Venison has a rich, meaty flavor that can stand up to bold cheeses. But with hundreds of cheese varieties available, which ones truly complement venison best? Here are my top picks for cheeses that go great with deer meat.
Mild Cheeses Bring Out Venison’s Natural Flavors
For those who want the true venison flavor to shine, start with mild cheeses:
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Havarti – This semi-soft cheese has a smooth, creamy texture. Its buttery flavor adds richness without overpowering An excellent melting cheese for venison burgers or sandwiches
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Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella adds delightful strands of cheese when melted over venison. Its mild, milky flavor allows the venison’s complex taste to come through.
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Monterey Jack – With its creamy, mildly tangy flavor, Monterey Jack is a flexible cheese that pairs well with most venison dishes. Extra points for pepper jack’s spice.
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Gouda – Try gouda smoked or unsmoked. Its nutty, caramel notes complement venison’s deeper flavor tones.
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Brie – Soft, creamy brie makes a terrific pairing, especially when ripe. Its mushroomy undertones match nicely with venison.
Sharp Cheeses Add Bold Contrast
Some sharp, assertive cheeses can handle venison’s rich meatiness:
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Blue Cheese – A classic! The pungent, salty punch of blue cheese balances venison’s iron-rich flavor. Crumble over steak or burger.
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Aged Cheddar – Sharper cheddars have the bite needed to stand up to venison. The aged flavors add extra dimension.
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** Parmesan** – Dry, crumbly parmesan provides a salty crunch. Grate some over backstrap or medallions.
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Pepper Jack – For fun flavor, try pepper jack. The heat and spice complement venison without overwhelming it.
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Goat Cheese – Tangy, tart goat cheeses like chèvre pair well with venison. Try a goat cheese-venison burger.
Soft Cheeses For Richness
Some soft, creamy cheeses offer a decadent mouthfeel:
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Brie – The soft ripeness of brie makes an indulgent match for tender venison cuts. Serve alongside seared backstrap.
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Burrata – The rich, creamy filling of this fresh Italian cheese pairs ideally with venison’s juiciness.
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Camembert – Earthy, supple camembert is excellent with venison roasts or in casseroles when you want a hit of creamy decadence.
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Mascarpone – This soft, thick cheese is perfect for enriching venison pasta sauces into a silky creaminess.
Smoked Cheeses Add Depth
For fabulous flavor depth, bring on the smoked cheeses:
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Gouda – Smoked gouda’s deep, caramelized flavor takes venison to new taste heights. A frequent charcuterie board pairing.
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Cheddar – Smoked cheddar has the sharpness to stand up to venison, while providing a smoky scent.
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Mozzarella – Smoked mozzarella melts delightfully over venison pasta, pizzas, meatballs, or bruschetta.
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Provolone – Smoked provolone shines in venison sandwiches, giving a smoky edge to balance the meaty flavors.
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Gruyère – This nutty, creamy Swiss cheese gets an extra flavor boost when smoked. Makes incredible venison fondues.
Hard Cheeses For Bold Accents
For a flavor spike, finish venison dishes with hard, salty cheeses:
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Parmesan – Grate over pasta, risotto, meatballs, or roasted venison for a sharp, salty accent.
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Pecorino – Briny, bold pecorino shines when grated atop venison. Works on pasta or salad.
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Asiago – Crumbly, dry asiago gives a sharp jolt of flavor. Nice on pizza, salads, or charcuterie alongside venison.
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Manchego – Spanish manchego has nutty, saline hints that pair well with venison. Especially nice with the venison’s Mediterranean seasonings.
Cheese and Venison – Flavor Soulmates
I hope these recommendations inspire you to experiment with the many cheeses that complement venison beautifully. Whether mild or pungent, soft or hard, cheese adds an extra dimension of flavor and creaminess.
Venison’s richness loves cheese. They truly are soulmates in the world of artisan meats and cheeses. Any chance to enjoy them together is one worth savoring.
Philly Cheesesteak with Canned Venison–Death by Bunjie Style!
FAQ
How should venison steak be served?
What is the best cut of meat for cheesesteaks?
What should I mix with ground venison?
What to eat with venison?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with venison are steak fries, creamed spinach, cauliflower casserole, and baked beans. You can also include risotto, mac and cheese, dinner rolls, and asparagus. For healthier options, try serving cucumber salad, orzo salad, broccoli slaw, and roasted carrots. Ready? Let’s jump right in.
What is a good side dish for venison?
The key is to use fresh corn and not overdo it on the batter. This salad is flavorful and filling, making it the perfect side dish for venison. The orzo is cooked until it’s tender but still has a bit of a bite. The vegetables are fresh and crispy, and the dressing is light but flavorful. I like adding a bit of feta cheese to make the flavors pop.
What flavors go well with venison?
Fruity flavors – Tart, dark fruits like blackberries, cranberries, or cherries can balance the rich taste of venison. They can be used in a marinade, cooked into a sauce, or served alongside venison to add a fruity twist. Herbaceous flavors – bold herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage lend their fragrant notes perfectly to venison.
What goes well with venison risotto?
Mushroom risotto is a creamy and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with venison. The earthy, umami flavors of the mushrooms complement the rich taste of the venison, while the creamy Arborio rice adds a luxurious and comforting texture to the meal. 3. Butternut Squash