Pairing Cheese Without Bread And Crackers

When most people start to think of what they will pair their cheese with, they immediately turn to breads or crackers if they are considering food and wine if they are considering beverages. While these items do go great with cheese, there are plenty of other options as well. In fact, a lot of the time, you don’t even need bread or crackers to make a delicious pairing with your cheese. The following pairings can work either by themselves or with your favorite crackers, making them perfect for those trying to cut carbs or follow a gluten-free diet.

Brie

Next time you are trying to figure out what to pair with your favorite Brie, turn to some fresh fruit. Grapes and pears in particular are perfect as they are tart and crisp, allowing them to contrast perfectly with Brie and other creamy cheeses. Another great choice is to add some of your favorite nuts as they will add some additional texture and help bring out unexpected and subtle flavors from the cheese.

Cheddar

As one of the most common cheeses, cheddar can be found in most homes at any given moment. Next time you run out of crackers to pair it with, grab an apple instead. This classic combination combines savory and sweet, which is part of the reason people serve apple pie with cheddar on top. You can also pair your cheddar with chutney as the texture and tang blends perfectly with the grassy notes in cheddar.

Gouda

Fig jam is the perfect match for Gouda and although it is slightly sweet, the earthy flavor of the figs help counter it. Meat lovers can serve their Gouda with a bit of Fennel salami, letting the burnt caramel flavors of the Gouda combine with the savory ones of the salami.

Gruyere

If you are lucky enough to have access to Gruyere, you have dozens of options for dishes. Try serving it with speck to show off the flavors and nuances of the cheese. You can also find some cornichons as their tangy flavor will help add flavor and texture to nutty and grassy cheeses like Gruyere.

Manchego

Manchego is another cheese that does well with a specific condiment, particularly honey. This will take rich cheeses made from sheep milk and help bring out their softer side via sweetness. Because Manchego is a traditional Spanish cheese, pairing it with other items found in tapas is a good idea, such as Marcona almonds, which are crunchy and salty.

You can even get creative and try any cheesy combination that you want. Mix and match cheeses, jams, nuts, and meats to find your favorite dishes.