Cheese and meat: name a more iconic duo—we’ll wait. Every grilled cheese packed with bacon or sausage is living proof these two belong together. And if you’re a jerky fan, this flavor combo just keeps getting better.
Whether you’re prepping a charcuterie board for a get-together or just crushing gas station jerky and string cheese on a road trip, cheese and jerky are the ultimate anytime snack.
While most pairings work, some hit harder than others. Here are six badass jerky and cheese pairings every guy should try.
1. Traditional Beef Jerky + Monterey Jack
You can’t get more all-American than this.
A solid cut of traditional beef jerky brings that old-school smoky, salty flavor—with zero MSG or fake flavoring. It’s pure, meaty goodness. But it’s also salty as hell, which is where Monterey Jack steps in.
This semi-hard cheese has a mellow, buttery taste that smooths out the sodium punch. Its soft texture balances out jerky’s tough bite. It’s an easy win—and one pairing that deserves a spot on any guy’s snack board.
2. Spicy Beef Jerky + Gouda
Craving heat? Spicy beef jerky is for the bold. Whether it’s got Carolina Reaper kick or chipotle smokiness, it brings the fire.
Gouda is your secret weapon here. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and never tries to steal the show. It balances the heat without dulling the flavor. Gouda tones it down without turning it off.
Melt it over the jerky or pair it cold—either way, this combo’s a knockout.
3. Duck Jerky + Edam
Duck jerky has that deep, gamey richness that’s closer to red meat than chicken or turkey. It’s a bold flavor—and you want a cheese that gets it.
Enter Edam. This Dutch cheese doesn’t scream for attention but delivers a slightly nutty, salty punch that pairs perfectly with duck’s complex profile. Its springy texture and creamy finish keep things interesting, without overpowering the meat.
Think of it as the wingman duck jerky deserves.
4. Bison Jerky + Blu di Bufala
Bison jerky might surprise you. It’s cleaner and sweeter than beef with a bit more bite—but without the heavy aftertaste you’d expect from game meat.
It’s the perfect canvas for something bold like Blu di Bufala—a blue cheese made from water buffalo milk. This one’s rich, tangy, and has just enough funk to keep things exciting.
These two balance each other out like a pro team—sweet bison, tangy cheese, powerful flavor.
5. Venison Jerky + Brie
Venison jerky is wild, literally. It’s earthy, lean, and tough—but packed with flavor. You need a cheese that’s soft, rich, and a little indulgent.
That’s Brie. Especially younger Brie, which is creamier and less pungent. Bake it up and serve it warm, and you’ve got yourself a high-end pairing that’ll steal the show at your next party.
Dip that jerky or stack it on a bite of soft Brie—trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
6. Teriyaki Pork Jerky + Gruyère
Teriyaki pork jerky is sweet, tangy, and way easier on the jaw than beef. It’s a flavor bomb that brings all the satisfaction of a pulled pork sandwich, minus the mess—and it needs a cheese that can hang.
Gruyère delivers. This Swiss cheese is nutty, creamy, and has just the right amount of salt. It cuts through the teriyaki glaze and adds another layer of flavor. The combo? Sweet meets savory in the best possible way.
Serve it as a snack or fancy it up on a board—either way, it’s a total game-changer.
Final Bite
There you have it—six jerky and cheese combos that go hard.
The key? Balance. The stronger the jerky, the smoother the cheese. The bolder the meat, the creamier the cheese needs to be. Mix and match, find your groove, and don’t be afraid to get creative.
Because in the world of cheese and jerky, flavor is king—and you’re the one calling the shots.
