Sharp commentary calls for sharp cheddar
In case you missed it, Kelly Clarkson interviewed America’s world champion cheesemongers Emilia D’Albero and Courtney Johnson about all things Mondial du Fromage/competitive cheesemongering on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. The three even had a virtual tasting with Clarkson featuring a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano and Hofkaserei Kraus’ Shadow Blossom.
That got us thinking … which talk show hosts would we pair with cheeses? Browse the list below to spark chatter among you and your fellow cheese and late night (or early morning) TV lovers.
John Oliver + Sharp Cheddar
John Oliver is the king of commentary, so a sharp cheddar’s the way to go. This cheese offers zing, which complements Oliver’s razor-sharp wit when it comes to national affairs.
Stephen Colbert + Colby Jack
Colby Jack is versatile, perfect for melting, slicing, and snacking, especially right out of the bag in front of the fridge light. Its presence is a constant, like Stephen Colbert’s many shows over the years. And just like Colbert’s interview style and eyebrow raise, Colby offers signature flavor we can’t get enough of.
Jimmy Kimmel + Pepper-infused Cheese
Jimmy Kimmel’s brand of black comedy pairs well with something studded with black pepper, like Tillamook’s Smoked Black Pepper cheddar.
Jimmy Fallon + Chechil
Something about Jimmy Fallon’s bananas personality screams string cheese.
Seth Myers + Pleasant Ridge Reserve
Seth Myers is obsessed with cheese plates, according to an interview with Bon Appetit. Since that’s the case, we like to think of him as an artisanal cheese champion. Cue the darling of the American artisan cheese scene: Pleasant Ridge Reserve.
Drew Barrymore + Grilled Cheese
The Drew Barrymore Show is a daily dose of optimism. Stream it with a super-melty grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort watch.
Rosie O’Donnell + Spicy Queso
Outspoken Rosie O’Donnell has never been afraid to stir the pot and let her views be known. Hot takes demand hot cheese; enjoy reruns of The View accompanied by a flaming hot cheese dip, preferably infused with chile.
Wendy Williams + Parmigiano Reggiano
Wendy Williams is a TV queen, so the king of cheese makes an excellent match.
Jon Stewart + Vegan Cheese
Fun fact: Jon Stewart’s a vegan. Break out the nutritional yeast for a bowl of vegan mac and cheese or reach for a wheel of UmYum’s Monroe.
Kelly Clarkson + Kraft Singles
Only American cheese for the talk show world’s American Idol.
Conan O’Brien + Blue Cheese
Conan O’Brien’s got a style all his own, ranging from deadpan to musical to surreal. For that, we bestow him the great honor of blue cheese: A cheese in its own category.
Oprah + Truffle Brie
There’s no Oprah episode as famous as the one that birthed the You Get a Car meme, so for Oprah there can be no other pairing besides a rich truffle brie.
Barbara Walters + Burrata
Barbara Walters crushed her interviews, asking the tough questions and getting to the heart of her subjects. Pair her with an ooey gooey burrata just dying to open up.
Dr. Phil + Cheez Whiz
Cheez Whiz is ubiquitous, as Dr. Phil was in his heyday. It’s also on par with Dr. Phil’s brand of shock value; if you ask us, live paternity test reveals and canned cheese just make sense together.
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
