Rich & Bold Cheese Pairings and Recipes
Serve your guests something quite special. Discover your new favorite recipe.
Recipes
Lentil Salad with Spinach, Almonds and Cheddar
Mini Waffle-Sausage Stratas
One-Pan Lemon, Garlic & Herb Chicken with Orzo
Caramelized Onion & Arugula Pizza
Easy Chopped Chicken Salad
Summer Charcuterie Nachos
Turkey, Cheddar and Apricot Panini
Muffuletta Skewers
Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers
Grilled Chicken & White Cheddar Salad
Grilled Chicken-White Cheddar Ranch Club
Pimento-Cheese Pasta Salad
Grilled Steak & White Cheddar Sliders
Cheese and Pesto Toasts
Pimento Cheese Ball
Waffled Bacon and Cheese French Toast
“BLT” Cheesy Egg Bake
Kimchi, Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Bacon & Cheddar Hash Brown Skillet
Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
Fig-Prosciutto Crostini
Pear, Cheese & Walnut Salad
Homemade Pretzels with Beer-Cheese Dip
Peach Pepper Jack S’mores
Cheddar Cheese Fondue
Beer Bread
Baked Cinnamon Apples
Vermont Maple-Ham Breakfast Sandwich
Cheesy Bacon Bruschetta
Apple Cheddar S’mores
Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese
Triple Berry Kale & Arugula Salad
Grilled Chicken Sliders
Chile Crisp Grilled Cheese
Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry with Bacon Jam
5 Ingredient Charcuterie Board
Turkey, Havarti and Apricot Panini
Summer Charcuterie Board
Quiche Lorraine au Fromage
Potatoes au Gratin
Make-Ahead Egg Bake
Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip with Herb Crostini
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Swirled Herb Pesto and Garlic Knot Loaf
Ham & Cheese Sliders with Fig Jam
French Onion Gnocchi
Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Sticks
Easy Entertaining Charcuterie Board
Creamy Broccoli-Bacon Bake
Cracker Barrel Everyday Charcuterie Board
Cheesy Pizza Taquitos
Cheesy Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake
Candied Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Bloody Mary Board
Bacon, Cheddar and Gouda-Stuffed Pull Apart Bread
Kale & Apple Salad with Cheddar
Mini Dill Havarti Frittatas
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pairings
Aged Reserve and Tomato Crostini
Cucumber, Cheddar, Tomato Bites
Vermont Sharp White, Melon and Mint Canapés
Havarti Twist Crostini
Pecan Honey Bites
CRANBERRY PRESERVES, OLIVE & PROSCIUTTO WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
HOLIDAY FRUIT & NUT BOARD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
DARK CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY WITH SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR
ROASTED FIG, WALNUT & HONEY WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
PEACH, PROSCIUTTO & CROSTINI 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
5 Ingredient Charcuterie Board
What You Need
1 pkg (8 oz.) Italian dry salami, sliced
32 multi-grain crackers
1/2 cup green olives
1/4 cup apricot jam
Let’s Make It
- Arrange all ingredients on wooden board or serving platter.
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.
ROASTED FIG, WALNUT & HONEY WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cuts through the luxurious sweet flavors of walnuts, roasted figs, 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 WITH SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR
Bold Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar paired with sweet cranberry preserves, and bittersweet dark chocolate provides the perfect flavor balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and rich. These bold accompaniments are matched exquisitely with Cabernet Sauvignon.
TIP
Dark chocolate is frequently listed by its cacao content. If you prefer a sweeter dark chocolate, opt for lower cacao content, around 60 to 65%. If you prefer a more bitter dark chocolate, choose something with over 70% cacao.
Vermont Sharp White, Melon and Mint Canapés
Our Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cracker Cuts make the perfect base for this canapé. Top the cheese with a fresh melon ball, a mandarin orange wedge, and a sprig of mint.
Havarti Twist Crostini
Our Cracker Barrel Havarti cheese pairs wonderfully with a cherry tomato and fresh basil.
Pecan Honey Bites
Start with a slice of our Cracker Barrel Artisan Flavors Truffle Cheddar and add an apple slice, date, and candied pecans. Finish with a Manuka Honey Drizzle.
PEACH, PROSCIUTTO & CROSTINI WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Peach wrapped in prosciutto on a toasted crostini provides an exquisite, savory match with the bold flavors of Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar.
Aged Reserve and Tomato Crostini
Start with a crostini base and add a slice of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar, a slice of farm fresh mini heirloom tomato, and a sprig of mint. Finish with a drizzle of Manuka Honey.
Cucumber, Cheddar, Tomato Bite
Pile Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar and a cherry tomato atop a fresh cucumber slice.