Discover Perfect Pairings with Morgan McGlynn Carr
In the world of food pairings, nothing brings more joy than the combination of cheese and crisps. Whether you're looking to impress at a party or simply elevate your snack game, the crunchy texture of crisps paired with the rich flavors of cheese creates the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
Morgan McGlynn Carr, the queen of cheese pairing and author of "The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook," has explored the best ways to enjoy cheese. Known for curating exquisite cheese pairings, Morgan delves deep into the magic of how different cheeses complement not only wine and charcuterie but even the humble bag of crisps. Her expertise makes this guide a must-read for cheese lovers everywhere!
In this blog, we'll explore the best cheese and crisp pairings, offering you an elevated snack experience. From bold Cheddar with spicy jalapeño tortilla crisps to creamy Brie with luxurious truffle chips, each pairing promises a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. Plus, we’ll recommend the perfect drink to accompany each snack for a complete tasting experience.
1. Cheddar & Jalapeño Tortilla Crisps
The Pairing: The sharpness of Cheddar perfectly balances the spicy heat of jalapeño tortilla crisps. This pairing creates a bold flavor explosion—where the creamy, aged Cheddar mellows out the fire of the jalapeño, while the crisp texture of the tortilla adds a satisfying crunch.
Why it Works: The high fat content in Cheddar cheese helps to soften the spiciness of the jalapeño, while the cheese’s strong, savory taste ensures it holds its own against the bold flavors of the crisps.
Pair it with: A crisp, refreshing lager is your go-to drink here. The carbonation helps wash away the spice, while the light body of the lager keeps the palate clean between bites.
Pro Tip from Morgan McGlynn Carr: “To enhance this pairing even further, opt for a farmhouse Cheddar with a deeper, nuttier profile. It adds complexity to the already dynamic contrast of flavors.”
2. Goat's Cheese & Sweet Chilli Crisps
The Pairing: The tangy, fresh taste of goat’s cheese beautifully complements the sweet and slightly spicy flavor of sweet chilli crisps. It’s a pairing that contrasts but doesn’t overpower, creating a delicate balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice.
Why it Works: Goat’s cheese has a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness of chilli crisps, offering a refreshing contrast. The creaminess of the cheese enhances the overall mouthfeel, making this pairing a surprising hit.
Pair it with: A Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect match for this duo. Its bright acidity, herbaceous notes, and slight minerality will echo the tanginess of the cheese while offering a refreshing sip after each bite.
Morgan’s Expert Tip: “Go for a young, fresh goat's cheese to keep the pairing light and playful. Aged goat cheese might overwhelm the delicate balance between the cheese and crisps.”
3. Blue Cheese & Salted Ridge Crisps
The Pairing: The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese is mellowed beautifully by the simplicity of salted ridge crisps. This classic pairing lets the strong personality of the blue cheese shine, while the ridged texture of the crisps adds an enjoyable crunch.
Why it Works: The salt in the crisps enhances the pungency of the blue cheese, while their ridged texture helps scoop up the creamy cheese. The simple, salty flavor of the crisps acts as the perfect backdrop for the complex blue cheese.
Pair it with: A complex Sauternes wine is a fantastic match. The wine’s sweet, honeyed notes contrast the sharpness of the blue cheese, creating a symphony of sweet and savory flavors.
Morgan’s Expert Tip: “Try using different types of blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola to see how they pair differently. The richness of Sauternes beautifully balances any strong blue.”
4. Brie & Truffle Crisps (Morgan’s Favorite)
The Pairing: This luxurious pairing brings together the creamy, buttery texture of Brie with the rich, earthy flavor of truffle crisps. It’s indulgence at its finest, a combination that feels decadent and irresistible.
Why it Works: Brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor allow the truffle to take center stage, while the fat content in the cheese helps to carry the earthy truffle notes across the palate. Together, they create a luxurious snack that is perfect for special occasions.
Pair it with: Champagne or sparkling wine. The bubbles and acidity of Champagne cut through the richness of the Brie and truffle, creating a balanced and refined bite.
Morgan’s Insider Tip: “If you’re feeling adventurous, use a truffle honey drizzle on top of your Brie for a sweet and earthy enhancement to this pairing.”
5. Red Leicester & Sour Cream & Chive Pringles
The Pairing: The nutty and slightly tangy flavor of Red Leicester cheese contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy notes of sour cream and chive Pringles. The crispiness of Pringles adds an extra layer of texture to the pairing.
Why it Works: Red Leicester’s natural tanginess complements the sour cream flavor, while the smooth, creamy texture of the crisps offers a contrast to the cheese’s crumbly nature. The chive adds a herbaceous note that enhances the cheese’s nutty flavor.
Pair it with: A pale ale with balanced bitterness and malt sweetness complements the richness of the cheese and the tanginess of the crisps, creating a harmonious pairing.
Morgan’s Expert Tip: “For a more intense flavor, try a vintage Red Leicester. Its bolder taste stands up even better to the tanginess of sour cream and chive.”
Comté & Dill Pickle Crisps
The Pairing: The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Comté cheese pairs brilliantly with the zesty, tangy taste of dill pickle crisps. This combination brings a bold contrast of flavors, making every bite an exciting experience.
Why it Works: The saltiness and tang of dill pickle crisps brighten up the sweet, nutty Comté. This balance of sweet and tangy is further enhanced by the rich, smooth texture of the Comté.
Pair it with: An old white Bordeaux with a touch of sweetness enhances the nutty flavors of the Comté while balancing the tanginess of the crisps.
Morgan’s Tip: “For an extra flavor kick, serve this pairing with pickled onions or cornichons on the side. The acidity of the pickles brings out the complexity of the Comté.”
Final Thoughts on Cheese and Crisps Pairings
The world of cheese and crisps pairings offers endless possibilities. From bold, spicy flavors to creamy, indulgent textures, there’s a pairing to suit every palate.
As Morgan McGlynn Carr explores in her new book, "The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook," experimenting with cheese and crisps is not only fun but a great way to discover new flavor combinations that elevate everyday snacks into gourmet experiences.
So next time you’re in the mood for a snack, don’t just grab a bag of crisps—pair them with the perfect cheese, and take your taste buds on a journey of bold and balanced flavors. Cheers to snacking in style!
