Sometimes also referred to as a cheese and pickle sandwich or a ploughman’s sandwich, the timeless combination has graced lunchboxes, picnics and afternoon tea platters for decades – but never seems to go out of style. They say that the best things in life are simple, and the magic of a cheese and chutney sandwich lies in the simplicity of a perfect pairing that’s still packed with plenty of flavour. We guess that’s why its popularity has endured for so long.
The cheese and chutney sandwich is a British staple, a classic duo that marries rich with tangy, creamy with sweet. So, if you’re after a harmonious balance of texture and taste, it’s sure to deliver.
Whether you’re a fan of a sharp cheddar paired with an apple chutney or a creamy brie with a delicious plum and port, there’s a world of flavour waiting to be explored. Join us as we delve into all the possibilities and ingredients for the perfect bite, as well as some tasty pairing options.
How to make a cheese and chutney sandwich
There are three obvious essentials to a classic cheese and chutney sandwich. But happy tastebuds rely on the quality of all the players. A poor choice on just one of your components and you could be letting the whole team down. You’ll also taste the difference when opting for high quality ingredients that complement and enhance each other.
Cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice as it provides a sharp, robust flavour that pairs well with almost any chutney. But if you prefer something milder, you could try a Swiss cheese that will add a nutty and slightly sweet taste. Or, if you want to go for the ultimate indulgence, brie could be the cheese of choice for you.
Chutney
Chutney adds an essential boost of flavour and complexity that makes the sandwich. When it comes to flavour, caramelised onion chutney is a firm favourite as it offers a sweet note that complements a sharp cheese. For something more savoury, you could opt for an apple chutney, or for a hint of umami, a tomato-based chutney works with a range of cheeses.
Bread
Don’t underestimate the role of picking a good bread to hold your cheesy, tangy goodness. It’s the foundation of your sandwich, providing essential texture and has the important role of holding everything together. You could choose to go rustic with a crispy and airy crusted ciabatta to complement the rich fillings or go for the hearty alternative of a wholegrain bread that would add a nutty flavour and a bit of crunch. Or if you prefer a chewy texture, sourdough is an excellent choice.
For a sandwich so simple, you might be surprised just how many ways it can be enjoyed, whether you’re opting for a quick lunch or a gourmet twist on the original.
We’ve just covered the basics, so if you need some flavour inspiration, we’ll get onto our recommended pairings next.
Which cheeses, chutneys and breads go best together?
The beauty of a cheese and chutney sandwich is that there are so many options to mix and match to your taste and occasion. If you need some help getting started, we’ve put together a few of our favourite pairings, featuring some of our Baxters rich and fruity chutneys.
Caramelised Onion Chutney + brie + ciabatta
With its airy and crisp texture, ciabatta provides a great base that would absorb the chutney without becoming too soft and will not overpower its rich balsamic vinegar. The creamy and buttery texture of brie will then complement the sweet and savoury notes with its milder flavour.
Tomato Chutney + sharp cheddar + sourdough
Make way for an intense trio. The bold, rich flavour of sharp cheddar can easily stand up to the robust taste and tangy notes of our tomato chutney while the sour taste of a sourdough bread will match the sweetness and acidity of the tomato.
Albert’s Victorian Chutney + gouda + chunky walnut bread
This chutney choice consists of richly spiced fruits with zesty orange and lemon peel, so will pair well with the earthy and slightly sweet flavour and crunch of a walnut bread. For your cheese choice, an aged gouda will bring in some caramel and nutty undertones.
Bramley Apple, Date & Stout Chutney + cheddar + granary bread
With a complex combination of warm spices and dark caramel, this chutney will pair perfectly with a sharp and savoury mature cheddar and the nutty and hearty texture of granary bread. It’s a great choice for a casual, but elevated lunch.
What else can you add to a cheese and chutney sandwich?
You don’t have to stop at the three typical ingredients. There are many other optional extras that could add those tasty touches to your sandwich masterpiece. Here are a few to consider when you’re prepping your ingredients.
Lettuce
Adds a crisp and refreshing crunch. You could even opt for rocket as it would add a peppery bite and a fresh texture to beautifully balance out the cheese.
Tomato
Introduce some extra juiciness and an additional burst of flavour or try some sun-dried tomatoes for something a little more intense.
Onion
Pickled onions can add a tangy sweetness while raw onions add a bit of sharpness and crunch. Or you could choose caramelised onions for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mustard
A dollop of mustard will help create a more complex and layered flavour. Whether its Dijon, wholegrain or a spicy brown mustard, it can elevate your sandwich with an extra serving of zing.
Sliced apple or pear
For something more out of the ordinary, adding some sliced fruit could bring a fresh, juicy element with a bit of crispiness that will enhance the chutney’s sweetness.
Should you toast your cheese and chutney sandwich?
Once you’ve got your ingredient line-up sorted, it’s onto the next decision – whether to keep your sandwich classic or take it to the next level by toasting it into a melty, gooey toastie. Both options have their merits, and your choice might depend on things like your mood, the occasion or the weather and time of year.
Sandwich
Perfect for when you want to savour the distinct flavours and textures of each ingredient. Easy to prepare in advance and enjoy on the go, they’re the ideal choice when you’re short on time, planning a picnic or prepping lunch for the office.
Toastie
On the other hand, toasting your sandwich transforms it. The cheese will melt into oozing delight and mingle with the chutney to create a warm, comforting dish. The bread will have extra crunch, while the intensified flavours and richness will make the eating experience more indulgent – perfect for colder days and when you’ve got a little extra time to prepare and savour.
Top tip: If you’re toasting your cheese and chutney sandwich, grating your cheese will mean that it melts faster and more evenly.
What should you serve with your cheese and chutney sandwich?
When it comes to plating up, you might want to think about potential sides to accompany your cheese and chutney sandwich and your drink of choice. Again, we’ve highlighted some recommendations for a taster of what’s possible.
Tasty sidekicks
Salad
For an ideal palate-cleansing companion, throw together a quick mix of leafy greens, juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or add a few slivers of red onion for extra zing.
Crisps
For a satisfying crunch, pair with a side of your favourite crisps. You could try classic salted crips, rosemary and sea salt, or for a more indulgent option, truffle and parmesan.
Soup
If you’re going all out, why not prepare a warm and hearty soup? Equally comforting, we suggest flavours like tomato, butternut squash or French onion as they will pair well with your savoury fillings.
Marinated olives
The briny, slightly bitter flavour of olives will add a unique flavour contrast, especially those seasoned with herbs, garlic or citrus.
Coleslaw
A creamy, crunchy coleslaw made with fresh cabbage, carrots and a tangy dressing can deliver a delightful counterpart to your sandwich by bringing in a hint of added texture and zing.
Pairing sips
Lemonade
The fresher the better, with mint or without. A chilled glass of lemonade will cut through the richness of your sandwich while its citrus notes will highlight any subtle spices in your chutney of choice.
Iced tea
Whether you choose a classic black tea, a fruity infusion or a lightly sweetened brew, iced tea is a particularly summery choice to accompany your cheese and chutney sandwich – perfect for a picnic.
Orange juice
Fresh and refreshing, the natural sweetness and acidity of orange juice can highlight any fruity elements of the chutney.
Ginger ale
The spicy, zesty flavour of ginger beer provides a bold contrast to creamy cheese and sweet chutneys, adding a bit of a kick to each bite.
Dandelion and burdock
The traditional British soft drink has a slightly sweet, herbal flavour with hints of aniseed. This unique taste can complement the savoury and sweet elements of the sandwich, making it an interesting pairing choice.
Find your perfect cheese and chutney combo
In the wonderful world of sandwiches, the cheese and chutney combo stands out as a timeless classic. As you can see from our little delve into the sandwich, it’s both beautifully simple, while offering endless possibilities for creativity. From the perfect bread and cheese pairings for your chutney of choice, to the thoughtful extras and side dishes, you’re now armed with plenty of options to try out at home.
Whether you’re a purist who enjoys the crisp bite of fresh ingredients or someone who loves the indulgence of a gooey, toasted treat, cheese and chutney deliver on all fronts.
So, if it’s a chance to enjoying a quick lunch, you’re prepping for a picnic, or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, there’s no denying the charm and versatility of the delicious duo.
