Ploughman’s Lunch — Cheddar, Apple & Pickle Plate

A classic English pub-style lunch platter with sharp cheese, crisp apple, punchy pickle, and bread for an easy, satisfying midday meal.

Ingredients

• 200g mature cheddar, sliced into batons or thick slices
• 2 medium apples (crisp variety), cored and sliced
• 6 tbsp Branston pickle (or other British-style pickle/chutney)
• 4 slices crusty bread (or 2 bread rolls), to serve
• 2 tbsp butter (optional, for bread)
• 2 tsp Dijon or English mustard (optional but very classic)
• 4 small pickled onions (optional)
• 1 large handful salad greens (optional)
• Black pepper, to finish

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Slice & prep

  Cut the cheddar into thick slices or batons (thicker feels more “pub lunch” than thin slices). Core and slice the apples just before serving to keep them crisp.

• 2

  Step 2: Build the board/plates

  Divide cheddar, apple slices, and greens (if using) between two plates or a board. Add a generous dollop of Branston pickle to each serving and a little mustard on the side.

• 3

  Step 3: Add bread

  Serve with crusty bread or rolls. Butter the bread if you like (very traditional). Finish everything with a few cracks of black pepper over the cheese.

Tips

• **Best cheddar matters**: Use the sharpest mature cheddar you have—this dish is all about bold, simple flavours.
• **Make it feel “proper”**: Pile things in clusters (cheese, apple, pickle, bread) rather than spreading them out—more generous, more pub-like.
• **What to serve it with**: A mug of strong tea, sparkling water, or a light beer/cider if it’s a weekend lunch.
• **Make-ahead**: Pre-slice the cheese and portion the pickle; slice apples at the last minute for maximum crunch.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)