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The Art of Pairing Artisan British Cheese with Perfect Accompaniments: A Guide by The Grazing Zebra


At The Grazing Zebra, we take pride in curating stunning grazing tables that showcase the very best of artisan British cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or a grand event, pairing the right accompaniments with your cheese selection can truly elevate the experience. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of these flavours, using soft, hard, goat and blue cheeses as the stars of the show.


1. Soft Cheeses (e.g. Sussex Brie, Tunworth)


Soft cheeses are rich, creamy, and often mild in flavour, making them ideal for pairing with both subtle and bold accompaniments.


Best Pairings:


  • Fruit:

    Soft cheeses are perfectly complemented by sweet fruits like grapes, figs, or slices of crisp apples and pears. The sweetness contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.


  • Honey:

    A drizzle of honey, especially infused varieties like lavender or truffle honey, enhances the soft cheese’s buttery texture.


  • Crackers or Fresh Bread:

    Serve with simple, lightly salted crackers or slices of fresh sourdough, allowing the cheese to take center stage.


  • Nuts:

    Walnuts or almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour that pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses.




2. Hard Cheeses (e.g. Lincolnshire Poacher, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester)


Hard cheeses typically have stronger flavours and firmer textures, ranging from crumbly to smooth. These cheeses can stand up to more robust accompaniments.


Best Pairings:


  • Chutney:

    A sweet and tangy apple or fig chutney is an excellent contrast to sharp or aged hard cheeses.


  • Pickles:

    Traditional British pickles like pickled onions or cornichons add a zesty, tangy bite.


  • Dried Fruit:

    Apricots, dates, or raisins offer sweetness that complements the savoury flavours of hard cheeses.


  • Charcuterie:

    Cured meats like saucisson or salami work well alongside hard cheeses, balancing the saltiness of both components.




3. Goat Cheeses (e.g. Driftwood, Sinodun Hill)


Goat cheese offers a tangy, earthy flavour profile that can be mild or more pronounced depending on its maturity. The lightness of goat cheese pairs well with bright, fresh accompaniments.


Best Pairings:


  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprinkled over goat cheese create a delightful herbal note.


  • Honey or Balsamic Reduction:

    Sweet elements like honey or a drizzle of balsamic reduction balance the acidity and tanginess of the cheese.


  • Crisp Vegetables:

    Slices of cucumber, radishes, or roasted beetroot provide refreshing, earthy flavours to pair with the soft, creamy goat cheese.


  • Olives:

    Salty and briny olives offer a wonderful contrast, enhancing the cheese’s creaminess.




4. Blue Cheeses (e.g., Stilton, Shropshire Blue)


Blue cheeses are known for their strong, bold flavours with hints of saltiness and sharpness. The richness of blue cheese pairs well with both sweet and savoury elements.


Best Pairings:


  • Sweet Fruit:

    Juicy pears or figs balance the intense, salty flavor of blue cheese. Grapes also provide a refreshing sweetness.


  • Dark Chocolate:

    Surprisingly, the bitterness of dark chocolate pairs exquisitely with blue cheese, creating an indulgent flavour experience.


  • Port or Dessert Wine:

    A classic pairing, the sweetness of port or dessert wine cuts through the richness of the blue cheese.


  • Walnuts and Honey:

    The nuttiness of walnuts and the sweetness of honey create a layered and luxurious combination with blue cheese.




Crafting the Perfect Grazing Table


When creating a grazing table with these cheese pairings, variety is key. At The Grazing Zebra, we always aim to balance flavours, textures, and colours to offer a complete sensory experience. Consider mixing soft, creamy cheeses with sharp, aged varieties, and offer a range of accompaniments that cater to different preferences.


Be sure to:


Layer flavours

Sweet, salty, and tangy elements can all be present on one grazing board.


Play with textures

Combine creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts and crisp fruits.


Offer variety

Let your guests discover their own favourite combinations by including an array of options.



At The Grazing Zebra, we are passionate about providing personalised, unforgettable grazing experiences, and cheese pairings are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s a bespoke grazing box or a platter, a show-stopping table, we ensure that every cheese is perfectly matched with its ideal accompaniments.


For your next event or celebration, why not explore the rich world of artisan British cheese with us?



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