Fall is finally here, and with the beginning of a new season comes a whole collection of new flavors and tasty combinations. Don’t worry, no pumpkin spice in sight, but we’ve created four delectably autumnal bites that are perfect for serving up at wine night with friends, or as a cozy snack for one while watching scary movies.
Crafting the perfect bite is easy. Just grab a neutral base–for these fall favorites, we suggest trying a crumbly, buttery Effie’s Oatcake–and use our Pairing Principles as a guideline. After that, it’s time to have fun with flavor! For a more autumn feel, we’ve chosen pairings that have a savory profile and pair well with red wine, cider, and hot toddies.
Blue Cheese + Cherries
When it comes to crowd-pleasing bites, we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. The key to great pairings is timeless combos, like pairing sweet with salty. Our favorite version of this dynamic duo? Blue cheese and bright cherry. Grab a mellow, creamier blue like Gorgonzola Cremificato or Murray’s Bleu D’Auvergne and pile on a dollop of Le Bon Magot Sour Cherry and Pomegranate Conserve or Black Cherry Confit. The result? A mouthful of sea salt bliss with a touch of cocoa and rich fruit flavor. To amp up the decadence, try constructing this one on top of a Rustic Bakery Tart Cherry Cacao Nib and Almond Crisp to really bring out those nuanced undertones.
Cheddars + Chutneys
Cheese and jam are a natural combo, but to get into the fall spirit, we’re combining the rich, spiced savor of a chutney with flavors of fig and caramelized onions like Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney or Hillside Caramelized Fig Chutney, and pairing it with a classic English cheddar like Quicke’s Mature Cheddar or Neal’s Yard Dairy Montgomery’s Cheddar. The beefy, mellow profile of these super snackable cheeses are the perfect accompaniment to a spread that’s simmering with bold spices and gentle vegetal notes. Give this bite a go with a glass of Pinot Noir or craft beer.
Triple Cremes + Honey
Buttery triple cremes are fantastic for every season, but to really spark some cold-weather flavor, we’ve decided to combine a decadent selection like Fromager D’Affinois or Murray’s Delice with a sweet drizzle of grassy, floral honey like Mieli Thun Honeysuckle Honey or Murray’s Wildflower Honey. Light and slightly herbaceous, these honeys pair perfectly with a bite of butterfat bliss to create a creamy combo that tastes like fresh cream and flowers and smells like a crisp fall morning.
Alpines + Fruit Jam
Ready to brighten things up? Get some fruity fall flavor going with a few sweet jams. Personally, we love this fan-favorite topping with anything mild and snackable, and when it comes to cheese, Alpines are our go-to. Try leaning towards the principle of “Opposites Attract” with more savory selections like Murray’s 18 Month Aged Comte or Hornbacher and a dollop of Blackberry Farm Blackberry Jam or Murray’s Spiced Cherry Preserves. The succulent fresh fruit notes combine nicely with these Alpines’ more toasty, nutty undertones, creating a mellow bite that’ll pass the taste test through autumn and beyond.
Want to create more fall-inspired bites? Check out some of our seasonal favorites and pair them with our best pantry staples for your own version of incredible autumnal flavor.
