At Jones Dairy Farm, we pride ourselves on the delicious, savory flavors of our meat products. But every great dish has its perfect complement, and in the world of food pairings, cheese reigns supreme.
To help you elevate your culinary creations, we’ve curated a guide to pairing our meats with cheeses and spreads, inspired by the three key principles of pairing:
- Like with Like: Pair similar flavors to create harmony.
- Grows Together, Goes Together: Combine ingredients from the same region for natural compatibility.
- Opposites Attract: Marry contrasting flavors for an exciting, balanced experience.
Let’s explore how to pair each of our signature products with the perfect cheeses and accompaniments.
Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board
Pork Sausage
Rich and savory, our pork sausage pairs beautifully with creamy and sharp cheeses.
Spreads: Try raspberry pepper jam, fig spread, sour cherry spread, or cranberry preserve for a sweet and spicy kick.
Cheeses: Colby Jack, sharp cheddar (like Old Croc Extra Sharp or Grand Reserve), Rustic Red Cheddar, muenster, or butterkäse.
Dry Aged Bacon
Smoky and bold, our dry aged bacon shines when paired with robust, smoky, or aged cheeses.
Spreads: Complement with apple butter, honey, or orange fig spread. For Manchego, try membrillo (quince paste) to enhance its nuttiness.
Cheeses: Smoked gouda, smoked cheddar, whiskey maple gouda, Bourbon BellaVitano, or young Manchego.
Canadian Bacon
Mild yet flavorful, Canadian bacon pairs wonderfully with creamy and nutty cheeses.
Spreads: Add layers of flavor with Dijon mustard, cornichons or pickles, caramelized onions, blackberry spread, or black and blue conserve.
Cheeses: Havarti, dill Havarti, Swiss, Jarlsberg, Emmentaler, or sharp cheddars.
Meatballs
Hearty and versatile, our meatballs pair well with Italian-inspired cheeses and bold flavors.
Spreads: Serve with spaghetti sauce or drizzle with pesto and olive oil for a Mediterranean flair.
Cheeses: Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, blue cheese (from mild buttermilk blue to pungent Roquefort), Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano.
Hickory Smoked Ham
Sweet and smoky, our hickory smoked ham complements a range of cheeses, from mild to aged.
Spreads: Pair with Dijon or whole-grain mustard, caramelized onions, raspberry pepper jam, or chili fig spread for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Cheeses: Cave-aged Gruyère, muenster, aged cheddar, Swiss, or red wax gouda.
Braunschweiger & Scrapple
Earthy and rich, these specialty products call for creamy and mild cheeses.
Spreads: Complement with honey, hot honey, or lemon curd for a touch of sweetness.
Cheeses: Butterkäse, Havarti, mild gouda, ricotta, feta, or Meredith Dairy’s marinated feta. For a touch of decadence, try supreme Brie or triple crème Brie.
Pro Pairing Tips
- Versatile Favorites: Smoked gouda and sharp cheddar are crowd pleasers that work with almost any of our meats.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Sometimes the most unexpected pairings, like aged cheddar with chocolate, can yield delicious results.
- Presentation Matters: For a charcuterie board, balance the rich flavors of our meats with fresh fruits, nuts, and artisanal breads or crackers.
Elevate your meals and gatherings with these thoughtful pairings. Whether you’re crafting a charcuterie board or enhancing your favorite recipes, Jones Dairy Farm meats and carefully selected cheeses make every bite memorable.
