How to Pair Specialty Cheese

Tacoma Boys’ selection of specialty cheese is not to be missed. If you generally stick to just one or two types of cheeses, we recommend branching out to try even more! Cheese can be produced in a variety of textures and flavors. Specialty cheese is often flavored with add-ins like herbs, spices, vegetables, and even wine. There are so many different kinds of cheeses to try that are best with other foods or for certain occasions. Charcuterie boards are often recommended as a great way to enjoy different cheeses with a group. For a guide on how to build the perfect charcuterie board, check out our blog all about it here.

Specialty Cheese

It’s easy to pair specialty cheese with just about any type of food you’d like for a satisfying snack or meal. Specialty and artisan cheeses are often produced in small batches or with seasonal ingredients. That’s what makes them so fun to enjoy and pair with other cheeses and foods. Pairing cheese with complementary and contrasting flavors and textures is a way to fully appreciate different cheeses: Whether it be wine, cured meats, fresh fruit, pickled vegetables, or assorted spreads. That’s why charcuterie boards are so popular and easy to put together!

Different Types of Cheeses

From the softest goat cheese to the most robust smoked cheddar, specialty cheese can vary widely. Soft, spreadable cheese like fresh goat cheese or port wine cheese are smooth and easy for snacking. This also includes creamy brie cheese, which is subtle in flavor. Semi-hard cheese includes classic cheddar cheese or gouda, which is versatile in cooking and tastes sharp. Hard cheeses, like romano, parmesan, or asiago, are even stronger and best in small amounts or as a finisher to dishes.

Dairy Free “Cheese”

In addition to cheese made with milk from cows, goats, sheep, and more, Tacoma Boys offers an assortment of dairy free cheese. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or otherwise dairy-free, there are several options to explore. You can find dairy free “cheese” for any recipe or occasion at Tacoma Boys, including:

• Moocho Fiesta Blend
• Daiya Cheddar & Mozza Style Blend
• Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles 
• Miyoko Creamery Farmhouse Cheddar 
• Plant Perks Sriracha Cheddar Plant-Based Cheese Spread

Cheese Pairing

Cheese pairing is fun to enjoy when you keep just a few tenants in mind. Pairing cheese is about highlighting the best bold flavors of your cheese with other foods to contrast or compliment. When it comes to cheese pairing, notice the strengths and flavors of your cheese and work from there. That means delicate, soft cheese with subtle pairings like fresh fruit. Or, sharp aged gouda with boldly seasoned meat or spicy crackers. Learn more about how and what to pair with cheese with the Beginner’s Guide to Cheese Pairing. Then, get started with of few of these cheese pairings using Tacoma Boys’ specialty cheeses:

• Ile de France Brie Bites alongside sliced apples and Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins.
• Carr Valley Goat Bread Cheese browned in the oven and served with crusty sourdough bread and sweet fruit spread.
• Snowdonia Cheese Company Cheddar with Roasted Garlic & Herb served charcuterie-style with Elevation Black Pepper Salami and pickled vegetables. 
• Mifroma Emmentaler Hard Swiss Cheese melted between two slices of bread for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
• Maple Leaf Pepper Jack Cheese shredded on a flatbread and topped with bell peppers and onions, then broiled.
• Singletons & Co. Port Wine Cheddar or Kaukauna Sharp Cheddar Cheese Ball simply with your favorite crackers.

Pacific Northwest Local Cheese

While regions like Wisconsin are known specifically for their cheese-making, the Pacific Northwest is rich with local cheese. Farmsteads and cheese makers throughout Washington and Oregon produce an assortment of different cheeses: Think sharp cheddar, spicy jack, and bold blue cheese. To elevate your next meal with a little something cheesy, stop by Tacoma Boys for local cheese such as these:

• Rogue Creamery: Mountain Blue Cheese (Grants Pass, Oregon)
• Ferndale Farmstead: Scamorza Cheese (Bellingham, Washington)
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Flagship Cheddar (Seattle, Washington)
• Tillamook: Spicy Habanero Jack (Tillamook, Oregon)
• Face Rock Creamery: Peppercorn Harvest Cheddar (Bandon, Oregon)
• Cougar Gold: Sharp White Cheddar (Pullman, Washington)

While eating local usually refers to fruits and vegetables, it’s important to support farmers and local cheese producers throughout our communities. It’s a great way to sustain your local economy and enjoy delicious fresh food. And here in Washington, there are a growing abundance of local farmers to support. To learn more about the more than 50 cheesemakers of the Pacific Northwest, check out the Washington State Cheesemakers Association. 

Specialty Cheese at Tacoma Boys

No matter what type of cheese is your favorite, Tacoma Boys has plenty to choose from. From dairy-free, to local, to internationally-produced cheese, there is an option for everyone to love. And who doesn’t love cheese?!

Next time you’re planning a charcuterie or building a mega-grilled cheese sandwich, come on by Tacoma Boys. You’ll find a variety of specialty cheeses and all the tasty foods for your cheese pairings! And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, never hesitate to ask. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!