dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne is delightful with and aged cheddar's crumbly sharpness.

Rosé Wine and Cheese Pairing Suggestions

Summer is a great time to enjoy rosé wines, with the warmer temperatures inviting this wine's emblematic light, refreshing flavor. Serving rosé and cheese together will really enhance the tasting experience.

The bright flavors of rosé can range from light and sweet to dry and nuanced and, rest assured, there is a Cabot Cheddar selection that will bring out the best in every glass you serve. One thing is for sure – you'll be delighted with how beautifully our cheddars highlight the flavors of rosés. Our Rose and Cheese Pairing Guide has more delicious combos.

Colby Jack & Sweet Rosé

The sugars in a sweet rose like Grenache or Zindandel Rosé are the perfect complement to full-flavored Colby Jack or spicy cheeses like Cabot's Habanero Cheddar.

Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar & Sangiovese Rosé

Hints of fresh strawberries, green melon, and yellow peach. This fruity, yet dry wine is best served cold and pairs well with a sharp, nutty cheddar like Cabot's Farmhouse Reserve.

Beer and Cheese Pairings

Wine isn't the only fantastic option when it comes to beverage and cheese pairings. There are so many different types of beers, from sweet ciders to earthy IPAs to a dark Guinness, that offer nearly limitless options to balance and enhance the flavors of cheese.

The complexity of the beer, with its carbonation, freshness, and range of flavor profiles, requires that you choose your pairings carefully. Remember the rules of contrast, complementary flavors, and palate cleansers to start with, and follow these tips:

• Pair mild beers with mild cheeses to enhance, not overwhelm, the delicate flavor.
• Strong and heavier beers like lagers and stouts are best enjoyed with ripe, rich cheeses.
• Reach for a black stout, fruity beer, or something hoppy to complement the intensity of blue cheeses.

As with wine and food pairings, the most important rule to follow when it comes to beer and cheese pairings is that if it tastes good to you, keep doing it. Here are some of our favorite beer and cheese pairings, but you can find more in the Beer and Cheese Pairing Guide!

Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Lager

This sharp, yet smooth and approachable cheddar pairs just right with a malt-forward, easy-drinking lager for a refreshing combo.

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Pale Ale

The classic bite of this bold, naturally-aged cheddar plays well with the light body and subtle spicy hop notes of a pale ale.

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & IPA

Pair cheddar with the bitter, citrusy notes of an IPA at a game day party or a picnic.

Pepper Jack Cheese & Stout

The spicy kick in these cheeses balances perfectly with the smooth, toasted malt notes of darker, full-bodied beers like porters, stouts, and smoked beers.

Fruit, Vegetable and Cheese Pairings

The fresh taste of crisp vegetables and light and sweet fruits goes great with cheese. Here we will discuss how to pair veggies and cheese, plus the best fruits to pair with different varieties.

General rules and ideas to follow:

• Mix fresh produce with fresh cheese.
• Juicy cherry tomatoes are the perfect complement to soft, mild cheeses.
• Pair raw veggies with bold cheeses. For example, a crisp slice of radish is delicious with rich cheese.
• Roasted, sauteed, and even pickled vegetables have drastically different flavor profiles that you can use to your advantage when it comes to cheese pairings. Don't be afraid to prep your veggies ahead of time to tap into these unique flavors.
• Most fruits naturally pair wonderfully with cheese, but it's best to avoid citrus since it can overpower the flavor of many kinds of cheese.

Learn more with our Vegetable and Cheese Pairing Guide. View our Fruit and Cheese Pairing Guide for other great ideas for fruit pairings.

Habanero Cheddar Cheese & Mango

The gentle and sweet acidity of mango goes great with a spicy Habanero cheddar. Try the mango plain or in a salsa or relish.

White Oak Cheddar Cheese & Grapes

For a quick and easy snack or appetizer for any event, serve Cabot White Oak Cheddar with grapes and your favorite crackers. The slightly nutty and sweet flavored aged cheddar is perfect pairing.

Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Plums

Vermont Sharp Cheddar's light acidity and buttery tang pairs well with the juicy sweetness of plums.

Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Pears

Extra Sharp Cheddar's citrusy tang is the ideal companion for the sweet tender juiciness of pears. Select Cabot's cracker cut sliced for a quick, easy and healthy snack.

Lite50 Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Strawberries

Lite50 Sharp Cheddar has a creamy, savory flavor that is a perfect match for the tangy sweetness of ripe strawberries.

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Eggplant

Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar has a tangy, nutty, bold "sharp" flavor that perfectly complements the cool flavor and mild acidity of eggplant.

Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar Cheese & Pickled Radishes

Farmhouse Reserve's sharp sophistication pairs perfectly with vibrant, tangy pickled radishes.

Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Roasted Red Peppers

Vermont Sharp's slight acidity and full-flavored, buttery tang goes great with the tender, subtle sweetness of roasted red peppers.

Herb & Cheese Pairings

Herbs are a less common, but truly delicious cheese pairing. The best way to decide which herbs go with which cheese is to determine the strength of the herb's flavor. When you stick with fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses, you really can't go wrong with almost any combination.

Here are some of our favorite herb and cheese pairings, or find more in the Herb and Cheese Pairing Guide!

Pepper Jack Cheese & Oregano

Pepper Jack combines beautifully with the earthy, bitter notes of oregano. Serve with fresh vegetables for a tasty snack!

Alpine Cheddar Cheese & Thyme

Alpine Cheddar's Swiss-inspired flavor is accented perfectly by thyme's gentle earthiness and subtle citrus.

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Sage

Seriously Sharp's complexity and slight nuttiness pairs well with the savory, pine-like flavors of sage.

Chocolate & Cheese Pairings

Chocolate and cheese share the coveted status of being some of the most popular foods. Nothing beats the addictive flavor of a rich cheese or creamy bite of chocolate. They are delicious, complex, and can taste even better when paired with one another.

One approach to pairing cheese with chocolate is to select similar flavor profiles. Chocolate with nutty notes goes great with firm, aged cheese varieties. If your chocolate has a hit of savory or is on the funky side, reach for a washed rind cheese that is the perfect way to enhance the unique flavors. Another suggestion is to pair contrasting flavors together that enhance the taste of each food. You can also select sweet and creamy cheeses to balance more acidic chocolate.

Here are some of our favorite chocolate and cheese pairings, with more in the Cheese and Chocolate Pairing Guide!

Monterey Jack Cheese & Milk Chocolate

A perfect example of pairing similar flavors together for delicious results is the combination of Monterey Jack with milk chocolate. Both have a soft and creamy texture that complements the other, creating a classic pairing.

Habanero Cheddar Cheese + Milk Chocolate

Opposites attract when pairing the furiously fiery & bold flavor of the Habanero; this profile works best with milk chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate nicely mellows the spiciness of the cheese, creating a pleasurable balance of flavors. It's a truly satisfying pairing of sweet & savory.

Alpine Cheddar Cheese + Dark Chocolate with Almonds

Cabot's Alpine Cheddar Cheese has been aged to creamy, nutty perfection. Pairing this cheese with dark chocolate with almonds accentuates both its nutty flavor profile as well as the slight "grana" texture similar to Parmesan. Browse our chocolate and cheese pairing guide to learn more about how to match the right varieties.

Nuts & Cheese Pairings

The satisfying crunch of nuts paired with the contrasting creaminess of a delicious cheese is an unforgettable taste adventure. Many cheeses are described as having a "nutty" flavor, so why not enhance that further with this exciting pairing? The best nuts to pair with cheese include:

• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Peanuts

Adding nuts to your selection of cheeses also gives you the opportunity to create a spread that is as gorgeous as it is mouthwatering. Sprinkle them throughout your cheese selections displayed on a charcuterie board, serve them in dishes alongside a cheese plate, or use them as a garnish for salads featuring cheese. Explore Cabot's Nuts & Cheese Pairing Guide for more crunchy, creamy combos.

Here are some of our favorite nuts and cheese pairings:

White Oak Cheddar Cheese & Pecans

The natural sweetness of pecans wonderfully complements the saltiness of White Oak Cheddar. Enjoy this pairing for a healthy snack!

Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Peanuts

Serve cheddar with peanuts for a smooth and nutty pairing as part of a cheese board or on a cracker!

Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Cashews

Try serving Seriously Sharp Cheddar with cashews to add a buttery, salty crunch to your cheese board or party!

Spreads & Cheese Pairings

Spreads like jellies, jams, and honey are fantastic pairings for certain types of cheese. They also amp up your charcuterie board by increasing the potential flavor combinations you can create. Learn some tips and tricks for various spreads, from classic cheese and jam pairings to more quirky unions:

• Pair sweet jellies and jams such as the well-loved strawberry with lighter cheeses. A young and mild cheddar is a great pick.
• For spicy spreads like hot pepper jelly, try an aged cheddar that has a bold enough flavor profile to stand out against the pepper instead of getting overwhelmed. Chutney or mustard also works well with aged cheddar.
• In general, pair sweeter spreads with savory and mature cheeses.
• Spreads with a sour taste go well with softer, fresh cheeses that have a sweeter taste.

Here are our favorite spread and cheese pairings, with more in the Spreads and Cheese Pairing Guide!

Alpine Cheddar Cheese & Balsamic Vinegar

Alpine Cheddar's swiss-inspired flavor and slightly crumbly texture are complemented perfectly by the sharp fruity tang of balsamic vinegar.

Habanero Cheddar Cheese & Maple Syrup

Habanero's intense spiciness is offset by the caramelized sweetness of maple syrup.

Pepper Jack Cheese & Raspberry Jam

Pepper Jack's subtle heat and creamy texture melds perfectly with the sweetness of raspberry jam.

Cheese Pairings For Any Occasion

Pairing cheese is both an enjoyable and educational experience. We hope this beginner's cheese pairing guide was helpful and gives you the insight to start creating some amazing flavor profiles. While the classics are always a great idea, don't be afraid to try out some adventurous combinations. Soon, you'll develop the knack for knowing which cheese pairings are best to produce taste sensations perfect for any occasion. And we've got you covered with Cheese Board "How-To" information to put together an amazing display with all the best pairing suggestions for your next gathering.