The Best British Cheese Dishes to Try Today
Cheese in British cuisine
As Cambridge cheese experts, we’re constantly in awe at the versatility of British cheeses, and how they level up our traditional cuisine. From baked beans on toast, to steak and kidney pudding, to a traditional Sunday roast, there’s no British dish that can’t be made better by the right cheese!
(Best avoid adding cheese to a Christmas pudding, though.)
And, did you know that the first evidence of cheese in Britain dates from around 3800 BC? Britain has been delightfully full of dairy for a very long time, with dairy products found in dental plaque, on sherds of ancient pottery, and on pots at the site of Stonehenge builders.
Modern British cuisine is just as cheesy. The cheese market continues to grow every year, with 9/10 people in the UK eating it regularly.
We probably eat cheese more than most at d’Arry’s – not least now that we’ve opened our new cheesemonger!
We’ve put together a list of our favourite cheesy British dishes and our recommended drink pairings. Read on to find out more!
Cheese and Onion Pie
Let’s kick off our culinary adventure with a timeless classic – the Cheese and Onion Pie.
This hearty dish is comforting, warming, and traditionally popular in the North of England. Usually containing Lancashire cheese, this pie is incredibly rich and filling.
Combining the creamy goodness of melted cheese with the subtle sweetness of caramelised onions, and occasionally mashed potatoes, all encased in a flaky pastry crust, it’s a treat whether served at lunchtime or as a satisfying dinner option.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light ale for the perfect gastronomic experience.
Cauliflower Cheese
Next up on our list is the indulgent Cauliflower Cheese.
Some may argue that this dish doesn’t belong in a Sunday roast. Each to their own, we say – but you’ll find it in ours!
This decadent traditional British dish elevates the humble cauliflower to new heights with a generous topping of creamy cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, the cauliflower becomes tender while the cheese forms a crispy crust.
A mature cheese, such as cheddar, tends to be used, but many British cheeses will be at home in this meal. Whether served as a side dish or the star of the show, Cauliflower Cheese is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Just make sure you have it with Yorkshire pudding!
Pair it with a robust red wine to complement its richness and depth of flavour.
Baked Camembert
No list of British cheese dishes would be complete without mentioning the iconic Baked Camembert.
You might be thinking: why would we include a French cheese in this list?
(We won’t tell if you don’t.)
Whilst, yes, French, Baked Camembert is an incredibly popular dish in British cuisine, especially in restaurants – including our Cambridge Aged.
This simple yet sublime dish features a wheel of creamy Camembert cheese baked until molten and gooey, then served with crusty bread for dipping. The richness of the cheese is perfectly balanced by the slight tanginess of the bread, and can be topped with herbs, garlic, or oils to make it even more decadent.
Whether shared as a starter or enjoyed as a decadent indulgence, Baked Camembert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a fruity white wine or a light, sparkling cider for a match made in culinary heaven.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For a comforting taste of nostalgia, look no further than the Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Whilst a toastie is certainly one of the classic British dishes, with the Grilled Cheese Sandwich being an American national dish, we’ve certainly made this sarnie into our own!
This beloved classic takes simple ingredients – bread, cheese, and butter – and transforms them into a melty masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a leisurely lunch, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich never fails to hit the spot with its crispy exterior and oozing cheese filling.
At d’Arry’s, we’ve levelled it up even more by creating the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Our lunch menu includes this treat, with a delicious mix of Gruyère, Cheddar, Emmental, Mozzarella and our special Mustard Mayo.
Pair it with a glass of your favourite wine or a refreshing beer for a satisfyingly simple yet utterly delicious meal.
Omelette
Last but certainly not least, we have the versatile Omelette.
While not traditionally thought of as a cheese dish, the Omelette can be elevated to gourmet status with the addition of creamy British cheeses such as Cheddar, Stilton, or Wensleydale.
Whether filled with sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, or succulent shrimp, the cheese adds a luxurious richness and depth of flavour that takes this otherwise simple dish to new heights.
Pair it with a glass of Champagne or a light, fruity white wine for a sophisticated yet comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Try the very best of cheesy British food at d’Arry’s today!
Our luxury cheese shop combined with our popular, innovative restaurant allows us to take British cuisine to new heights. With our delicious cheesy spins on traditional dishes, we’re excited to create the very best of culinary magic.
Why not visit us, and give our new menus a try?