As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of rich, indulgent flavours fills the air. One of the best ways to celebrate this time of year is with carefully chosen cheese pairings that bring festive joy to your table. At Muswell Hill Cheese Shop , we’re passionate about creating the perfect combination of cheeses and accompaniments, which is why we’ve partnered with Morgan Cheeses , as featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch food show. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or looking to bring something special to your holiday gatherings, these cheese pairings will elevate your celebrations.
In this blog, we’ll explore three delightful festive cheese pairings, provide you with two holiday recipes— clove honey and a whiskey-spiked mulled wine —and explain why these pairings work so wonderfully together. Let’s dive into the world of Morgan Cheeses and discover why these combinations are perfect for the festive season!
1. Taleggio with Pear & Clove Honey: A Match Made in Festive Heaven
Why It Works:
Taleggio is a semi-soft, creamy cheese that brings a smooth, fruity flavour with a slight tang. Its soft texture makes it a versatile cheese for pairing, especially with something sweet. When paired with the delicate sweetness of pear and the warmth of clove honey , the results are nothing short of magical. The fruity and spicy elements from the clove honey beautifully balance the tangy richness of the Taleggio, creating a harmonious contrast that works perfectly for the colder months.
Taleggio’s creamy mouthfeel pairs beautifully with the crisp and juicy texture of pears, while the aromatic clove honey —a perfect blend of honey, cinnamon, and cloves—adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. This pairing is a crowd-pleaser and captures the essence of the festive season, with the sweetness of the pear and honey evoking memories of warm firesides and holiday cheer.
Festive Appeal:
This pairing is ideal for Christmas cheese boards and as a standout appetizer for your holiday party. The creamy texture of Taleggio and the festive spices of the clove honey make it an elegant option for entertaining. Plus, the pear element adds a refreshing note, balancing the richness of the cheese while still offering that comforting, warming flavour we all crave during winter.
2. Comté with Mulled Wine & Dried Cherries: A Savoury and Sweet Delight
Why It Works:
Comté is a French alpine cheese with a rich, nutty flavour profile and a firm texture that makes it a delightful addition to any cheese pairing. When paired with mulled wine —a festive favourite that’s spiced with cinnamon , cloves , and star anise —and dried cherries , the pairing elevates the complex flavour of the Comté while bringing a sweet, spiced twist.
The mulled wine ’s deep, spiced flavours complement the earthy, nutty tones of the Comté, while the dried cherries provide a touch of natural sweetness and a slightly tart finish, creating a well-rounded contrast with the savoury cheese. The richness of Comté holds up beautifully against the warmth of the spiced wine and the sweetness of the cherries, making this a truly festive experience.
Festive Appeal:
This is the perfect pairing for a Christmas cheese platter , especially if you're looking to impress your guests with a more sophisticated option. The combination of mulled wine and dried cherries brings a festive touch to the cheese, and the richness of Comté pairs beautifully with rich meats like roast beef or turkey. If you're looking for a festive touch to your next holiday dinner , this pairing is a showstopper that will add depth and flavour to your meal.
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3. Kirkham Lancashire Cheese with Christmas Cake: A British Tradition with a Twist
Why It Works:
Kirkham Lancashire is a crumbly, creamy cheese with a tangy, nutty flavour that works surprisingly well with something as rich and sweet as Christmas cake . The pairing of cheese with cake is a time-honoured British tradition, and Lancashire cheese —with its mild yet slightly sharp taste—balances the deep flavours of the Christmas cake, which is filled with dried fruits, spices, and often soaked in alcohol.
The slightly crumbly texture of Kirkham Lancashire contrasts beautifully with the moist, dense Christmas cake , and its sharp, tangy notes cut through the richness of the cake, making it a perfect match. The fruitcake's spices also highlight the subtle complexity of the cheese, creating a wonderfully balanced pairing.
Festive Appeal:
This pairing is a celebration of British tradition . It’s the ideal combination for the Christmas dessert table , especially for those who enjoy pairing their cheese with a sweet finish. The Christmas cake adds a rich, festive touch, while the Lancashire cheese keeps things light and refreshing. Together, they provide a delightful end to any Christmas meal.
Holiday Recipes to Complement Your Cheese Pairings
Recipe 1: Clove Honey
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of honey (a floral variety works best)
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest
Instructions :
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange zest.
- Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and the flavours have melded together (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and strain out the spices before serving.
- Drizzle over your Taleggio cheese and pear slices for the perfect sweet and spicy pairing.
Why It Works :
This clove honey brings an aromatic sweetness to your cheese pairings, with the added warmth of cinnamon and cloves. It enhances the festive experience, making it the perfect complement for cheese, especially soft cheeses like Taleggio.
Recipe 2: Mulled Wine with Whiskey
Ingredients :
- 1 bottle of red wine (a medium-bodied wine such as Merlot or Shiraz works well)
- 1/4 cup of whiskey
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of honey or sugar (to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 cloves
- 1-2 star anise
- 1 orange , sliced
Instructions :
- In a large saucepan, combine the wine, whiskey, and orange juice.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.
- Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Add honey or sugar to taste.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Strain out the spices before serving. Serve warm with your favourite cheese pairing .
Why It Works :
This whiskey-spiked mulled wine adds a deeper layer of complexity and warmth to your holiday celebrations. The richness of the whiskey complements the spices of the wine, making it the perfect drink to serve alongside Comté cheese or Kirkham Lancashire cheese .
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Conclusion: The Perfect Pairings for a Festive Feast Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening with family, these festive cheese pairings will elevate your holiday season. From the creamy Taleggio with pear and clove honey to the nutty Comté paired with mulled wine, and the classic Kirkham Lancashire with Christmas cake, these combinations are sure to bring joy and flavour to your Christmas gatherings. At Muswell Hill Cheese Shop, we’re proud to offer these artisanal cheeses and other carefully selected products, as featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch food show with Morgan Cheeses. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas dinner or putting together a cheese board for a holiday party, these pairings will ensure your guests leave with full bellies and big smiles. Looking for more festive ideas or seasonal cheese pairings? Visit us at Muswell Hill Cheese Shop and let us help you craft the perfect holiday cheese experience!
Make this christmas Season unforgettable with our christmas cheese pairings
