Which Cheese Should I Pair with My Beer?

How about a snack to go with your beer? Find flavors that complement each other with our beer and cheese pairing chart.

While coffee and bottled water are still the most popular beverages in the United States, beer is not far behind. At least 31% of Americans picked beer as their top drink, according to a survey conducted by Statista, a market research firm. Bud Light placed first as the top-selling beer in the United States. But, as customers turn to small farms to source produce and meats, they are also supporting homegrown brews.

The popularity of craft beer from small and independent brewers is on the rise. Retail sales of craft beer jumped 21% in 2021 to $26.8 billion, according to the Brewers Association. Craft beer accounts for 27% of the beer market in the United States. 

Wine is typically the beverage of choice to pair with cheese. But as the popularity of craft beer rises and the variety of options grows, impress guests at your next shindig with top-notch beer and cheese pairings.

When choosing the best cheese to serve with your beer, remember it’s primarily a matter of personal taste. There’s no wrong answer. Cheese Brothers is ready to make suggestions as you experiment with beer and cheese pairings. 

Beer and Cheese Basics

Get started by taking a look at this easy-to-read chart of pairings, and then we’ll provide more details on our favorites.

Mouthwatering Pairings

Before you reach into the cooler and pop the top on a cold brew to satisfy your craving, let’s explore our beer and cheese pairings to ensure you create a flavorful, well-rounded treat.

Blue cheese and stout.The rich, funky flavor of blue cheese is a nice accompaniment to a thick stout. Stout is a hearty, fermented beer and is popular in England and Ireland. One of the most well-known stouts is Guinness, which was originally brewed in Dublin, Ireland. 

Brie and pilsner.Brie is a creamy, soft cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s tasty spread on crackers or topped with fruit. Pilsner pairs perfectly with Brie because the beer is delicate and is a nice foil for the cheese’s neutral flavors.

Cheddar and IPA.The sharp flavor of cheddar pairs well with a hoppy IPA. Hops are one of the four main ingredients of beer, and they are the flowers of a Humulus lupulus plant. Their flavor imparts a bitterness and floral or citrusy aroma, which are highlighted when enjoyed with the nuttiness and sharp taste of cheddar. 

Goat cheese and pale ale.Goat cheese has a mild, buttery flavor and a soft texture. It matches up nicely with a pale ale’s malty flavor. Pale ale is popular in the United States because it shares similarities with popular lagers such as Budweiser and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Gruyere and amber ale.Gruyere is a popular Swiss cheese with a smooth melting point. Gruyere is slightly sweet and salty, which accents the caramel notes in amber ale.

Manchego and fruity lager.As brewers experiment with flavors to provide variety, more lagers with fruity notes are appearing on grocery store shelves. While the color remains the same as a traditional lager, the fruit flavor is easy to discern. Manchego is a sheep’s milk cheese with a grassy and fruity aroma. It complements the fruit flavor in fruity lagers.

Parmesan and gose.Named after a river in the town where it was originally brewed, Gose has its roots in Germany and is slowly gaining popularity on this side of the pond. Gose beer is typically very sour and salty, which stands up well to the hard texture of Parmesan.

Browse Cheese Online

After you’ve picked the ideal beer and cheese pairings for your cheese plate, make sure to add flavorful sides, such as jam, honey, crackers, and cured meats. Cheese Brothers specializes in all-natural, delicious Wisconsin cheeses and treats.

We have traditional favorites and new flavors to try. Our cheese sample box offers a variety of our top-selling and award-winning flavors. Browse our website to shop all Wisconsin cheeses and enjoy them with your favorite brew.