Charcuterie Pairings to Impress
We are all about creating intentional spaces for all to gather, and while we LOVE when you come to visit us in Downtown Kalamazoo, we also love passing along our favorite pairings and other educational tips to help you prepare delectable charcuterie at home. When it comes to deciding what to put on your board, the options are endless: cheeses, meat, olives, jams, fruits, and even wines - it can be quite overwhelming to know where to start. So below, you’ll find four of our favorite pairings.
MANCHEGO CHEESE
Manchego is a versatile cheese but we especially love it with figs. The sweetness of fig preserves complements the richness of nutty manchego. Try this: wrap a square of manchego, fresh or dried figs, and marcona almonds in prosciutto for a yummy snack! Don’t have figs? Try fig jam! We especially enjoy Divina Fig Spread, you can order it here.
BRIE CHEESE
This soft ripened and delectable cheese which gets its name from the Brie region in France where it originated loves to be paired with sweet fruit, specifically stone fruits. Which is exactly why we love these combos: Brie and apricots (dried or fresh), grapes, or organic strawberry preserves.
SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
Cheddar cheese is one of those unique cheeses that has a descriptor before it, the term ‘sharp’. Sharp Cheddar ages for 6 to 9 months, during which it develops tangier and more complex flavors. Some of the best sharp cheddar companions include: honey, apples, and Calabrese. Really want to spice things up? Try it with hot honey!
GOAT CHEESE
When it comes to goat cheese (also known as chèvre), there are a variety of styles to choose from. It can be savory or sweet, either way it’s delicious, our best advice? Enjoy whatever style you like! A popular choice at The Grazing Table is Cypress Grove. One of the best ways to enjoy this unique cheese is this: a bite of goat cheese and salami, olives, fresh Michigan cherries with a honey drizzle!
And there you have it, four of our go to pairings. Let us know which one you’re most excited to try or what pairings you want to see next.