Entertaining on the fly when guests are unexpected

Whether it's smooth and complementary, or the bitey star, cheddar cheese brings a lot to the humble cheese board.

Cheddar Cheese Fonterra Mainland Cheeseboard Tasty

Tasty Cheddar, aged up to 12 months Source: Lucile Prache, Illustration Room

It’s the end of a long week and a friend pops around for an unexpected catch-up, or perhaps your neighbour drops in for an impromptu vino. As much as we love those unpredictable social moments, the dilemma of what to nibble on when it happens is oh-so-real. After all, when it’s wine o’clock, it’s more than likely snack o’clock too.

Thankfully the answer is only as far as your fridge - a block or two of cheese is your best friend (apart from the one who’s just walked in the door, of course!). Whether you prefer your cheddar smooth, rich and mild or extra-strong and bitey, there’s a variety for all tastes. Not sure what’s what? It’s a simple equation – the longer the ageing, the more intense the flavour and the crumblier the texture. Good things do take time after all.

The key to success is to use your accompaniments to complement and contrast your cheese – think of this in terms of both flavour and texture – making it the hero of the hour. Raid the pantry, fruit bowl and fridge. Then, it’s as simple as a slice, dice, drizzle, dollop, or scatter and you’re sorted. Cheers – or should we say cheese? – to that.

Tasty

Tasty Cheddar, aged up to 12 months Source: Lucile Prache, Illustration Room

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best, and that’s certainly true of Mainland Tasty Cheddar, aged for up to 12 months. Take your cue from the French and keep things simple by pairing this smooth-textured cheddar with a rustic, crusty baguette, along with good-quality cornichons and a touch of mild mustard such as Dijon to bring its rich flavour to the fore. Consider adding a touch of freshness too – think crunchy cooling cucumber or crisp radish to add to the mix. No need to stand on ceremony here – plonk it all on a board and let everyone slice, top and munch to their heart’s content. Now, who’s for a drink? A glass of white, perhaps? Or rosé?

Extra Tasty

Extra Tasty Cheddar, aged up to 18 months Source: Lucile Prache, Illustration Room

Got a bottle of bubbles in the fridge? This ultra-simple cheese and antipasti board is the perfect option. Take your block of Mainland Extra Tasty Cheddar and let it have a mini-party of its own. With its extra-strong bite - the result of being aged for up to 18 months - salty, fresh, sweet and tangy accompaniments all work well alongside. Sliced prosciutto, ham or salami tick the box for salty, as do olives; slivers of apricot or small bunches of juicy grapes are your go-to for both fresh and sweet, while your favourite chutney or relish is perfect for bringing tang and piquancy to the table. The texture is important too, so add crunch with a handful of nuts – think walnuts, pecans or pistachios – as well as a mix of crackers and Melba toast.

Vintage

Vintage Cheddar, aged up to 24 months Source: Lucile Prache, Illustration Room

The sharp flavour of Mainland Vintage Cheddar, aged for up to 24 months, just cries out for the contrast of a little sweetness – pair it with slivers of perfectly ripe pear or crisp green apple. Or if you have some to hand, try quince paste as an alternative – its smooth texture is the perfect foil for the crumbliness of this cheese, making for the most perfect salty-sweet combo. Pile onto crackers, lavosh or, if you want to go the extra mile, toast some sourdough and rub it with a little peeled garlic. Double down on flavour and scatter with a handful of peppery rocket leaves and a drizzle of your best extra-virgin olive oil – it’s sure to please. It’s nothing if not versatile, going as well with Chardonnay as it does with your favourite Cab Sauv.

Epicure

Epicure Cheddar, aged up to 32 months Source: Lucile Prache, Illustration Room

The maturest of them all, with a long and leisurely ageing period of up to 32 months, Mainland Epicure Cheddar punches well above its weight, bringing a distinctively strong bite and extra crumbly texture to proceedings. It’s the unabashed star of the table, so keep the fixings simple and pared back to let it shine, shine, shine. Serve generous slices on crostini or sliced sourdough bread and top with the lushest of perfectly ripe figs torn over the top, along with a drizzle of your favourite honey – it’s a match made in cheese heaven. We love to add crunch and toasty flavour with a scatter of roasted nuts – think hazelnuts, walnuts or even salted almonds. Beyond that, there’s little reason to mess with perfection. Pair with Pinot Noir. Or go big and opt for a full-bodied Shiraz.

Mainland cheddar is aged longer for a sharper, bolder taste and more crumbly texture. Our cheddars are aged from 12 months on our Tasty for a rich flavour and smooth texture perfect for everyday use, up to 32 months on our Epicure for a distinctively strong and flavoursome bite with an extra crumbly texture.

Mainland. Aged longer for a better taste.

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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.

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5 min read

Published 1 February 2019 1:24pm

Updated 12 May 2019 11:27am

By Emma Knowles