Wisconsin Beer Cheddar Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, Bloody Mary, Dark and Stormy
~ The tangy lemon flavor in a traditional Whiskey Sour counterbalances the cheddar’s savory nature.
~ The caramel and vanilla notes in a classic bourbon Old Fashioned complement the sharpness of the cheddar.
~ The savory tomato and spicy profile in Bloody Mary balance out the rich, malty flavors from the beer cheddar, supplying a harmonious pairing.
~ The dark rum and ginger beer in Dark and Stormy complement the malty undertones of the beer flavor in this cheddar cheese.

Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
~ A full-bodied, buttery Chardonnay complements the rich, sharpness of the cheddar.
~ A Sauvignon Blanc‘s crispness and high acidity offer a refreshing counterbalance.
~ A slightly sweet Rieslings’ fruity and aromatic nature contrasts nicely with the savory aspects of the beer cheddar.
~ A robust Cabernet Sauvignon, with its tannic structure, stands up to the intense flavors of the beer cheddar, while its dark fruit flavors contrast nicely.
~ A light Pinot Noir, with cherry and earthy flavors, pairs well with the cheddar, not overpowering it but offering an excellent complementary profile.

Beer: IPA, Stout, Wheat Beer, Brown Ale, Saison
~ The hoppy bitterness and citrus notes in an IPA nicely contrast the rich and malty flavors of the beer cheddar.
~ A milk or oatmeal Stout complements the cheese’s richness with its slightly sweet and creamy profile.
~ Wheat Beer‘s light and somewhat fruity character provides a refreshing counterpoint to this rich cheese.
~ Brown Ale, with its malty sweetness and notes of caramel, resonates with the flavors in the beer cheddar, while Saison works nicely against the creamy, malty profile of the cheese.

Accompaniments: breads, fruits, nuts, pickled vegetables, mustard, cured meats
~ Pretzel rolls complement the beer cheddar’s flavors, while the slight bitterness of rye or pumpernickel bread contrasts with the cheese’s richness.
~ The crispness and natural sweetness of apples or pears help balance the cheese’s richness, while apricots or cranberries offer a chewy texture and tartness. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a crunch and nutty flavor that meshes well with the cheddar.
~ Pickles or sauerkraut add a crunch and tangy counterpoint. The slight spiciness of stone-ground mustard contrasts nicely, too.
~ Cured meats and smoky sausage work well with the depth of the cheese and enhance the savory aspect.

Suggested uses:

Adds a burst of flavor to grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, burgers, pizza, omelets, potato dishes, salads, pasta, and casseroles.

Provides a smoky, rich boost to soups, sauces, fondue, and dips.

Bake it into cheddar beer bread or other savory homemade bakery items.