10 Best Cheeses to Pair with Shrimp Cocktails

If you’re wondering what cheese goes with shrimp cocktail, you’re in the right place.

I’ve gathered the 10 best cheeses to pair with shrimp cocktails, so you can make the perfect appetizer for your next party.

From creamy Brie to sharp Cheddar, there’s a cheese for everyone in this list.

So, whether you’re looking for a classic pairing or something a little more adventurous, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your shrimp cocktail.

10 Best Cheeses to Pair with Shrimp Cocktails

There’s something so special about pairing the right cheese with shrimp cocktails.

It’s like finding the perfect little black dress or the perfect pair of shoes.

The right cheese can make all the difference in the world.

Here are 10 of the best cheeses to pair with shrimp cocktails:

1. Brie

Brie is nutty and fruity (think: apples and pears), with a soft, creamy texture.

It’s the perfect cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails because it can stand up to the acidity of the cocktail sauce without being too overwhelming.

Here are some ideas for how to serve them together:

• Brie and shrimp skewers
• Brie and shrimp quesadillas
• Brie and shrimp grilled cheese sandwiches
• Shrimp cocktail dip with brie chunks

2. Camembert

Camembert is known for being mushroomy, eggy, garlicky, and nutty, with a creamy texture.

I think it would be an excellent cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails because the mushrooms and garlic in particular will complement the shrimp nicely.

Some creative ways to serve this cheese alongside shrimp cocktails include:

• Sliced on top of the cocktail as a garnish
• As part of a charcuterie board with other meats, cheeses, and vegetables
• Mixed into the cocktail sauce
• Spread on top of crackers or bread

3. Chevre

Chevre is intense and earthy (with a tangy kick) making it the perfect foil for shrimp cocktails.

The sweetness of the shrimp is a nice contrast to the sharpness of the cheese.

Creative Ways to Serve Chevre with Shrimp Cocktails:

• Serve as an hors d’oeuvre with cocktail sauce and crostini
• Make a savory tart by blind baking a pie crust, filling with a mixture of Chevre, cream, egg, and seasonings, and top with cooked shrimp
• Top a simple salad of greens and grapefruit segments with shrimp and crumbled Chevre

4. Cottage Cheese

Creamy, a little salty, and with a hint of acidity, cottage cheese is the perfect cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails.

The sweetness of the shrimp will be offset by the salty cheese, and the acidity will help to brighten up the dish.

Here are some ideas:

• Try serving cottage cheese with dill and lemon zest for a refreshing take on the classic shrimp cocktail.
• For a heartier appetizer, top cottage cheese with grilled shrimp and avocado.
• Get creative with your garnishes! Try topping cottage cheese with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, or crumbled bacon.

5. Feta

Salty, briny feta is the perfect cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails.

The creaminess of the cheese balances out the acidity of the cocktail sauce, and the salty flavor complements the shrimp perfectly.

There are endless ways to serve feta with shrimp cocktails.

Some of my favorites include:

• Feta and herb stuffed mushrooms
• Feta and olive tapenade
• Feta and watermelon salad
• Grilled shrimp skewers with feta dipping sauce

6. Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is full-flavored, salty, and earthy with a hint of sweetness, making it the perfect cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails.

The creaminess of the cheese offsets the briny flavor of the shrimp, and the sweetness pairs well with the cocktail sauce.

Here are some creative ways to serve Gorgonzola with shrimp cocktails:

• Crumble the cheese over chilled shrimp and serve with cocktail sauce on the side.
• Mix diced Gorgonzola into your cocktail sauce for a unique twist on a classic dish.
• Make mini Gorgonzola cheesecakes by blending the cheese with cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. Top with fresh shrimp and serve chilled.

7. Gruyere

Gruyère is known for its rich, creamy, salty, and nutty taste.

It is an excellent cheese to pair with shrimp cocktails because it can help to balance out the sweetness of the shrimp.

Additionally, Gruyère pairs well with other seafood dishes, as well as fruit and vegetable dishes.

Some creative ways to serve Gruyère with shrimp cocktails include:

• Slicing the cheese into thin strips and using it as a garnish on top of the cocktail
• Dicing the cheese into small cubes and adding it to the cocktail sauce

8. Manchego

Manchego has an intense, zesty taste that pairs well with the savory flavors of shrimp.

It’s also a versatile cheese that can be served in a variety of ways.

Try it sliced thin and wrapped around shrimp, or shredded and sprinkled on top of shrimp cocktail shooters.

Manchego is also delicious melted on top of grilled shrimp skewers.

For a fun and unique twist, try using Manchego in place of Parmesan in your next batch of shrimp scampi.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a milder-tasting cheese to pair with shrimp, try mozzarella or Havarti.

9. Parmesan

Parmesan is rich, tangy, nutty, and sharp (think: the flavor of a green apple).

It’s perfect for shrimp cocktails because it can stand up to the cocktail sauce, and it also has a bit of sweetness that pairs well with the shrimp.

Creative Ways to Serve Parmesan with Shrimp Cocktails:

• Parmesan Crisps: Top parmesan crisps with cocktail sauce and shrimp.
• Parmesan Crusted: Coat shrimp in parmesan breadcrumbs before cooking. Serve with cocktail sauce on the side.
• Shaved Parmesan: Garnish shrimp cocktails with shaved parmesan cheese.

10. Ricotta

Ricotta is pretty easy to work with when it comes to flavor pairings.

I think it would go well with shrimp cocktails because the creaminess of the cheese will balance out the acidity of the cocktail sauce.

Plus, who doesn’t love cheese and seafood?!

Here are some creative ways to serve ricotta with shrimp cocktails:

• Use it as a dip for the shrimp
• Mix it into the cocktail sauce
• Top the shrimp with a dollop of ricotta
• Make a ricotta spread to put on crackers or bread

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