Looking to refresh your cheese pairings this season? From fiery gochujang paired with bold blue cheese to crumbly Parmigiano biscuits that complement sharp cheddar, these pairings will take your cheese board to the next level. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, we’ve got the perfect match for you.
San Francisco–based Queens makes pantry staples that blend their Korean and Korean-American heritages. Instead of relying on imports, Queens sources from local farmers to create environmentally sustainable products. Queens Gochujang is made by curing soybeans in sea salt and blending them with spicy gochugaru and sweet jujubes, creating a rich and spicy condiment. Pair it with a strong and tangy blue cheese, such as Roquefort, to balance its heat and sweetness.
Looking to level up the cheesiness of your next cheese board? The Fine CheeseCo. Parmigiano Reggiano Buttercrumb Biscuits will help you reach that goal. Made with over 37 percent freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Tradizione di Parma cheese, these savory medallions are a cross between a cheese straw and a shortbread cookie. Their crumbly texture and rich flavor make them an ideal partner for a sharp cheddar such as Montgomery’s or Jasper Hill Farm’s Cabot Clothbound.
Primo’s Fig + Pequin Preserve is a flavorful party in a jar. Bright fig, orange, and anise notes contrast with the pop of piquant heat powered by the mighty Pequin pepper. This versatile sweet and spicy preserve pairs beautifully with a range of cheeses. Try it with a Tomme-style goat cheese, such as Blakesville Creamery’s Saint Germain, for a sweet and tangy pairing.
Goode & Local’s Hot Coppa is made with pork from its pasture-raised, heritage-breed herd of around 1,000 pigs. Hand-rubbed with fiery Calabrian peppers and dry-cured for months, this Italian-style hot coppa boasts bold flavors and remarkable tenderness. Pair it with a creamy Taleggio to double down on the indulgence while cutting through the spice.
Want to swap out that spritz for a non-alcoholic version? Casamara Club Como“leisure soda” is an Alpine-inspired botanical soda with mountain Amaro aromatics and an extra-dry finish. With cooling citrus and breezy wildflower notes, this non-alcoholic beverage isa sophisticated sip without the sweetness. Pair it with Piave and prosciutto to be instantly transported to Italy.
C. Cassis Blackcurrant Aperitif is a sparkling canned cocktail that blends C. Cassis’ signature black currant liqueur with crisp seltzer, zesty citrus peel, vibrant botanicals, and a touch of wild honey. The blackcurrant liqueur, made with Hudson Valley blackcurrants, brings a rich, fruity depth that pairs beautifully with a clean, citrus-forward goat cheese such as Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog.
Josie Krogh
Josie Krogh is culture's Digital Strategy Lead. She earned her master's degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from The University of Georgia. Josie developed a love of food while working at farmstands in the D.C. area as a young adult, and discovered her love of cheese while living and working on a dairy farm on Martha's Vineyard. Josie currently lives in Catskill, NY.
