Andy Montoya
Truffle cheese is a luxurious treat, with its unique earthy notes, nutty flavour, and distinct aroma. When serving truffle cheese, the key is to keep the presentation simple so that the truffle flavour can shine. A plain sliced baguette or neutral-flavoured crackers are ideal accompaniments, with a glass of sparkling wine or pinot noir to enhance the pleasure of eating truffle cheese. For a perfect after-dinner treat, a bottle of Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port paired with Black Truffle Howling Hound cheddar cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. Truffle cheese can also be grated over eggs, pasta, pizza, or even mac 'n' cheese, or melted into a fondue for a luxurious twist on classic dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presentation | Simple |
| Accompaniments | Neutral-flavoured crackers, sliced baguette, plain crackers, bread |
| Drinks | Sparkling wine, pinot noir, red wines (Malbec, Le Petit Caboche), aged lightweight white wines (Fray Leon Reserva Sauvignon Blanc), port |
| Dishes | Grilled cheese sandwiches, fondue, pasta, risotto, mac 'n' cheese, pizza, eggs |
| Other foods | Black olives, ripe black olives, green olives, meats (beef, duck breast, chicken, turkey), eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Truffle cheese and wine
Truffle cheese is a delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries, prized for its rich, earthy flavour and intoxicating aroma. It is made by infusing cheese with the flavour and aroma of truffles, a type of fungus that grows underground in specific regions of Europe. The most prized truffle varieties are the white truffle and the black truffle, known for their intense, umami flavour. When serving truffle cheese, it is important to remember that it should be the star of the show, so any accompaniments should enhance rather than overpower its delicate yet distinctive taste.
When it comes to wine, the general rule of thumb is to select one that enhances the delicate notes of the truffle cheese rather than masking its flavour. For soft, creamy truffle cheeses, a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be a good match. These wines will complement the cheese's earthy, nutty flavour without overwhelming it. Chardonnay, a buttery and oaky white wine, is another excellent choice for soft truffle cheeses, especially when paired with neutral and creamy dishes such as eggs or cheese fondue.
For harder, aged truffle cheeses, a full-bodied red wine is often a better option. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, for example, can stand up to the stronger flavour of aged cheeses. If you prefer a red wine, consider a light-bodied Pinot Noir, which offers flavours of cherry and earth that beautifully complement the truffle. Another option is Le Petit Caboche, distinguished by its red fruit tones and subtle oak aroma, which pairs exquisitely with the flavour of truffle cheese.
Sparkling wines, such as Champagne, can also be a wonderful pairing with truffle cheese. The acidity and effervescence of Champagne make it a perfect match for the rich, earthy flavour of the cheese. A crisp, dry sparkling wine like Chanceny Saumur Brut from the Loire Valley is another elegant choice, with delicate floral and fruit notes that will enhance the truffle cheese experience.
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Truffle cheese and crackers
Truffle cheese can be served with plain crackers, or rustic Italian crackers, baked in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, that are infused with truffle paste. Truffle cheese and crackers can be served as a snack on their own, or with other ingredients such as olives, dips, and salsa.
Truffle cheese is often made with a blend of cow and sheep milk, or goat's milk, and can be semi-soft or hard. The type of truffle used in the cheese varies, with black truffles having earthy, rich, and fruity notes, and white truffles having more aromatic, garlicky notes.
To elevate your truffle cheese and crackers, consider pairing them with a glass of sparkling wine or pinot noir. Alternatively, a drizzle of truffle honey can add a sweet touch to the savoury crackers and cheese.
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Truffle cheese and pasta
Choosing the Right Truffle Cheese
When selecting truffle cheese, consider the strength of the truffle flavour. Some cheeses, like Truffle Tremor, have a soft, fluffy texture with bits of black truffle, while others, like Truffle Gouda, have subtle flecks of black truffle that don't overpower the cheese's sweetness. Truffle Cheddar, a mild soft cheddar with truffle flecks, is another excellent option. If your truffle cheese is mild, consider adding Parmesan or another hard cheese for extra sharpness and flavour.
Selecting the Perfect Pasta
When it comes to pasta, you have options. Tagliatelle, linguine, or fettuccine are excellent choices for long pasta. If you prefer short pasta, penne is a great option. Remember, the pasta is the canvas for the truffle cheese, so choose a variety that will hold the sauce well and provide a nice bite.
Creating the Sauce
For a creamy truffle cheese sauce, start by cooking mushrooms and garlic in butter until they release their moisture. Remove the mushrooms and garlic, and add more butter to the pan. Melt the butter, then add cream and stir to combine. Once the cream is heated, add your shredded truffle cheese and stir until melted and combined. To thin the sauce, add a few tablespoons of the starchy pasta water. You can also add some shredded Parmesan or Parrano cheese for extra sharpness and creaminess.
Putting It All Together
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little starchy water. Add the cooked pasta to your sauce and toss to coat evenly. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgent, earthy flavours of your truffle cheese pasta!
Additional Tips
- Keep it simple: When using truffle cheese, let its flavour shine. Avoid overwhelming the dish with too many strong ingredients.
- Wine pairing: Consider pairing your truffle cheese pasta with a glass of sparkling wine or Pinot Noir to enhance the dining experience.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins like peas or chopped shallots for added texture and flavour.
- Customisation: This dish is adaptable. Experiment with different types of cheese, methods of adding truffle flavour, and mix-ins to make it your own.
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Truffle cheese and meat
Truffle cheese is a luxurious treat, with its earthy, nutty flavour and distinct aroma. It is a versatile ingredient that can be served in many ways and paired with a variety of meats. Here are some ideas for serving truffle cheese with meat:
For an elegant appetiser, try making truffle cheese and steak crostini. This recipe combines creamy truffle cheese with beef tenderloin or filet mignon, baby kale, fried sage, and a balsamic glaze. The key to this dish is using a tender cut of beef and enhancing its flavour with a simple rub of sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. The truffle cheese adds a sophisticated twist to the classic steak crostini, making it a perfect bite-sized snack to impress your guests.
Truffle Cheese Fondue
For a warm and indulgent option, truffle cheese can be melted into a fondue. Fondue is a perfect sharing dish and can be served with a variety of meats and vegetables for dipping. Try pairing it with cured meats such as salami or prosciutto, or grilled chicken or beef skewers. Fondue allows each diner to customise their dish and creates a fun and interactive dining experience.
Truffle Cheese Charcuterie Board
Create a luxurious charcuterie board by featuring truffle cheese as the star attraction. Look for truffle-infused cheeses such as Brie, Gouda, or Pecorino, which showcase the bold flavours of truffles. Accompany the cheeses with a selection of rich, savoury meats such as salami, prosciutto, or chorizo. Add some fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and crackers to round out the board. A charcuterie board is a great way to showcase a variety of flavours and textures, and the earthy notes of truffle cheese will elevate the entire spread.
Truffle cheese can also be used to create indulgent sandwiches. Try a grilled cheese sandwich with truffle cheese, or a French dip sandwich with thin slices of roast beef and melted truffle cheese on a baguette. For a heartier option, a steak sandwich on toasted sourdough bread, topped with truffle cheese, arugula, and a creamy horseradish sauce is a perfect combination. The key to these sandwiches is to let the truffle cheese shine, so avoid overpowering it with too many strong flavours.
When serving truffle cheese with meat, remember that a little goes a long way. The intense aroma and flavour of truffles can be balanced with other ingredients to create harmonious pairings that showcase the unique qualities of this luxurious ingredient.
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Truffle cheese and eggs
Truffled scrambled eggs are a popular dish. To make them, whisk eggs and milk together in a medium bowl. Melt butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook. When the eggs begin to set, gently stir to scramble. When almost all the liquid has cooked off and the eggs have thickened, stir in shredded truffle cheese and green onions. You can use a semi-soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour, like Monterey Jack, which makes it the perfect vessel for black truffles. It’s also a great melting cheese. You can also sprinkle on some cheddar cheese and add a dash of sea salt.
For a more luxurious version, you can use truffle butter and truffle oil in place of regular butter and oil. You can also top the dish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped chives.
Truffle cheese can also be grated over eggs, or you can make a simple truffle-infused scrambled egg with thin shavings of black truffle on top.
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Frequently asked questions
Truffle cheese can be served with a sliced baguette or plain crackers. You can also grate truffle cheese over eggs, pasta, pizza, or even mac 'n' cheese.
When it comes to wine, the general rule of thumb is to select a wine that enhances the delicate notes of the truffle cheese without overpowering its flavour. A crisp, dry sparkling wine such as Chanceny Saumur Brut from the Loire Valley is a great choice. If you prefer red wine, try a Pinot Noir or Le Petit Caboche, distinguished by its red fruit tones and subtle oak aroma.
Avoid serving truffle cheese with very spicy foods as the subtle, earthy, nutty notes of the cheese can be engulfed. Bold, highly tannic red wines should also be avoided as they can mask the delicate flavours of the cheese.
Truffle cheese can be used to make truffle mushroom pasta. The sauce is made with truffle cheese, cream, and mushrooms, and is served with pasta and garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Truffle cheese can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, risotto, or fondue.
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