A guide to pairing tea and cheese — a refined, non-alcoholic alternative, with the best matches from black and green to oolong teas with various cheeses.
Tea and cheese is an elegant, non-alcoholic pairing that's gaining well-deserved attention — tea's range of flavors, from brisk and tannic to delicate and floral, makes it a versatile and refined cheese companion. Here's a guide to pairing tea and cheese.
Why Tea Works with Cheese
Tea offers many of the same qualities that make wine a good cheese partner, without the alcohol. Black teas have tannins (like red wine) that can cut through and contrast with rich cheese; green and white teas bring delicate, fresh, sometimes grassy or floral notes; and oolongs offer toasty, nutty complexity. Tea's warmth, aroma, and range mean there's a tea for nearly any cheese, making it a wonderful sophisticated, alcohol-free pairing.
Matching Tea Types to Cheese
The key is matching the tea's character and intensity to the cheese. Robust black teas suit bold, aged cheeses; delicate green and white teas suit fresh and mild cheeses; oolongs (toasty, nutty) suit nutty aged cheeses; and smoky or spiced teas pair with strong and pungent cheeses. As with wine, think about complementing or contrasting flavors and matching weights.
Black Tea Pairings
Black teas, with their fuller body and tannins, pair well with firmer and more flavorful cheeses. A brisk black tea (like an Assam or English Breakfast) cuts through and complements aged cheddar and nutty aged cheeses. Earl Grey's bergamot can be lovely with creamy or mild cheeses. Smoky Lapsang Souchong stands up to strong, smoked, and pungent cheeses, the smoke echoing or contrasting beautifully.
Green and White Tea Pairings
Delicate green and white teas suit fresh, mild, and creamy cheeses that won't be overwhelmed. The grassy, vegetal, fresh notes of green tea complement fresh goat cheese, mozzarella, and mild cheeses, much as a crisp white wine would, with the tea's freshness balancing the cheese. White tea's subtlety pairs with the most delicate fresh cheeses. Keep the cheese mild so the tea isn't overpowered.
Oolong and Specialty Teas
Oolong teas, which range from light and floral to dark, toasty, and nutty, are wonderfully versatile with cheese. A roasted, nutty oolong echoes the flavors of aged Gouda, Gruyère, and Comté, making a harmonious match. Pu-erh (aged, earthy tea) can stand up to strong cheeses, and floral or spiced teas (like jasmine or chai) offer creative pairings with appropriate cheeses. Oolongs are a great place to explore.
How to Pair Tea and Cheese
To explore, brew a few teas of different types (a black, a green, an oolong) and gather a range of cheeses, then taste in combinations, noting the bridges and contrasts. Serve the tea at a drinkable temperature and the cheese at room temperature. Tea-and-cheese makes an excellent afternoon pairing, a refined non-alcoholic option for any occasion, and a great choice for those who don't drink alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tea pair well with cheese?
Yes — tea's tannins (in black tea), freshness (in green tea), and range of flavors make it a versatile, refined, non-alcoholic cheese partner.
What tea goes with aged cheddar?
A robust black tea like Assam or English Breakfast, whose body and tannins cut through and complement the bold, aged cheese.
What tea pairs with fresh goat cheese?
A delicate green tea, whose fresh, grassy notes complement the tangy goat cheese much as a crisp white wine would.