Cranberry Jalapeno Monterey Jack Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Cranberry Mule, Cranberry Old Fashioned, or Sparkling Cranberry Sangria. Due to its ginger beer and the addition of cranberry juice, a cranberry mule presents a refreshing and spicy experience that complements the creamy cheese. The depth of the whiskey and the sweetness of the cranberries in a cranberry old-fashioned complement the flavors in this sweet and tangy cheddar cheese. Sparkling cranberry sangria, with its effervescence and fruit flavors, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Wine: Pinot Noir, Riesling, or Rosé. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with moderate acidity, fruity flavors, and earthiness mingles well with the tart notes of the cranberries in the cheese. A dry or off-dry Riesling with crisp acidity and fruity notes such as apple, pear, or citrus provides a pleasantly fresh contrast. A dry or off-dry Rosè with good acidity and flavors of berries, watermelon, or citrus will surely offer a crisp complement to cranberry cheddar cheese.

Beer: Amber Ale, Brown Ale, or a fruited Sour. With its malty sweetness and caramel flavors, Amber Ale complements this cheddar cheese’s rich creaminess. The beer’s moderate bitterness can provide a nice balance to the tartness of the cranberries. A malty and nutty Brown Ale is an extraordinary match for cranberry cheddar. The beer’s flavors complement the creamy and nutty characteristics of the cheese, while its moderate bitterness can cut through the richness. Fruited sour beer such as cranberry or mixed berry melds with this cheese to make an outstanding pairing. The beer’s tart, fruity flavors enhance the cranberry notes in the cheese.

Accompaniments: Crackers, toasted crostini, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, honey, fruit preserves, or fresh herbs. Lightly seasoned crackers, slices of toasted crostini, or seeded fig crackers add a crunchy texture. This crispness of sliced apples mingles well with the tartness of the cranberry to provide a delightful combination of flavors. Dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries can enhance the sweet and tangy flavors in the cheese while adding a chewy texture. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans complement cheddar’s rich and nutty flavors. Honey or fig preserves add a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add an herbal note that balances the richness to provide aromatic complexity.

Suggested uses:

For a gourmet cheese board *its unique flavor profile adds a delightful twist.

To elevate sandwiches, wraps, gourmet grilled cheese

Crumbled atop salads to create contrast and provide a tangy yet creamy profile

Incorporate into baked goods for a unique flavor twist that can add depth to savory scones, biscuits, or muffins.