What is the Best Cheese to Serve with Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a favorite in lots of homes because of its tangy taste and hearty feel. When it comes to enjoying sourdough with cheese, the options are limitless.

In this article, we’ll discover the top cheeses to enjoy with sourdough, creating a tasty experience that brings together the chewy bread with the creamy, sharp, or nutty flavors of different cheeses.

How to Choose the Perfect Cheese for Your Sourdough Bread

Picking the right cheese to go with your sourdough bread is a mix of personal taste and some basic food know-how. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the ideal cheese to enhance your sourdough experience.

1. Flavors: Start by thinking about what flavors you’re in the mood for. Do you want something sharp, creamy, nutty, or strong-tasting? Your cheese choice should either go well with or contrast the tangy taste of sourdough. For example, if you want a balanced combination, a mild cheese like brie or mozzarella can work nicely. On the other hand, if you’re after an intense flavor, you might go for bold options like blue cheese or parmesan.
2. Texture: Consider the texture of the cheese. Some folks love the creamy feel of brie, while others prefer crumbly options like cheddar or parmesan. Think about how the cheese’s texture pairs with the chewiness of sourdough. Creamy cheeses can create a pleasant contrast, while crumbly ones can give you a satisfying crunch.
3. Personal Taste: In the end, it’s all about what you like. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combos. Try out different cheeses and play around with various sourdough and condiment pairings. The beauty of matching cheese with sourdough is the endless possibilities, so trust your own taste buds and enjoy the adventure of discovering your perfect match.

10 Best Cheeses for Sourdough Bread

The way sourdough bread’s tanginess pairs with the creamy, sharp, or nutty flavors of different cheeses can take your food experience up a notch. In this section, we’ll explore the top ten cheeses to enjoy with sourdough bread, each offering a unique and delicious combo.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic favorite for pairing with sourdough. Its bold, sharp flavor complements the tangy sourdough, creating a harmonious match loved by many. Whether you go for mild or extra sharp cheddar, you can’t go wrong with this timeless duo.

The crumbly texture of cheddar nicely contrasts with sourdough’s chewy crust. Whether you’re making a simple grilled cheese sandwich or serving it on a cheese platter, cheddar and sourdough are a match made in food heaven.

Brie

Brie, with its creamy, buttery texture, is an excellent choice for those who prefer a milder, more delicate cheese to go with their sourdough. The soft, edible rind of Brie adds a subtle earthy note to the experience.

Pairing brie with sourdough gives you a delightful contrast between the crusty bread exterior and the luscious, creamy cheese interior. It’s a combination that oozes sophistication and is perfect for a light, elegant snack or appetizer.

Gouda

Gouda, a Dutch cheese known for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, adds a unique twist to your sourdough and cheese combo. The nutty undertones of Gouda bring a delightful complexity to the taste experience.

Whether you opt for young Gouda with a softer texture or aged Gouda with a firmer, crumbly texture, this cheese pairs wonderfully with sourdough. The interplay of nuttiness and tanginess is a symphony for your taste buds.

Blue Cheese

For those who love bold and pungent flavors, blue cheese is an excellent choice to kick up your sourdough experience. Blue cheese varieties like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are well-known for their sharp, tangy, and sometimes salty profiles.

When you combine blue cheese with sourdough, you embark on a flavorful adventure. The intensity of blue cheese enhances the mild sourness of sourdough, providing a robust and memorable tasting experience.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard and aged cheese with a rich, nutty flavor. Grated Parmesan sprinkled on sourdough is a match made in food heaven. The cheese’s savory, salty, and crunchy nature pairs brilliantly with the chewy texture of sourdough.

Parmesan can be used as a topping for sourdough, enhancing the bread’s flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic choice for making bruschetta or as part of a cheese platter that will surely impress your guests.

Camembert

Camembert, often compared to brie due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, is another excellent option for pairing with sourdough. The difference lies in the aroma and taste, with Camembert having a slightly more intense flavor.

The soft, gooey interior of Camembert contrasts beautifully with the crusty exterior of sourdough, creating a delightful balance of textures. The subtle earthy and mushroomy notes of Camembert add depth to the overall taste experience.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, famous for its distinctive holes, offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. This cheese is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a milder, less assertive cheese with their sourdough.

The slightly sweet and nutty notes of Swiss cheese harmonize wonderfully with the tanginess of sourdough. Whether you’re making a classic ham and Swiss sandwich on sourdough or serving it alongside pickles and mustard, this pairing is a crowd-pleaser.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, with its creamy and tangy profile, is a versatile option for sourdough pairings. This cheese comes in various textures and flavors, from soft and spreadable to aged and crumbly.

The tanginess of goat cheese complements the sourness of sourdough, creating a balanced and enjoyable combination. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a slightly tart and creamy addition to their bread.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella, with its mild and milky flavor, is a well-loved cheese that pairs wonderfully with sourdough. Whether you choose fresh mozzarella or the aged version, this cheese adds a delightful creaminess to your sourdough experience.

Sliced mozzarella on sourdough is a simple yet satisfying option. Add fresh basil, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a classic caprese sandwich that’s perfect for a light lunch or snack.

Provolone

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese with a slightly smoky and sharp flavor. This cheese is a great choice for those looking for a more intense taste to complement their sourdough.

Sliced provolone on sourdough creates a satisfying contrast between the bread’s chewiness and the cheese’s robust flavor. It’s an excellent choice for making hot or cold sandwiches, adding a touch of boldness to your meal.

4 Tips for Making an Amazing Cheese and Sourdough Bread Platter

Creating a fantastic cheese and sourdough bread platter is all about mixing flavors, textures, and how it looks. Here are four tips to help you make the best platter that’ll impress your guests or make your own snack time extra special.

1. Variety of Cheeses: First, pick a bunch of different cheeses. Go for options like sharp cheddar, creamy brie, gouda, blue cheese, and goat cheese to cater to different tastes. Having a mix of cheeses adds some excitement to your platter and makes it go perfectly with sourdough bread.
2. Add Some Fruits and Nuts: Make your platter even better with some fresh fruits like grapes, figs, and nuts such as almonds and walnuts. These ingredients give a nice contrast to the creamy and savory cheese, adding some sweetness, crunch, and color to your platter.
3. Use Tasty Extras: Make your cheese and sourdough experience even more awesome by including things like honey, chutney, or mustard. These delicious extras enhance the flavor of the cheese and make every bite tasty and well-rounded. You can also throw in some olives, pickles, or dried fruits for extra flair.
4. Pair with Wine: For an extra special touch, think about matching your cheese and sourdough platter with the right wine. Red wine goes great with sharp cheddar, while white wine is a perfect match for brie and goat cheese. The wine makes the flavors even better and the whole experience more enjoyable.

5 Alternative Cheeses for Sourdough Bread

While classic cheeses like cheddar and brie are delightful choices for pairing with sourdough bread, there’s a world of alternative cheeses waiting to elevate your culinary experience. Here are five unconventional cheese options that can take your sourdough and cheese pairing to new heights:

1. Manchego: Originating from Spain, Manchego cheese boasts a semi-hard texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Pairing it with sourdough adds an interesting twist to your palate. The nuttiness of Manchego complements the tanginess of sourdough, creating a harmonious balance.
2. Havarti: Havarti, a Danish cheese, offers a creamy and buttery texture. It’s a versatile choice for those who appreciate a mild, slightly tangy flavor. When placed on sourdough, Havarti’s creaminess contrasts beautifully with the bread’s chewiness, resulting in a satisfying combination.
3. Roquefort: If you’re a fan of blue cheese but want to explore a different variety, Roquefort is an excellent choice. Hailing from France, Roquefort has a distinctive tangy and sharp flavor. It pairs wonderfully with sourdough, intensifying the overall taste experience.
4. Pecorino: Pecorino is an Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk, offering a salty and slightly grainy texture. Grated Pecorino on sourdough adds a salty and savory dimension to your bread, creating a unique and memorable taste.
5. Chevre: Also known as goat cheese, chevre is a tangy and creamy option. Its distinctive flavor can brighten up your sourdough experience. Whether spread on the bread or crumbled on top, chevre adds a delightful twist to the classic combination.

What is the Best Cheese to Serve with Sourdough Bread | Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the world of pairing sourdough and cheese offers a delicious journey of flavors, textures, and endless options. Whether you’re into the classic combo of cheddar and brie or want to get creative with choices like Manchego and Roquefort, the key is to follow your taste preferences.

Think about the flavors you love and how the textures complement each other, whether it’s creamy, crumbly, or bold. Don’t forget to throw in some fruits, nuts, and tasty extras to complete your platter for a well-rounded experience.

And if you want to add a touch of sophistication, try pairing your creation with the perfect wine. Sourdough and cheese, a heavenly match in the world of food, are sure to enhance your culinary adventures. Enjoy your delicious exploration!

Lindsey Mackenzie

Hi there! I’m Lindsey Mackenzie, the founder of Bake Smartly. Baking has been my passion since childhood, growing up in my father’s bakery. With Bake Smartly, I’m excited to share my love for all things sweet and savory. Join me on this delicious journey as we whip up scrumptious treats and sprinkle joy into every bite!