Rich & Bold Cheese Pairings
Serve your guests something quite special. Discover your new favorite pairing.
ROASTED RED PEPPERS & SALAMI WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
CRANBERRY PRESERVES, OLIVE & PROSCIUTTO WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
HOLIDAY FRUIT & NUT BOARD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
CINNAMON-SUGAR & WALNUT WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
SPICED-CHERRY CHEDDAR CHEESE BALL
PINEAPPLE, PISTACHIO & HONEY WITH SHARP CHEDDAR
STRAWBERRY & RAISIN BREAD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
APPLE, ROASTED FIG & ALMOND WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
DARK CHOCOLATE, CRANBERRY & APRICOT WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
TRY OUR CHEESE PAIRING BOARDS
A sophisticated and satisfying on-the-go snack.
TASTE CHEESE LIKE A PRO
In a few easy steps, you can taste cheese like a professional cheese judge.
SNIFF
Inhale and take a good whiff. Cheddars have a range of aromas, but the key is balance. No one aroma should overpower the other.
SIZE-UP
Give the cheddar a good once-over. The appearance should be uniform and smooth.
SLICE
Pass a knife through the cheddar. Styles range from smooth to dry, and generally, a smoother cheddar is easier to slice.
SMOOSH
Pinch between your thumb and index finder. Younger cheese will be a bit springy while an aged cheese can be crumbly.
SAVOR
Finally, take a bite—and enjoy it slowly. You’re looking for balanced taste and mouth feel.
CHEESE PAIRING BASICS
Follow these expert tips to make your own exceptional cheese board.
Slice Then Serve
Visual Appeal
Full Range Flavor
The Universal Staple
Tasting Tools
Mix Multiple Textures
Timing is Everything
Perfect Positioning
Quiche Lorraine au Fromage
Total Time: 2 hours 35 mins (incl. refrigerating) Prep Time: 30 mins. Servings: 8
What You Need
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut in ½-inch cubes
1/4 cup ice water
8 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
1-1/4 cups CRACKER BARREL Shredded Three Cheese Blend, divided
3 eggs
2 cups half-and-half
Let’s Make It
- Use pulsing action of food processor to process flour, salt and butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, pulsing just until mixture clings together and pulls away from side of food processor container. Remove dough; shape into ball. Flatten dough to 1/2-inch-thick round on large sheet of plastic wrap; wrap securely. Refrigerate 1 hour or until well chilled.
- Butter a 9-inch tart pan. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 11-inch round. Place in prepared pan; fold under and flute edge. Use a fork to poke evenly spaced holes in the bottom and side of the dough and refrigerate for 30 min.
- Heat oven to 400°F. Place tart on baking sheet. Line with foil, fill with pie weights and bake 15 min. Remove from oven, remove foil and pie weights. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
- Sprinkle bacon and 1 cup cheese onto bottom of crust. Whisk eggs and half-and-half until blended; pour into crust.
- Bake 25 to 30 min. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 10 min. or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 min. before removing tart ring and serving.
ROASTED RED PEPPERS & SALAMI WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
The complexity of Cracker Barrel’s Aged Reserve Cheddar pairs perfectly with rich cured salami and whole grain mustard, while the sweetness of roasted red peppers puts everything in harmony. A glass of Riesling rounds out this combination.
TIP
Choose thinly-sliced artisanal salami for the best flavor.
CRANBERRY PRESERVES, OLIVE & PROSCIUTTO WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
Mixed olives, garlic toast and prosciutto provide an exquisite savory match with the bold, sharp flavors of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar, while cranberry preserves lend a touch of sweet and sour. Chardonnay offers another delicious layer of complexity.
TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon as a way to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing
HOLIDAY FRUIT & NUT BOARD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
Perfect for the holidays, this mix of fruit and nuts pairs perfectly with the robust flavor of Aged Reserve Cheddar. A drizzle of maple syrup and honey add a touch of sweetness, while chopped dates and cranberries round out the cheese board.
TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon as a way to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing.
STRAWBERRY & BASIL WITH VERMONT WHITE CHEDDAR
The classic flavor combination of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and basil is heightened by Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar. White chocolate adds a touch of sweetness to complement the berries while black pepper crackers bring a hint of spice to perfect this flavor combination. Pinot Noir is an ideal complement.
TIP
Basil is best stored at room temperature in a glass of cool water, like a flower. Refrigeration can bruise the leaves and reduce storage life.
CINNAMON-SUGAR & WALNUT WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Take the traditional pairing of cheddar cheese and apples to another level with the addition of walnuts and cinnamon sugar. Dark red fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon provide another classic match.
TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing.
SPICED-CHERRY CHEDDAR CHEESE BALL
Crunchy and sweet on the outside, smooth and delicious on the inside. Mix cream cheese and cheddar until blended, stir in cherries, and roll into a ball. Refrigerate at least two hours before rolling in nuts. Serve this crowd favorite with crackers.
TIP
To wrap for gift giving, place cheese ball and knife on decorative platter or cutting board. Wrap with colorful cellophane and ribbon. After serving, the host will have a gift to remember the occasion!
PINEAPPLE, PISTACHIO & HONEY WITH SHARP CHEDDAR
Honey and pistachio highlight the buttery nuttiness of Cracker Barrel’s Sharp Cheddar, while pineapple provides a lively contrast that adds brightness to this unexpected combination. Chardonnay pairs perfectly with this mix of flavors.
TIP
If your honey is crystallized, microwave briefly to restore it to its original state. (Just make sure its packaging is microwave safe.)
STRAWBERRY & RAISIN BREAD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
Sweet and fragrant raisin bread heightens the complexity of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar while strawberries add a burst of freshness. The crisp finish and floral notes of Pinot Grigio heighten this exquisite pairing.
TIP
For best flavor, let cheese stand at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.
APPLE, ROASTED FIG & ALMOND WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cuts through the luxurious sweet flavors of marcona almonds, roasted figs, fresh-cut apples, and golden honey with delicious results. Pinot Noir provides a perfect contrast to this pairing with its bright berry notes.
TIP
To roast figs, cut in half and toss with olive oil and honey. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs soften and begin to caramelize.
DARK CHOCOLATE, CRANBERRY & APRICOT WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Bold Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar paired with sweet apricot preserves, tart dried cranberries, and bittersweet dark chocolate provides the perfect flavor balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and rich. These bold accompaniments are matched exquisitely with Cabernet Sauvignon.