There are few foods more proudly British than the humble pork pie. Whether enjoyed as part of a picnic, packed into a buffet spread, or served on a rustic cheeseboard, pork pies remain a timeless favourite across the UK. Traditionally made with seasoned pork, rich jelly and crisp hot water crust pastry, pork pies are best enjoyed with carefully chosen accompaniments that enhance their flavour and texture.
For those looking for handcrafted, award-winning pies, Toppings Pies offers a superb range of traditional and speciality pork pies made using British quality assured pork and locally sourced ingredients. The family-run South Yorkshire business has earned more than 60 Great Taste awards thanks to its commitment to flavour, freshness and traditional recipes.
But what should you serve alongside a quality pork pie? Here is your complete guide to pairing pork pies with cheese, pickles and chutneys for the ultimate British grazing experience.
Why Pairings Matter
A good pork pie already delivers rich savoury flavours, buttery pastry and seasoned pork filling. Pairings help balance these elements by introducing sharpness, sweetness, acidity or creaminess.
The right cheese can soften the richness of the meat, while pickles and chutneys add contrast and depth. Together, they create a more rounded tasting experience and turn a simple pie into an impressive sharing platter.
The Best Cheeses to Pair with Pork Pies
Mature Cheddar
A mature farmhouse cheddar is perhaps the most classic pairing for a traditional pork pie. The sharp, tangy flavour cuts through the richness of the pastry and pork perfectly.
A traditional pork pie from Toppings Pies works beautifully with a robust Yorkshire or Somerset cheddar served at room temperature. The crumbly texture of cheddar also contrasts nicely with the firm pork filling.
Stilton
Blue cheese lovers will appreciate the bold combination of Stilton and pork pie. The creamy, salty character of Stilton adds depth to every bite and pairs especially well with speciality pork pies containing fruit or game.
Melton Mowbray and Stilton have long been associated as classic British food partners, making this a truly traditional combination.
Red Leicester
Red Leicester brings a milder nuttiness and creamy texture that complements pork pies without overpowering them. This is an excellent option for guests who enjoy cheese but prefer something less intense than blue varieties.
Smoked Cheese
For something slightly different, try smoked cheddar or smoked applewood cheese with a speciality pork pie. The smoky notes work particularly well alongside pies containing chilli, ham or poultry.
Toppings Pies offers speciality pork pies including flavours such as Chicken & Ham and Chilli Pork Pie, which pair wonderfully with smoked cheeses.
Perfect Pickles for Pork Pies
Piccalilli
Piccalilli is arguably the ultimate pork pie accompaniment. Its mustardy sharpness and crunchy vegetables provide a bright contrast to rich pastry and savoury pork.
Many traditional pie lovers consider piccalilli essential, particularly when serving pork pies cold as part of a buffet or picnic.
Branston Pickle
Branston pickle’s sweet and tangy flavour works especially well with mature cheddar and pork pie together. Spread a little on the side of your plate or add it directly into a sandwich made with sliced pork pie and cheese.
Pickled Onions
Sharp pickled onions bring acidity and crunch that refreshes the palate between bites. Silver skin onions are ideal for lighter grazing boards, while larger pickled onions pair well with hearty traditional pies.
Gherkins and Cornichons
Small pickled cucumbers offer a continental twist and work particularly well with pork pies served as part of a charcuterie-style board. Their acidity balances richer speciality pies beautifully.
Chutneys That Complement Pork Pies
Caramelised Onion Chutney
Sweet caramelised onion chutney is one of the most versatile pairings for pork pie. Its richness enhances the savoury flavours without overwhelming the pastry.
This pairing works exceptionally well with the handcrafted traditional pies available from Toppings Pies.
Apple Chutney
Apple and pork are a timeless culinary combination. A lightly spiced apple chutney adds sweetness and freshness that complements both traditional and speciality pork pies.
Historically, apples were even included in some early English pork pie recipes.
Chilli Jam
For those who enjoy a little heat, chilli jam pairs brilliantly with pork pies containing mature cheese, ham or spicy fillings. The sweetness tempers the spice while adding extra depth of flavour.
Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry chutney pairs especially well with festive pork pies and poultry-based speciality pies. It adds a seasonal touch to Christmas buffets and winter cheeseboards.
Creating the Perfect Pork Pie Platter
To build an impressive pork pie grazing board at home, include:
- A selection of traditional and speciality pork pies
- Two or three cheeses with varying strengths
- A mixture of pickles and chutneys
- Fresh crusty bread or crackers
- Grapes, apples or pears for freshness
- A good English ale or crisp cider
Toppings Pies offers everything from traditional family pork pies to speciality collections and quiches, making it easy to create an authentic British sharing feast for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Pairing pork pies with the right cheese, pickles and chutneys transforms a classic British snack into something truly memorable. Sharp cheddar, tangy piccalilli and sweet onion chutney all help bring out the best in a handcrafted pie, while speciality flavours open the door to more adventurous combinations.
Whether you are preparing a picnic, buffet table or weekend lunch, premium handcrafted pies from Toppings Pies provide the perfect centrepiece. With award-winning traditional recipes, speciality flavours and high-quality British ingredients, they offer everything needed for the ultimate pork pie experience.