Frederic Melton
The combination of cheese and fruit is a classic culinary pairing. While it may seem unusual to cook cheese and fruit together, it is a common practice to serve them together on a cheese board or charcuterie platter. The sweetness of the fruit pairs well with the savouriness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the dining experience. When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the types of cheese and fruit, as well as other complementary elements, to ensure a well-rounded and appealing spread.
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What You'll Learn
What fruits and cheeses complement each other?
When it comes to creating a cheese platter, there's more to it than just putting out a pile of grapes with a few different cheeses. In fact, grapes can be quite difficult to pair with cheese because of their high acidity, which can bring out bitterness. So, what fruits and cheeses complement each other?
A good pairing will create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. Apples and cheddar is a classic pairing, with the crispness of the apple complementing the sharpness of the cheese. Granny Smith apples, in particular, are a good match. Another classic pairing is strawberries and ricotta, where the sweetness of the strawberries is balanced by the mild and creamy ricotta.
If you're looking for something a little different, try peaches and gouda. The smooth, buttery, nutty flavour of aged gouda goes well with the juicy, sweet, and fragrant nature of peaches. Or, for a summer side dish or dessert, try grilled peach halves with grated extra sharp cheddar, garnished with honey, chopped nuts, and basil. Watermelon and feta is another refreshing summer pairing, with the salty feta elevating the sweetness of the melon.
For something more indulgent, try pairing dried figs with a goat cheese such as fig goat cheese, which is lightly tangy, crumbly, sweet, and spreadable. The drying process of the figs concentrates their sugar content, creating a delicious pairing with the tangy cheese.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover your own favourites.
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How to avoid a bitter taste when pairing fruit and cheese
Pairing fruit and cheese is a fashionable culinary practice. However, it is not as simple as slapping a pile of green grapes next to a hunk of cheddar. A good cheese and fruit combination needs to be more targeted. Here are some tips to avoid a bitter taste when pairing fruit and cheese:
Avoid high-acid fruits
Fruits that are higher in acid tend to turn cheese bitter. Avoid oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, and pineapple on a cheese plate. While apples, pears, grapes, and figs go seamlessly with cheese, these high-acid fruits will not do your cheese platter justice.
Avoid matching flavours and textures
Do not match flavours and textures, especially when it comes to semi-hard cheeses. For example, a fresh strawberry will be super gross with a creamy blue cheese like Fourme d'Ambert but will be phenomenal with a hard Piave Vecchio or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Avoid bitter and fresh flavours
Avoid bitter and fresh flavours when it comes to bloomy rind, washed rind, and wrinkly rind cheeses. This includes grapes, which can be pretty acidic and bring out a fair amount of bitterness.
Use fatty flavours to soften dry textures
Use fatty flavours to soften dry textures, especially with hard cheese. For example, a strawberry will go well with a hard Parmigiano Reggiano because the fatty flavour of the cheese will balance out the dryness of the strawberry.
Balance intensities and seek complementary flavours
Balance intensities and seek out complementary flavours, especially for semi-hard cheese. For example, sweet and succulent fruit works wonderfully with a rich and savoury cheese assortment.
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Creative ways to cook with fruit and cheese
Pairing fruit and cheese is a fashionable culinary practice, and there are endless combinations to explore. Here are some creative ways to cook with fruit and cheese:
Cottage Cheese Bowls
Cottage cheese and fruit bowls are a nutritious and delicious option. You can use fresh or frozen fruit—anything from berries to mangoes, peaches, and kiwis. Whipped cottage cheese creates a smooth and creamy base, and you can add toppings like granola for a crunchy texture. For a savoury twist, add freshly chopped basil, black pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you prefer it sweeter, add fresh mint and a drizzle of honey.
Blended Cottage Cheese
For a quick breakfast or snack, blend cottage cheese with frozen fruit. This combination tastes like flavoured yogurt and is an excellent way to get your daily dose of protein and vitamins.
Charcuterie Boards
Creating a cheese platter or charcuterie board is an art form. Instead of the usual grapes, try pairing cheeses with seasonal, locally-sourced fruits at their peak freshness. Some classic combinations include Apple Cheddar, Manchego with Honeycrisp apples, and Brie with Gala apples. Dried fruits, jams, and preserves are also excellent choices, as they enhance the flavours of the cheese.
Toasts and Dips
For a quick snack, try herbed cottage cheese toasts or dips. The mild flavour of cottage cheese pairs well with a variety of fruits, and you can experiment with different combinations.
Salads
Create a salad with your favourite greens, fruits, and cheeses. For example, you could pair a rich and savoury cheese with sweet, succulent fruits like mango or peach. Add some nuts or seeds for crunch and a balsamic vinaigrette to bring all the flavours together.
There are endless possibilities when cooking with fruit and cheese, so feel free to experiment and create your own unique combinations!
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Fruits and cheeses to avoid pairing
While pairing fruits and cheeses is a fashionable culinary practice, it is not always a good combination. Here are some fruits and cheeses that you may want to avoid pairing:
Grapes and Cheese
Although grapes are a classic pairing with cheese and wine, culinary experts advise against it. This is because grapes can be quite acidic, depending on where they are grown, and this acidity can bring out bitterness and ruin the cheese-eating experience.
Citrus Fruits and Cheese
Citrus fruits should be avoided when pairing with cheese as they can overpower the flavour of the cheese.
Blue Cheese and Acidic Wines or Fruits
Acidic wines and fruits should not be paired with blue cheese as they can make it taste soapy.
Bitter and Fresh Flavours with Bloomy, Washed, or Wrinkly Rind Cheeses
Naomi Smith, an instructor at The Cheese School of San Francisco, advises against combining bitter and fresh flavours with bloomy rind, washed rind, and wrinkly rind cheeses.
High Acidity and Bitter Flavours with Soft, Fresh Cheeses
Another tip from Naomi Smith is to avoid mixing high acidity with bitter flavours when it comes to soft, fresh cheeses.
Matching Tastes and Textures with Semi-Hard Cheeses
Naomi Smith also recommends avoiding matching tastes and textures when it comes to semi-hard cheeses.
While there are some fruits and cheeses that may not pair well together, there are still plenty of other combinations worth exploring. For example, apples and cheddar cheese is a classic pairing, as is Anjou pear and Gouda. Fresh mozzarella also goes well with ripe tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil for a delicious Caprese salad.
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The best fruits and cheeses for a summer fruit and cheese board
Creating a fruit and cheese board is a fashionable and fancy culinary practice, especially in the US. The key to a perfect pairing is to achieve a balance between complementary tastes, textures, and visuals. Here are some tips for creating a delightful summer fruit and cheese board:
Choose Seasonal Produce:
Select fresh, ripe, and colourful summer fruits. Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries make a lovely focal point. Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are also excellent choices, providing a contrast to tangy cheeses. Apples, pears, and persimmons are other options, although they may discolour if sliced too early.
Select Complementary Cheeses:
Offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different palates. Include at least one of each type: cow's-milk, goat's-milk, and sheep's-milk. Feature cheeses with different textures, such as a soft-ripened cheese, a harder aged cheese, and a fresh cheese. Blue cheese adds a sharp contrast and pairs well with summer fruits. Goat cheese, creamy Havarti, and smoked Gouda are also excellent choices for a summer board.
Add Textural Elements:
Introduce crackers, such as paleo, gluten-free, or regular varieties, for a crunchy contrast. Nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or candied nuts add further texture and flavour.
Create Visual Appeal:
Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments in sections for a neat and cohesive look. Play with colours and textures to make the board visually interesting. Consider a colour scheme, such as shades of orange, red, and pink, to evoke a summertime vibe.
Enhance with Extras:
Include garden-fresh vegetables like baby zucchini, rainbow carrots, and cherry tomatoes for added colour and nutrition. Cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and other Italian meats add a savoury element. Jams, preserves, and honey can also be offered to enhance the flavours and create unique pairings.
Pair with Wine:
Cheese and wine are a classic combination. For a summer fruit and cheese board, a crisp rosé or a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the fresh flavours of summer fruits and light cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
Some classic combinations include grapes, berries, apples, and apricots with a variety of cheeses. You can also get creative and experiment with different fruits and cheeses to find pairings that suit your taste. For instance, apples, peaches, honey, and pears go well with pepper jack cheese, while apples, pears, and apricots complement smoked gouda.
Fruit adds visual appeal to a cheese board and enhances the flavor of the cheese. The acidity in fruit amplifies the flavors in cheese and acts as a palate cleanser, helping to refresh your taste receptors.
Consider using a mix of fresh, dried, and cooked fruits to add variety to your platter. Plan for 2 ounces of cheese per person, and include crackers, bread, or breadsticks. Fill in any empty spaces with smaller fruits, nuts, or chocolate. Remove the cheese from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature and enhance its flavor.
