With summer right around the corner, we’re all counting down to those warm nights when we can safely gather together outside on our porches and enjoy one another’s company. But every good host knows that the key to an unforgettable night is an unforgettable meal. Get your crowd’s mouths watering with these 5 wine, beer, cheese, and jerky pairings and inspire conversation and your guests’ demands for the main course.
1. Moscato, Belgians, Bleu Cheese, and Honey Jalapeño Beef Jerky.
Bleu cheese is a pungent and sharp cheese that demands a sweet wine like a Moscato or a Port, or a light, Belgian beer with citrusy undertones that will help keep your palate balanced while eating and drinking. Our Honey Jalapeño beef jerky is bright and flavorful with the perfect kick of spicy sweetness that will definitely match the bold flavors of the bleu cheese and the lush, fruity undertones of your wine or beer. We recommend pairing this delightful wine, beer, cheese, and jerky combo with some classic charcuterie sides like dried apricots, fresh figs, or a handful of toasted pecans to help strike the perfect balance against the slightly bitter and aromatic flavor of the bleu cheese.
2. Chardonnay, Berliner Weisse, Brie, and Teriyaki Beef Jerky.
Sour beers like a gose or a well-crafted Berliner Weisse are tart and hazy which provide a nice break from the fatty and creamy flavor of a triple crème brie. A sweet but biting Chardonnay also has a similar effect on the palate; but if you really want to push the flavors of this perfect pairing between the wine or beer and cheese, we recommend you also include a few strips of our Teriyaki beef jerky on your plate. The acidic, citrusy flavors of the pineapple and the salty savoriness of the soy sauce in this jerky’s marinade help to cut through the rich flavors of the brie cheese while also matching the flavor profiles of the wine or beer. We recommend serving this wine, beer, cheese, and jerky with sweet walnuts, tart dried cranberries, and salty olives to make it a full plate full of complex and complimentary flavors that we know your house guests will love.
3. Cabernet, IPA, Aged Cheddar, and Steakhouse Beef Jerky.
The boldness of a tannins-laced Cabernet Sauvignon and the earthy, hoppy flavor of a handcrafted IPA hold up well against the sharpness of aged cheddar, creating a match that’s truly made in heaven. Take it one step further by also adding some of our Steakhouse beef jerky to your cheese board. This bold and rich jerky has the perfect level of smokiness to it that brings out the deeper flavors of the aged cheddar and complements the pungent taste of the cabernet or IPA. To top it off, we recommend plating your cheese and jerky with some zesty cornichons, savory chickpeas, and smoked almonds to make your guests’ hearts content and their stomachs full.
4. Rioja, Sidre, Manchego, and Bayou Boil Beef Jerky
It’s tapas with a twist! The sweet, classic manchego cheese of Spain calls for quintessential Spanish beverages: rioja or sidre. The cherry and plum notes of the rioja will complement this cheese nicely while adding some depth to your palate with its earthy, tobacco undertones. Or if you’re looking to cut through the sweetness of this cheese, try pouring yourself some sidre (Spanish hard cider) to add a pop of acidity to your palate. To bring in the heat, we recommend our hearty Bayou Boil beef jerky. The Cajun seasoning we use while curing this jerky is the perfect balance of spice and smoke and is packed full of flavor that matches up well with the traditional Spanish chorizo. Who doesn’t love a bit of sweet and spicy goodness? Plate with all the traditional tapa fixings like red and white grapes, olives, dates, Romesco sauce, and quince jam.
5. Pinot Grigio, Peroni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Beef Jerky
This particular pairing is refreshingly bright and perfect for summer. Mozzarella is a soft and slightly sweet cheese whose flavor is elevated by the light, clean, and citrusy notes of Peroni, a light Italian lager, and Pinot Grigio. Push the acidity of this pairing by adding some sliced Roma tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil leaves to your mozzarella cheese and make a light caprese salad that will wake up your guests’ appetites. Be sure to serve with all the Antipasto platter necessities like honey ricotta pears, fresh green apples, fig jam, toasted pine nuts, and pistachios. Then, bring out your main course: Pasta Carbonara topped with a sprinkling of our Garlic beef jerky for some added texture and much-needed crispiness. This is a hearty and savory beef jerky that will work well with the creaminess of this pasta dish and its rich herbal flavors. When served with this wonderful caprese salad and the light Peroni or Pinot Grigio, expect your guests to jump out of their seats at the end of the meal and applaud your work with a roaring, unanimous “Bravo!”
Finding the Perfect Jerky for Your Pairings
With our wide variety of homestyle flavors to choose from, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky is here to help you elevate any night in with your friends. Hand crafted right here in Tennessee with real ingredients and gourmet spices and marinades, our organic, gluten-free beef, venison, buffalo, and elk jerky is guaranteed to add new levels of flavor and texture to any meal you make for your friends and family. Find your perfect jerky for all your wine, cheese, beer, or life pairings online today.
