Year after year, Wisconsin Cheese earns accolades in both domestic and international competitions. While those awards prove their dominance in the industry, it is the flavor that has the casual eater and the turophile seeking the cheeses with the state’s signature seal. For those people who are hungry to explore creative pairing possibilities, these four creative cheese pairings have people going back for a second bite.
Cheese pairings do not have to be sophisticated or bougie. Similar to wine pairings, personal preferences need to be considered. For example, the old-school rules of whites with fish have slowly been pushed off the table. The same scenario occurs with cheese pairings.
Since Wisconsin Cheese has over 600 cheese varieties, the options can be overwhelming. While no one is suggesting that a cheese newbie start their pairing journey with a pungent limburger, there are plenty of options that push the familiar flavors in a bolder way.
Push the flavor boundaries with these Wisconsin Cheese pairings
For example, many people turn to a grilled cheese as their most satisfying comfort food. While a hearty bread, with crispy, toasted edges instantly brings a smile at the first bite, the ooey, gooey, cheesy center is the real pull of this sandwich.
Instead of using another cheddar or a blend of cheeses, consider a flavored Roth Havarti. This style of cheese is known for its meltability. But, it is important to cut the cheese in reasonable slices to ensure that perfect cheese pull.
For people who love dipping their grilled cheese in a tomato soup, the Tomato Basil Havarti is a must try. The balance of the slightly acidic tomato with the herbaceous basil keeps the cheese from being too unctuous. It is like having that soup infused into the sandwich without fearing dripping on a favorite shirt.
While a grilled cheese feels like a warm hug, sometimes a cheese pairing needs to be an indulgent moment. The Sartori Merlot Bellavitano is that food. With its vibrant purple rind, it captivates even before the first morsel hits the lips.
Made by Sartori’s fourth-generation cheesemakers, every offering focuses on flavor. This hand-washed merlot has a slight jamminess from the wine. The plums and berries, combined with the creamy texture, feel perfectly indulgent. Even though a red wine pairing might be obvious, consider a different approach. A fruity, hoppy IPA will bring out the subtly in the cheese.
For a taste of the Old World, the Marieke Gouda is always a celebrated choice. One of the most award-winning gouda’s from Master Cheesemaker Marike Penterman, picking just one of her delicious offerings is difficult.
Instead of the aged variety, with its treasured of crystalized treasures nestled in every bite, the Marieke Young Gouda has a milder texture. That creaminess offers a stupendous mouthfeel and feels sophisticated. Consider pairing this cheese with a bourbon or whiskey. While Wisconsin has many distillers, a glass of slightly sweeter Old Forester bourbon would not overshadow the subtle mildness of the cheese.
The last suggested cheese pairing is one that might have people scratching their heads. Blue cheese ranges from subtle to pungent. But, pairing that cheese with chocolate and coffee makes for a beautiful end to a meal.
For example, the Carr Valley Glacier Wildfire Blue Cheese with a dark chocolate and a robust coffee is fun choice to push people out of their comfort zone. The combination of bitters, nutty, and even a touch of sweet makes this pairing a finish that few people will forget.
What is the biggest takeaway from these creative cheese pairings? A little food experimentation can lead to a flavor discovery that will have everyone talking.