A Guide to Pairing Pickles + Cheese
Very important info
Writing to you from my hotel room in Boston! It’s always nostalgic to be back in this city. I lived in Boston for five years during college, started That Cheese Plate’s Instagram here, and have so many fond memories of drinking cheap wine while singing karaoke in friend’s apartments. I can’t believe it’s been almost a decade since I graduated. I flew in yesterday for the Women Who Empower Innovator Awards at my alma matter, Northeastern University. Over the past ten years, Women Who Empower has been building a global, inclusive and dynamic community through events, scholarships, mentorship programs and entrepreneurial initiatives. I was deeply honored to receive the inaugural Leadership Award for Empowering Creative Communities. Working in social media can sometimes feel a bit isolating, so having the impact of That Cheese Plate celebrated in this way was an incredibly meaningful moment to me!
Pickles + Cheese
Speaking of celebrations, yesterday was National Pickle Day and naturally I shared a guide to my favorite pickle and cheese pairings on Instagram. I was blown away with the responses to this post, and honestly didn’t realize that pickles had such a cult following. Below is a deep dive to explain why I curated each pairing, and I can envision a pickle pairing party on the horizon of many of us.
THE PAIRINGS
Sharp Cheddar + Classic Dill: When I create pairings, I like to draw inspiration from familiar meals that naturally combine the flavors. For instance, my go-to grilled cheese includes sharp cheddar and dill pickles. My taste buds are already familiar with how well these flavors go together, so as a standalone pairing, they make a great combo. If we dive a bit deeper as to why, the tangy, bold, and creamy flavor of sharp cheddar provides a rich, savory base. Dill pickles are crisp, tangy, and acidic, cutting through the richness of the cheddar. I also enjoy the smooth texture of the cheese with the crunch of the pickle.
Gruyère + Cornichons: I also find pairing inspiration from specific cheesemaking regions, exploring the foods they’ve paired for centuries. If it’s been enjoyed for this long, it’s probably a good combination! Last winter I spent some time in Switzerland and noticed that Gruyère was constantly paired with cornichons. Cornichons are small but mighty, with a super tangy flavor and salty bite. Gruyère can be pretty rich on the mouthfeel, with notes of toasted nuts and butter. The cornichon’s tart acidity refreshes the palate and balances the cheese's buttery quality.
Blue Cheese + Bread and Butter: Bread and butter pickles are the candy corn of the pickle family. Aka, extremely polarizing. Some people love them, some absolutely hate them. Personally, I’m a fan. Bread and butter pickles are typically in a chip shape, sweet in taste, and can stand up to bold flavors like a peppery and rich blue cheese.
Fun Fact: During the Great Depression, these sweet-and-sour pickles were inexpensive to make and became a common way to preserve cucumbers. People would often eat them with bread and butter as a basic, filling meal, hence the name.
Gouda + Spicy Garlic: When enjoying a spicy pickle, it’s important to balance out the flavor with something that can provide a richness to the palette. This is where gouda comes into play. Young gouda has a creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that balances bold and spicy notes. I’d also suggest pairing these pickles with something creamy and briny, like a marinated feta.
Havarti + Half Sour: Back at it with the familiar flavors, my go-to sandwich order typically includes turkey, havarti, half-sour pickles and lettuce. I love the way that the cheese and pickles don’t overwhelm one another, yielding similar intensities. Havarti is a mild cheese, sometimes flavored with notes of dill. Half-sour pickles are a pickle and cucumber hybrid, offering little tang and a salty finish with a big crunch. Personally, they’re my favorite type of pickle!
Camembert + Sweet Gherkins: Gherkins are like cornichon’s sweeter cousin. These make for a great snack to serve on their own or paired with a creamy cheese like camembert. Their sweetness contrasts well with Camembert's savory, earthy depth, while their acidity cuts through the cheese's richness. Gherkins also work well as a Bloody Mary garnish!
Let me know your favorite pickle pairings below, or if there’s another combination I should try!
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