What to Pair with Cheddar Cheese

Few cheeses are as familiar as Cheddar, but behind the name lies an extraordinary variety of flavours, textures and cheesemaking traditions. From traditional clothbound farmhouse Cheddars to cave-aged and smoked cheeses, there is far more to explore than you might expect.

While the cheese is very much the focus, a good pairing can bring out different elements of its flavour. We’ve chosen five distinctive British cheeses: Paxton's Cave Aged Cheddar, Montgomery’s Cheddar, Pitchfork Cheddar, Winterdale Shaw and Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher, and put together some suggested pairings for each.

These are simply recommendations rather than rules. Experiment, taste and discover what works for you.

Cave Aged Cheddar

Matured in the unique environment of the Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset, Cave Aged Cheddar has a rich, rounded character with a gentle sweetness.

Suggested pairing: A full-bodied West Country cider. The generous fruit and gentle tannins of the cider work particularly well with the sweeter, rounded character of the cheese.

Montgomery’s Cheddar

A benchmark traditional Somerset Cheddar, Montgomery’s has a firm, slightly crumbly texture and a wonderfully complex savoury character.

Suggested pairing: A buttery Chardonnay. Look for something full-bodied with a little oak, which has the richness to stand alongside the cheese while complementing its savoury depth.

Pitchfork Cheddar

Pitchfork is a traditional clothbound Somerset Cheddar with a rich, full flavour and a distinctive bright, lactic character.

Suggested pairing: Amontillado sherry. Its nutty, savoury character and gentle salinity work beautifully with the complexity of the cheese, while retaining enough freshness to keep the pairing balanced.

Winterdale Shaw

Made in Kent and matured in a traditional cave built into the North Downs, Winterdale Shaw is a distinctive farmhouse Cheddar with a firm texture and lingering savoury flavour.

Suggested pairing: A Kentish English sparkling wine. The bright acidity and fine bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese, with the added pleasure of pairing two products from the same county.

Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher

Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher takes the rich, savoury character of this much-loved British cheese and adds a deep, smoky complexity.

Suggested pairing: A full-bodied Syrah or Shiraz. Ripe dark fruit, pepper and spice have enough character to stand alongside the smoke, creating a bold pairing for a bold cheese.

What is the Best Drink with Cheddar?

If you’re choosing just one drink to enjoy with a selection of Cheddar, we’d recommend a good West Country cider. Apple and Cheddar are a classic combination, while the fruit, acidity and tannins of cider work beautifully with the rich, savoury flavours of mature cheese.

For a non-alcoholic pairing, choose a really good cloudy apple juice. Its natural sweetness and refreshing acidity make it an equally delicious partner for Cheddar.

Above all, there are no absolute rules. Try different combinations, compare them side by side and discover what works for you.