Sriracha Cheddar Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Bloody Mary, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, Old Fashioned, Gin and Tonic
~ The savory and spicy nature of a Bloody Mary combines with the spiciness of sriracha for a beautiful pairing.
~ The tangy and citrus notes in a classic Whiskey Sour offer a refreshing contrast to the spicy warmth of this cheese.
~ A classic Margarita’s saltiness and citrus balance the spicy, rich flavors of the cheese.
~ The sweet and aromatic nature of an Old Fashioned can offer a balanced counterpoint to the spicy and tangy cheese, while the herbal notes from a Gin and Tonic will prove refreshing.

Wine: Pinot Noir, Red Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé
~ A light to medium body Pinot Noir, with red fruit flavors, will gently contrast the cheese without overwhelming it.
~ The spicy and berry-forward profile of Red Zinfandel can pair nicely with the cheese’s depth.
~ A buttery and oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy richness of the cheddar.
~ Riesling’s fruity sweetness counterbalances the heat of the sriracha while complementing the cheddar’s richness.
~ A dry Rosé with citrus notes is a refreshing contrast to the cheese’s heat and depth.

Beer: Wheat beer, Pilsner, Amber Ale, IPA, Brown Ale
~ Wheat Beer‘s light and slightly citrusy flavors contrast the cheese’s richness, while Pilsner‘s crisp and somewhat bitter profile cuts through the cheese’s creaminess and counters its spiciness.
~The malt-forward profile of Amber Ale with caramel notes helps to balance the heat of the sriracha and complements this decadent cheese.
~ IPA‘s hoppy bitterness and citrus notes match the spiciness and harmonize with this complex cheddar. Likewise, the nutty, malty, and mildly sweet profile in Brown Ale will achieve the same result as an IPA.

Accompaniments: Crackers, bread, fruit, nuts, honey, jams, roasted vegetables, grilled meats
~ Plain crackers or rustic bread serve as a neutral base and let the cheese shine.
~ Apples, pears, and grapes offer a sweet and crisp contrast, while dried figs and apricots complement the cheese’s creaminess while taming its spiciness.
~ Almonds, walnuts, or pecans enhance the cheese’s creamy texture to provide a crunchy contrast.
~ Honey, fig jam, or apricot preserves add a sweet dimension.
~ Roasted vegetables bring out the cheese’s depth of flavor. Grilled meats, with their char and smokiness, can be a hearty match.

Suggested uses:

A unique cheese to feature on a cheeseboard.

Adds a spicy twist to macaroni and cheese, burgers, quesadillas, tacos, pizza, omelets, and frittatas.

Enjoy it on a grilled chicken sandwich or turkey sandwich.

Brings an unexpected spicy element and richness to homemade savory bread, muffins, and scones.