Our relationship with Trader Joe’s is not platonic; it is full-on romantic. And just like any romance, it has its ups and its downs. But instead of focusing on the rocky times (ahem, the mile-long lines and general mayhem) let’s take a moment to recognize the magical moments — a.k.a the cheese section.
The dairy area at TJ’s is the stuff that gourmet-on-a-budget dreams are made of: delicious, well-stocked, cheap and filled with character. Running the gamut from classic, creamy Bries to full-bodied blues, unexpected goat-cheese blends, and so many more, there are enough insanely affordable options for total cheese-plate domination. And because we’re so intimate with Mr. Joe, we won’t stop there. We’ll be pairing these wonderful wedges with some of their equally thrilling cracker counterparts.
So grab a bottle of wine, light a candle, and get ready to fall even more deeply in love with our favorite grocery chain (if that’s even possible).
Pair: Pub CheeseA creamy, spreadable sharp cheddar blend.
With: Cornbread CrispsSweet, salty, and crunchy cornbread crisps that are ready for dipping and dunking.
Pair: Sliced Fresh MozzarellaCreamy, pre-sliced cheese bliss.
With: Organic BaguetteNot quite a cracker — but toasted in the oven, sliced, and covered with TJ's fresh mozz and a drizzle of olive oil? We'll plate it, and take it.
Pair: Queso de la Mancha ManchegoThis cheese is aged six months for an optimal light and nutty flavor.
With: Meyer Lemon Cookie ThinsFor a surprisingly tangy-sweet combo.
Pair: Double Créme Brie With TrufflesBrie AND truffles? And we never purchased another cheese, ever again.
With: Honey Graham CrackersTrust us; The creamy brie and savory truffles compliment the sweet and crunchy honey grahams in a miraculous way.
Pair: Espresso Mélange Cheddar CheeseBrace yourselves for a unique and punchy mix of cheddar, gruyere, AND espresso coffee grounds.
With: Classic Original Water CrackersThe necessary even-keel base for such a loud slice of java-cheese.
Pair: Mini Basque CheeseA semi-soft French sheep's milk, this mini Basque tastes (and slices) best at room-temp.
With: Brioche ToastsLike bread and butter, baby.
Pair: Creamy Toscano CheeseSoaked in Syrah for extra levels of creamy complexity.
With: Social SnackersThese crackers pack the perfect buttery flakes to compliment the creamy Toscano.
Pair: Grand Blue Blue CheeseThis bold, sharp, and tangy blue is simply grand.
With: Cranberry Coconut Snacking CrackersThe sweetness of these snacking crackers cut and compliment the Grand Blue's complexity.
For more of our snacking secrets, click here!
By: Elizabeth Buxton