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We've Found 10 Pairings
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We've Found 10 Pairings
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Dark Chocolate, Cranberry & Apricot with Extra Sharp Cheddar<

Dark Chocolate, Cranberry & Apricot with Extra Sharp Cheddar

Bold Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar paired with sweet apricot preserves, tart dried cranberries, 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 Red Peppers & Salami with Aged Reserve Cheddar

The complexity of Cracker Barrel’s Aged Reserve Cheddar pairs perfectly with rich cured salami and whole grain mustard, while the sweetness of roasted red peppers puts everything in harmony. A glass of Riesling rounds out this combination.

TIP
Choose thinly-sliced artisanal salami for the best flavor.
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Roasted Red Peppers & Salami with Aged Reserve Cheddar<

Roasted Red Peppers & Salami with Aged Reserve Cheddar

The complexity of Cracker Barrel’s Aged Reserve Cheddar pairs perfectly with rich cured salami and whole grain mustard, while the sweetness of roasted red peppers puts everything in harmony. A glass of Riesling rounds out this combination.

TIP
Choose thinly-sliced artisanal salami for the best flavor.
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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

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.
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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.
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Strawberry & Basil with Vermont White Cheddar<

Strawberry & Basil with Vermont White Cheddar

The classic flavor combination of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and basil is heightened by Cracker Barrel Vermont White Cheddar. White chocolate adds a touch of sweetness to complement the berries while black pepper crackers bring a hint of spice to perfect this flavor combination. Pinot Noir is an ideal complement.

TIP
Basil is best stored at room temperature in a glass of cool water, like a flower. Refrigeration can bruise the leaves and reduce storage life.

Cinnamon-Sugar & Walnut with Extra Sharp Cheddar

Take the traditional pairing of cheddar cheese and apples to another level with the addition of walnuts and cinnamon sugar. Dark red fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon provide another classic match.

TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing.
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Cinnamon-Sugar & Walnut with Extra Sharp Cheddar<

Cinnamon-Sugar & Walnut with Extra Sharp Cheddar

Take the traditional pairing of cheddar cheese and apples to another level with the addition of walnuts and cinnamon sugar. Dark red fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon provide another classic match.

TIP
Cut your apples immediately before serving to avoid serving browned apples. Avoid using lemon to minimize browning as the lemon flavor could negatively affect the flavors of the pairing.
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Spiced-Cherry Cheddar Cheese Ball<

Spiced-Cherry Cheddar Cheese Ball

Crunchy and sweet on the outside, smooth and delicious on the inside. Mix cream cheese and cheddar until blended, stir in cherries, and roll into a ball. Refrigerate at least two hours before rolling in nuts. Serve this crowd favorite with crackers.

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To wrap for gift giving, place cheese ball and knife on decorative platter or cutting board. Wrap with colorful cellophane and ribbon. After serving, the host will have a gift to remember the occasion!

Pineapple, Pistachio & Honey with Sharp Cheddar

Honey and pistachio highlight the buttery nuttiness of Cracker Barrel’s Sharp Cheddar, while pineapple provides a lively contrast that adds brightness to this unexpected combination. Chardonnay pairs perfectly with this mix of flavors.

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If your honey is crystallized, microwave briefly to restore it to its original state. (Just make sure its packaging is microwave safe.)
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Pineapple, Pistachio & Honey with Sharp Cheddar<

Pineapple, Pistachio & Honey with Sharp Cheddar

Honey and pistachio highlight the buttery nuttiness of Cracker Barrel’s Sharp Cheddar, while pineapple provides a lively contrast that adds brightness to this unexpected combination. Chardonnay pairs perfectly with this mix of flavors.

TIP
If your honey is crystallized, microwave briefly to restore it to its original state. (Just make sure its packaging is microwave safe.)
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Strawberry & Raisin Bread with Aged Reserve Cheddar<

Strawberry & Raisin Bread with Aged Reserve Cheddar

Sweet and fragrant raisin bread heightens the complexity of Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar while strawberries add a burst of freshness. The crisp finish and floral notes of Pinot Grigio heighten this exquisite pairing.

TIP
For best flavor, let cheese stand at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.

Apple, Roasted Fig & Almond with Extra Sharp Cheddar

Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cuts through the luxurious sweet flavors of marcona almonds, roasted figs, fresh-cut apples, 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.
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Apple, Roasted Fig & Almond with Extra Sharp Cheddar<

Apple, Roasted Fig & Almond with Extra Sharp Cheddar

Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cuts through the luxurious sweet flavors of marcona almonds, roasted figs, fresh-cut apples, 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.
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TRY OUR CHEESE PAIRING BOARDS
A sophisticated and satisfying on-the-go snack.
Havarti Havarti
Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Vermont Sharp White Cheddar
Jalapeño Cheddar Jalapeño Cheddar
Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar
CHEESE PAIRING BASICS
Follow these expert tips to make your own cheese board exceptional.
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Slice Then Serve
If you plan to slice or cut your cheese before serving, do so as close to serving time as possible.
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Visual Appeal
Leave the rinds on cheeses when serving to provide a dash of color to your cheese tray.
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.
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.
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.
Visual Appeal
Leave the rinds on cheeses when serving to provide a dash of color to your cheese tray.
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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.
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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.
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.
Taste Cheese Like a Pro
In a few easy steps, you can taste cheese like a professional cheese judge. In a few easy steps, you can taste cheese like a professional cheese judge.
SNIFF
Inhale and take a good whiff. Cheddars have a range of aromas, but the key is balance. No one aroma should overpower the others.
SNIFF
Inhale and take a good whiff. Cheddars have a range of aromas, but the key is balance. No one aroma should overpower the others.
SIZE-UP
Give the cheddar a good once-over. The appearance should be uniform and smooth.
SIZE-UP
Give the cheddar a good once-over. The appearance should be uniform and smooth.
SLICE
Pass a knife through the cheddar. Styles range from smooth to dry, and generally, a smoother cheddar is easier to slice.
SLICE
Pass a knife through the cheddar. Styles range from smooth to dry, and generally, a smoother cheddar is easier to slice.
SMOOSH
Pinch between your thumb and index finger. Younger cheese will be a bit springy while an aged cheese can be crumbly.
SMOOSH
Pinch between your thumb and index finger. Younger cheese will be a bit springy while an aged cheese can be crumbly.
SAVOR
Finally, take a bite – and enjoy it slowly. You’re looking for balanced taste and mouth feel.
SAVOR
Finally, take a bite – and enjoy it slowly. You’re looking for balanced taste and mouth feel.
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