Smoked Swiss Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors 

Cocktails. Old Fashioned, Smoky Martini, Whiskey Sour, Manhattan, Bloody Mary
~ The rich, caramel bourbon notes in a classic Old Fashioned perfectly complement the nutty, smoky cheese notes.
~ Using a splash of Mezcal to create a Smoky Martini will enhance the smoky notes of the cheese.
~ The citrusy tartness in a Whiskey Sour helps balance out the smoky and creamy profile of the cheese, while the deep flavors of a rye whiskey Manhattan play well with its richness.
~ A Bloody Mary, with its tangy and spicy profiles, offers a sharp contrast to the creaminess of the cheese, while the smokiness of both creates harmony.

Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir
~ A full-bodied Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of Swiss, while its buttery notes resonate with the nutty undertones of the cheese.
~ Sauvignon Blanc, with herbaceous notes and high acidity, will provide a refreshing contrast to the smokiness and creaminess of the cheese.
~ Syrah, with dark fruit flavors and smoky undertones, is an outstanding match for smoked Swiss.
~ Gewürztraminer, with its lychee and rose petal notes, contrasts nicely with the smoky notes from the cheese.
~ A light to medium body Pinot Noir, with soft tannins and fruit-forward flavors, complements the cheese without overwhelming it.

Beer: IPA, Saison, Brown Ale, Stout, Porter
~ A balanced IPA offers a pleasant bitterness contrasting the cheese’s creaminess.
~ An effervescent and slightly spicy Belgian Saison creates an interesting contrast, while the malty sweetness of Brown Ale enhances the nutty flavors of the cheese.
~ The creamy texture and roast flavors of milk or oatmeal Stout complement the cheese’s smokiness, while a robust Porter with roast notes also aligns well with this smoky cheese.

Accompaniments: Bread, crackers, fruits, cured meats, jams, maple syrup, compote
~ Rustic bread or rye crackers supply a delightful texture and neutral pairing.
~ Apples, pears, or grapes contrast beautifully.
~ Salami, prosciutto, or ham enhances the smoky notes of the cheese.
~ The sweetness of fig jam, honey, or maple syrup balances the cheese’s smokiness, while cherry compote provides contrast.

Suggested uses:

• Feature on a cheeseboard with the accompaniments mentioned above.
• Brings added flavor to sandwiches, wraps, salads, omelets, quiche, casserole, and burgers
• Offers a smoky flavor and a delightful, melted texture when used in macaroni and cheese, pasta, and potato dishes.
• Contributes added richness and depth to soups, sauces, and fondue.