The Best Cheeses to Pair with Oktoberfest Beer

Oktoberfest season is the perfect excuse to bring together two things that already belong at the same table: beer and cheese.

Traditional Oktoberfest-style beers, especially Märzen and amber lagers, tend to have a smooth, malty flavor with notes of toasted bread and caramel. That makes them especially good with cheeses that are rich, nutty, smoky, or slightly sharp.

If you’re putting together an Oktoberfest spread, here are a few cheeses worth reaching for.

Aged Gouda

Aged Gouda is one of the easiest matches for a malty beer.

Its rich, nutty flavor and slight caramel-like sweetness pair naturally with the toasted malt flavors found in Märzen and amber lagers. The beer’s carbonation also helps balance the richness of the cheese, keeping each bite from feeling too heavy.

Add some pretzels and mustard alongside it and you’ve got an easy Oktoberfest snack board.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss is another natural fit for Oktoberfest.

Its mild nuttiness works well with smooth, malty beers without overpowering them. It’s also a great option if you’re building a board for a group because the flavor is approachable and works alongside meats, pretzels, pickles, and mustard.

Smoked Cheese

If you want something with a little more personality, reach for a smoked cheese.

The smoky flavor adds another savory layer to the toasted notes already present in many Oktoberfest beers. It works especially well alongside smoked meats, sausage, or a hearty pretzel.

Just remember that smoked cheese can be bold, so a little can go a long way on your board.

Why the Pairing Works

A good beer-and-cheese pairing is all about balance.

Rich cheese can coat your palate, while the carbonation in beer helps refresh it between bites. Meanwhile, the toasted and slightly sweet malt flavors in Oktoberfest-style beers complement the nutty, savory flavors found in aged and smoked cheeses.

The result is a pairing where neither the beer nor the cheese gets lost.

Build an Oktoberfest Cheese Board

Once you’ve picked your cheese, fill out the rest of the board with a few simple additions:

• Soft pretzels or pretzel twists

• Summer sausage or smoked meats

• German-style mustard

• Pickles

• Crackers

• Nuts

• Apples or grapes

You don’t need to overcomplicate it. A few bold cheeses, something salty, something crunchy, and a good mustard are enough to create an Oktoberfest-worthy spread.

Find Your Oktoberfest Favorites at the Cheese Haus

Whether you prefer a nutty Gouda, classic Swiss, or something with plenty of smoky flavor, the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus has plenty of options to help you put together your Oktoberfest spread.

Stop in while you’re celebrating in Frankenmuth, or shop your favorites to enjoy at home.

Prost to good beer, good cheese, and a gouda Oktoberfest! 🍺🧀