Cheese and crackers on a board

Cheese Pairing 101

Grazing board

Nothing is more satisfying and delicious than enjoying a graze board filled with slices of your favorite cheeses paired with their complementing food or beverage.

Though the years, we have been enjoying these combos and are learning the best matches we could possibly come up. We’re now sharing with you these time-tested pairings so you can make the most of your grazing experience.

Cheddar

Rich, sharp, peppery

Best with crackers, honey, sausage, chorizo, salami, apple, grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot

 

Brie

Rich, creamy, earthy

Best with green apple, dried fruit, Chardonnay, Champagne, Pinot Noir

 

Camembert

Intense, creamy, decadent

Best with plain crackers, almond, apple, French baguette, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Noir

 

Parmesan

Salty, nutty, granular

Best with olives, prosciutto

 

Bleu Cheese

Creamy, salty, slightly earthy

Best with cashew, pears, Sherry, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling

 

Gouda

Smooth, sweet, flavorful, aromatic

Best with pecans, apple, grapes, olives, salami, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

 

Goat Cheese

Soft, light, creamy

Best with walnut, French bread, crackers, grapes, strawberries, olives, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé

 

Havarti

Smooth, mild, buttery

Best with apple, raisins, walnut, turkey ham, prosciutto, bread, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot

 

Emmental

Smooth, mild, buttery

Best with cornichons, salami

 

Tell us what you think about these pairings. Or better yet, share your favorite matches in the Comments section. Email us at thegoodnessgraze@gmail.com for article suggestions.

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