Cozy Winter Cheese Pairings I’m Loving Right Now
It’s Jonna here, and as someone who lives for great food, there’s nothing I love more than playing with seasonal flavors—especially in the winter. The crisp produce and rich cheeses this time of year make for the dreamiest pairings. Here are four combinations I can’t get enough of lately, and I hope you’ll try them too!
1. Brie + Dried Cherries + Fresh Herbed Honey
Brie is like the little black dress of cheeses—classic, versatile, and always a showstopper. My current obsession is pairing it with sweet, chewy dried cherries and a drizzle of fresh herbed honey. The tangy cherries add a delightful pop of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Brie, while the herbed honey takes it to another level with subtle savory notes.
This pairing feels fancy but is so easy to put together—perfect for elevating your charcuterie board or impressing your guests with minimal effort.
2. Aged Cheddar + Pomegranate Seeds + Candied Pecans
If you know me, you know I’m a little too obsessed with pomegranates. When they’re in season, I can’t get enough—I’m easily eating four a week. So naturally, I’m always finding ways to make the most of pomegranate season.
One of my favorite combinations is sharp aged Cheddar paired with those juicy, tart pomegranate seeds. The boldness of the cheese balances the brightness of the pomegranate perfectly. Add candied pecans for a little sweetness and crunch, and you’ve got the perfect winter bite. It’s rich, refreshing, and so satisfying—it’s like the holidays wrapped up in every single nibble.
3. Blue Cheese + Chopped Pears + Local Honey + Crumbled Walnuts
Blue cheese isn’t just cheese; it’s an experience. Its bold, tangy flavor can be a bit of a wildcard, but paired with the right ingredients, it absolutely shines. My go-to winter pairing? Chopped ripe pears, a drizzle of local honey, and a sprinkle of crumbled walnuts.
The sweetness of the honey softens the intensity of the blue cheese, while the juicy pears bring a fresh, fruity balance. Top it off with the crunch of walnuts, and it’s a texture and flavor combo that’s pure magic. Pro tip: Use local honey for an extra touch of Oklahoma goodness—it really ties the whole thing together.
4. Goat Cheese + Figs + Balsamic Glaze
Goat cheese is one of those ingredients I always have on hand because it works for everything—and Prairie Thyme Farm makes some of the absolute best goat cheese around. Their classic goat cheese is perfect for this pairing, but I’m also a sucker for their Blueberry Lemon Goat Cheese (if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!).
For this combo, spread some creamy goat cheese on a cracker or baguette, top it with a slice of dried fig, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The tang of the goat cheese pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of the fig, and the balsamic glaze brings it all home with a touch of acidity. It’s decadent, balanced, and totally swoon-worthy.
Try These Pairings and Share Your Favorites!
These are just a few of the flavor combinations I’m loving this winter. I hope they inspire you to get creative with your next charcuterie board—or even just a cozy night in.
I’d love to hear your favorite pairings too! Drop them in the comments or tag me on Instagram @TheCheeseBooth. Let’s share the cheese love!
