Balsamic Caramelized Onion Cheddar Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Fig Martini, Whiskey Sour
~ A bourbon Old Fashioned, with its warmth and sweetness, complements the caramelized onions, while the bitters cut through the cheese’s richness.
~ A rye whiskey Manhattan, with its spicy and slightly sweet profile, is an excellent match to the depth of this cheese without overpowering it.
~ A Fig Martini, made with fig simple syrup, echoes the sweet and fruity elements in the cheese.
~ The acidity of the lemon in a traditional Whiskey Sour will cut through the fat of the cheddar, while the whiskey’s richness complements the caramelized onions.

Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah
~ The buttery and often slightly sweet profile of an oaked Chardonnay matches well with the richness of the cheddar.
~ An off-dry Riesling’s sweetness and acidity help balance the cheddar’s rich and sweet flavors.
~ Pinot Noir, with its light body and fruity notes, complements the sweetness of caramelized onions without overwhelming the taste of the cheese.
~ Zinfandel’s bold and fruity flavors stand up to the intense flavors of the cheese and enhance its savory aspects.
~ Syrah’s peppery and dark fruit notes complement the tangy balsamic component of the cheese.

Beer: IPA, Saison, Brown Ale, Porter, Stout
~ The bitterness of an IPA will cut through the richness of the cheese.
~ The dry, spicy, and sometimes fruity notes in Saison complement the cheese.
~ The character of Brown Ale, with hints of caramel and toffee, resonates with the caramelized onions in the cheese.
~ The roasted qualities of Porter match the sweetness from the onions to provide a nice counterbalance, while Stout, with chocolate or coffee nuts, contrasts the sweet, tangy profile of the cheese.

Accompaniments: Crackers, baguettes, fruits, nuts, olives, pickles, honey, balsamic glaze, charcuterie
~ A crusty baguette or artisan cracker provides a neutral base for the cheese to shine.
~ Apples, pears, or grapes complement the cheese with a fresh and slightly tart flavor, while dried fruits offer concentrated sweetness. Candied walnuts or toasted pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty sweetness.
~ Dark chocolate, honey, or balsamic reduction will complement the flavors in the cheese.
~ Prosciutto or salami adds a salty, savory contrast, while pickles or olives introduce a tangy element.

Suggested uses:

• Pair with fruits, nuts, and crackers on a charcuterie board
• Add a punch of flavor to gourmet sandwiches, Panini, pasta, mac and cheese, salads, burgers, pizza, egg dishes, stuffed mushrooms, or stuffed proteins.
• Bake into homemade bread, muffins, or savory pastries for a new twist on classic recipes.