The easiest way to impress people and look like you put in a lot of work is with a meat and cheese platter. But don’t worry—we’ll teach you some simple tricks and tips right here.
Just like you’d pair wine and cheese, certain meats and cheese complement each other better than others. We have put together a full guide on how to pair meat and cheese and make the best charcuterie board ever. Start planning your next party now.
Pork and cheese are two foundational ingredients in cuisines worldwide. When combined in the right way, they can create culinary magic. But with endless varieties of pork dishes and an equally diverse cheese selection, how do you know which cheeses pair best with pork? Let’s explore the factors to consider and 12 sensational pork and cheese combinations that will have you craving more.
What Makes Cheese and Pork Such a Great Match?
There are a few reasons why cheese and pork complement each other so splendidly
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Pork’s rich, fatty flavors need a counterpoint. Sharp, tangy cheeses cut through and lighten pork’s heft.
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Cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that melds with pork’s supple texture.
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Saltiness in cheeses like feta or parmesan balances the mild sweetness in pork.
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Smoked cheese mirrors smoky notes found in dishes like bacon or ham,
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Melting cheese incorporates into pork seamlessly, as in melty ham and gruyere croquettes.
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Cured meats like prosciutto or salami paired with cheese are a classic combo.
No matter your preference for mild, nutty cheeses or pungent, funky ones, there’s a cheese soulmate for every type of pork dish.
12 Dream Cheese Pairings for Pork
From everyday meals to special occasion fare, here are 12 can’t miss cheese and pork pairings:
1. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork
Smoked gouda is the perfect match for pulled pork’s tender shreds infused with spice rubs or barbecue sauce. Stir pulled pork right into the mac and cheese for next level comfort food.
2. Pork Medallions with Sage and Provolone Cream Sauce
Pan-seared pork medallions served atop provolone spiked cream creates a refined, Italian-inspired dinner. The mild, nutty cheese mellows pork’s richness.
3. BLT with Cheddar Cheese
A BLT sandwich becomes extra decadent with the addition of cheddar. Its subtle sharpness stands up to the smokiness of bacon.
4. Pork Carnitas Street Tacos with Queso Fresco
These Mexican street-style tacos are topped with crumbled queso fresco, whose salty tang offsets the juicy carnitas.
5. Pork Stir Fry with Kimchi and Parmesan
Kimchi’s spice and parmesan’s umami punch give this stir fry tons of flavor. The cheese also lends a subtle creaminess.
6. Ham and Gruyere Croquettes
These sophisticated snacks hide gooey gruyere inside golden, fried ham shells. Gruyere’s smooth texture pairs perfectly with the salty ham.
7. Mojo Pork Shoulder with Manchego Cheese
Slow roasted mojo pork shoulder gains a piquant accent from a manchego cheese garnish. Manchego’s distinctive zing cuts through the meat’s richness.
8. Sausage and Pepper Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella
The classic pizza topping combo of sausage and peppers becomes even better with the addition of fresh mozzarella. Its mild flavor nicely cools spicy sausage.
9. Pork Tenderloin with Peach Chutney and Goat Cheese
Pork tenderloin gains complexity paired with a sweet peach chutney and tangy goat cheese crumbles. The cheese lends a fabulous creaminess.
10. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Crumble blue cheese into the dressing for a bacon-topped BLT salad. Blue cheese’s bold flavor stands up to meaty bacon.
11. Cuban Sandwich with Swiss Cheese
A Cuban sandwich tastes extra special when you add nutty, melty Swiss cheese in addition to the customary ham and pork shoulder.
12. Broccoli Rabe Sausage Pasta with Pecorino Romano
Broccoli rabe and spicy sausage create a dynamic pasta dish when showered with grated pecorino romano. Its salty intensity balances the other flavors.
Finding Your Perfect Pork and Cheese Pairing
The possibilities for pairing cheese and pork are nearly endless. Use these suggestions as inspiration to get creative with the cheeses already stocked in your fridge. Taste as you cook to strike the ideal balance between cheese’s tang and pork’s richness in each bite. With so many fantastic cheese and charcuterie pairings, your pork dishes will never get boring.
Must-try meat and cheese pairings
We’re not in the business of cheese discrimination; all cheeses and cured meats are delicious. Nonetheless, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few of our favorite must-try combinations.
Salami is a charcuterie crowd-favorite and honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this cheese pairing. Try pairing it with gouda, a semi-hard cheese with roots in the Netherlands. Gouda comes in multiple varieties – aged, smoky, or flavor-infused – to suit whichever mood you’re in. Marieke® Gouda is one of our favorites. It comes in many different flavors, such as pepper, paprika, coriander, honey clover, fenugreek, allspice, and onion.
Salty, crumbly parmesan and buttery prosciutto meet in a sensual dance of flavors on your tongue. Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham, often sliced ultra-thin. Both prosciutto and parmesan are typically aged, making them super flavorful and salty-sweet in the best way. You’ll have to excuse us for a moment while we daydream about meat and cheese.
Soppressata, a dry salami, can be made with both pork or beef. Whichever kind you choose, you can’t go wrong pairing it with havarti, a creamy, semi-soft cheese. The herbs and spices in the soppressata stand out against the soft, buttery taste of Havarti, which brings out the nutty, earthy notes of the cheese.
‘Nduja (“en-doo-yah”) is the element for your charcuterie board that you didn’t know you needed. This trendy Calabrian dish is a soft, spicy pork spread that will go well with your cheese platter. Alpine-style cheese is the perfect pairing for it. Its creaminess will take the edge off the ‘nduja’s hot red peppers and balance its other flavor components. We would be remiss if we didn’t say that ndjua is also a great way to spice up a grilled cheese. Heres our recipe for a delicious nduja grilled cheese.
Meat and cheese accompaniments
When done right, pairing meat and cheese is an art that brings out the best in each other’s taste, texture, and experience. But adding other things to your cheese board takes it to the next level, making it more interesting to look at and bringing out flavors that go well together. Try adding sweet, crunchy, and savory elements to your next charcuterie board.
Some cheeses are slightly sweet, so eating them with fruit is a great way to bring out those sweet notes. Figs are great with parmesan or blue cheese. Since they’re at their freshest in June and July, they’re great as an appetizer at a summer picnic or party. You can store dried apricots for months and they taste great with gouda or cheddar. They are also a great addition to a cheese board you threw together quickly because your in-laws dropped by unexpectedly. ) Pears play off feta, and cantaloupe is a great pair with prosciutto.
Some cured meats may have a bit more bite to them, but most of the cheeses on a typical cheese board will be soft. Adding in crunchy accompaniments is a great way to add some more interest and variety. Nuts are a great place to start. Try some pecans with gouda or cashews with blue cheese. You can also add crunch to your food with sesame sticks, which go well with Asiago or Parmesan cheese.
Olives bring a savory, salty element that spices up your cheeses. Try Kalamatas with feta for a classic Mediterranean feel or green olives with swiss or gouda. Cranberry chutney hits that sweet-savory balance just right and is particularly festive around the winter holidays. Try it with cheddar and prepare for your socks to be knocked off. Cornichons, which is French for “tiny pickles,” are both cutely small and deliciously sour. They add much-needed acidity to cut through foods that are too rich. Try them with emmental and salami. A whole-grain Dijon mustard is a great addition to an aged cheddar.
The best parties are ones with a big charcuterie board. Whether this is your first time putting together a cheese platter or you’ve done it a million times, here are some tips to keep in mind.
There’s nothing more tragic than leftover cheese that’s been sitting out slightly too long to salvage. Making sure that your guests get the right amount of food will keep tasty meat and cheese from going to waste.
The Most Delectable Side Dishes For Pork Chops, Ranked
FAQ
What cheese melts well with pork?
What kind of cheese goes with a pork sandwich?
Does cheddar go with pork?
What cheese goes well with smoked pork?
What cheese goes well with pork chops?
Gruyere cheese – known for its rich, creamy, and nutty flavor, is the perfect balance between heavy cream and pork chops. Dijon mustard – intense and sharp flavor adds flavor to the cheese and cream. Do not substitute with yellow mustard; it does not have the same rich flavor that you want with this recipe.
What is the healthy substitute of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese itself is a healthy option to include in daily diet as it is made of milk and rich in protein and calcium. If one has to substitute cottage cheese for various reasons then tofu is one such option which can be used and has good protein content too. Or mozzarella cheese or other types of low fat cheese options can be used to certain extent as a substitute.
What kind of cheese goes with pulled pork?
Sweet and smoky pulled pork with sharp mature cheddar and creamy mozzarella, toasted between two slices of ciabatta makes for the ultimate grilled cheese. 3 What cut of meat for pulled pork? 4 What kind of bread for grilled cheese? Feast your eyes on this bad boy.
Can you add cheese to pork?
Well, unfortunately, no! Because different kinds of cheese taste different. So, when you add different cheese to your pork the taste will vary. Therefore, as per your demand, we’re gonna explore how many cheeses go together with pork. And how many pork and cheese recipes you can try with different cheese. Oh God!