recipes
& Pairings
Recipes
Pairings
Aged Reserve and Tomato Crostini
Aged Reserve and Tomato Crostini
Start with a crostini base and add a slice of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar, a slice of farm fresh mini heirloom tomato, and a sprig of mint. Finish with a drizzle of Manuka Honey.
Cucumber, Cheddar, Tomato Bite
Cucumber, Cheddar, Tomato Bite
Pile Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar and a cherry tomato atop a fresh cucumber slice.
Vermont Sharp White, Melon and Mint Canapés
Vermont Sharp White, Melon and Mint Canapés
Our Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Cracker Cuts make the perfect base for this canapé. Top the cheese with a fresh melon ball, a mandarin orange wedge, and a sprig of mint.
Havarti Twist Crostini
Havarti Twist Crostini
Our Cracker Barrel Havarti cheese pairs wonderfully with a cherry tomato and fresh basil.
Pecan Honey Bites
Pecan Honey Bites
Start with a slice of our Cracker Barrel Artisan Flavors Truffle Cheddar and add an apple slice, date, and candied pecans. Finish with a Manuka Honey Drizzle.
CRANBERRY PRESERVES, OLIVE & PROSCIUTTO WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
CRANBERRY PRESERVES, OLIVE & PROSCIUTTO WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
Mixed olives, garlic toast and prosciutto provide an exquisite savory match with the bold, sharp flavors of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar, while cranberry preserves lend a touch of sweet and sour. Chardonnay offers another delicious layer of complexity.
TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon as a way to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing
HOLIDAY FRUIT & NUT BOARD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
HOLIDAY FRUIT & NUT BOARD WITH AGED RESERVE CHEDDAR
Perfect for the holidays, this mix of fruit and nuts pairs perfectly with the robust flavor of Aged Reserve Cheddar. A drizzle of maple syrup and honey add a touch of sweetness, while chopped dates and cranberries round out the cheese board.
TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon as a way to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing.
DARK CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY WITH SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR
DARK CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY WITH SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR
Bold Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp White Cheddar paired with sweet cranberry preserves, and bittersweet dark chocolate provides the perfect flavor balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and rich. These bold accompaniments are matched exquisitely with Cabernet Sauvignon.
TIP
Dark chocolate is frequently listed by its cacao content. If you prefer a sweeter dark chocolate, opt for lower cacao content, around 60 to 65%. If you prefer a more bitter dark chocolate, choose something with over 70% cacao.
ROASTED FIG, WALNUT & HONEY WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
ROASTED FIG, WALNUT & HONEY WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cuts through the luxurious sweet flavors of walnuts, roasted figs, and golden honey with delicious results. Pinot Noir provides a perfect contrast to this pairing with its bright berry notes.
TIP
To roast figs, cut in half and toss with olive oil and honey. Roast in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs soften and begin to caramelize.
PEACH, PROSCIUTTO & CROSTINI WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
PEACH, PROSCIUTTO & CROSTINI WITH EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR
Peach wrapped in prosciutto on a toasted crostini provides an exquisite, savory match with the bold flavors of Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar.
Cheese Pairing BAsics
Slice, then serve
If you plan to slice or cut your cheese before serving, do so as close to serving time as possible.
Visual appeal
Leave the rinds on cheeses when serving to provide a dash of color to your cheese tray
Full Range Flavor
When preparing a cheese tray for company, a selection of at least 3 cheeses is best to provide a good range of flavors.
The Universal Staple
Cheddar is a great anchor for any cheese board. Its popularity and familiar flavor make it a crowd favorite and it provides a great basis for comparison against other cheeses
Tasting Tools
Separate knives should be used for cutting or serving any cheese that is particularly soft or full flavored to prevent flavor transfer from one cheese to another.
Mix Multiple Textures
When featuring multiple cheeses on a cheese tray, try to provide a variety in styles, textures and milks. Cheeses from different milks show distinct differences in flavors and aromas.
Timing is Everything
Cheeses should be pulled out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to serving to allow them to warm slightly. Cheeses taste best at room temperature.
Perfect Positioning
When tasting multiple cheeses, they should be ordered in terms of flavor. Start with subtle flavored cheeses, like Camembert, on one end of the cheese board and work toward stronger flavored cheeses, like blue cheeses, at the opposite end.