Charcuterie And Blue Cheese: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Blue cheese is a pungent, salty, and sharp-tasting cheese that can be too strong for some palates. However, its bold flavour is worth the pungency for those who enjoy it. Blue cheese is a great addition to a charcuterie board, especially if you are serving 4-5 cheeses. When creating a charcuterie board, there are no specific rules, but it is recommended to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, crackers, and/or bread. Blue cheese pairs well with cured meats like salami or prosciutto, and the salty flavour of these meats complements the cheese nicely. Blue cheese also goes well with sweeter foods like honey, dried fruit, apple or pear slices, and nuts like walnuts or pecans. For drinks, blue cheese is best paired with dessert wines like port or sherry, or red and white wines like Pinot Noir or Riesling.

Blue cheese and cured meats

Choose Complementary Flavours and Textures

When pairing blue cheese with cured meats, look for contrasts in flavours and textures. For example, pair a sweet and creamy blue cheese with a hard and aromatic salami, or a smoky chorizo with a Spanish Manchego cheese. The salty and nutty flavours of Serrano ham go well with a smooth and grassy sheep's milk cheese, such as Etorki. If you want to highlight the sweetness of the blue cheese, pair it with a salty cured meat like prosciutto.

Consider the Provenance

Another principle to follow when pairing blue cheese and cured meats is to choose products that share a similar provenance or terroir. For instance, pair an alpine cheese with dried meat from the same region. The flavours of the meat and the milk from animals that graze in the same meadows will likely complement each other. A classic example is pairing Bayonne ham with a fresh sheep cheese from the Basque region.

Presentation is Key

When creating your charcuterie board, remember that presentation matters. Include a variety of shapes, colours, and textures to make the board visually appealing. Use different types of salami and cured meats, such as whole muscle pieces and sausages. Pre-slice some of the meats or provide a knife for your guests to slice them themselves. Arrange the blue cheese in wedges, blocks, or rounds, and don't be afraid to include other ingredients like dried fruit, honey, or crackers to enhance the flavours and create a well-rounded tasting experience.

Bring Out the Best Flavours

To bring out the best flavours in blue cheese, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature before serving. This will enhance its creamy texture and allow its bold flavours to shine. Additionally, consider pairing blue cheese with ingredients that complement its unique flavour profile. Blue cheese pairs well with sweet, salty, and crunchy ingredients, such as honey, dried fruit, nuts, and fresh fruit like apples, pears, and figs.

Blue cheese and crackers

Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured, pungent cheese that can be paired with crackers and a variety of other foods to create a delicious charcuterie board. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a blue cheese and crackers charcuterie board:

Choose a Variety of Crackers

Select an assortment of crackers in different shapes, sizes, and flavours to add interest to your charcuterie board. Plain crackers such as water crackers or wheat thins are a good choice, but you could also choose crackers with herbs or spices for added flavour.

Include Other Foods to Complement the Blue Cheese

Blue cheese pairs well with sweet, salty, and crunchy foods that help to balance its strong flavour. Here are some suggestions for foods that go well with blue cheese:

• Nuts: Roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
• Cured meats: Salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, or chorizo.
• Fruits: Fresh or dried figs, apples, pears, grapes, or cranberries.
• Condiments: Honey, jams, chutneys, or mustards.

Arrange the Board

When arranging your charcuterie board, start by placing the liquids, small items, and brined assortments like honey, jams, and pickles into little bowls or jars. Then, build the rest of the ingredients around them. Place the blue cheese on the board, along with the crackers and the other foods you have chosen. You can fill in any gaps with additional items such as fresh or dried fruits, breadsticks, or vegetables.

Some Specific Suggestions

• Blue cheese, garlic bread, pecans, grapes, and honey.
• Blue cheese, salami, dried apricots, dried cranberries, apples, and pears.
• Blue cheese, crackers, and wild blueberry maple walnut compote.
• Blue cheese, crackers, and triple ale onion jam.
• Blue cheese, crackers, and balsamic fig mostarda.

Blue cheese and fruit

Blue cheese is a great addition to a charcuterie board, especially when paired with fruits. Blue cheese is a strong flavour, so it is best to pair it with fruits that have a natural sweetness to them.

Some fruits that pair well with blue cheese are apples, pears, and stone fruits like plums and nectarines. These fruits provide a nice contrast to the sharpness of the blue cheese. You can also try grilling stone fruits like plums and nectarines to bring out their natural sweetness and pair them with blue cheese. Honey is also a great addition to a blue cheese and fruit platter, as it complements the cheese's sharpness. Drizzle honey over the cheese or serve it on the side as a dip.

For a more indulgent option, try pairing blue cheese with dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, apricots, and figs. The intensity of the blue cheese will be balanced by the sweetness of the dried fruit. Walnuts also go well with blue cheese and dried fruits, especially if they are candied or glazed. To make candied walnuts, toast walnut halves in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle sugar over the walnuts and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add salt, pepper, and more sugar as desired, stirring until the crystals dissolve and caramelize. Spread the walnuts on a sheet of foil to cool and serve them alongside the blue cheese and dried fruit.

When creating a charcuterie board with blue cheese and fruit, it is important to consider the quality and variety of the ingredients. Choose a good quality blue cheese, such as an award-winning variety, and select fresh, ripe fruits. You can also add some brined items like olives, as well as condiments like jam or honey, and crackers or bread.

Blue cheese and honey

To make this appetiser, bring a wedge of good-quality blue cheese to room temperature. Crumble the cheese, or leave it as a wedge, and then drizzle honey over the top. You can also serve the honey on the side, or in a small bowl or jar, if you prefer your guests to add their own. Serve with slices of a warm baguette or crackers, and perhaps some walnuts, to provide a solid foundation for the strong blue cheese and sweet honey.

If you want to add more to your charcuterie board, blue cheese and honey go well with sliced apples or pears, celery sticks, grapes, or sliced bell pepper. You could also add some pepperoni and salami, dried apricots and cranberries, and crackers or garlic breadsticks.

For drinks, a dessert wine, pinot noir, or riesling would go well with the blue cheese and honey.

Blue cheese and nuts

Blue cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of nuts, fruits, and condiments. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating delicious combinations with blue cheese and nuts:

Types of Blue Cheese

Firstly, there are many types of blue cheese to choose from, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are some popular varieties:

• Roquefort: A salty, ripe French cheese that pairs well with walnuts.
• Stilton: A creamy English cheese that comes in white and blue varieties and goes well with walnuts.
• Gorgonzola: A soft, creamy Italian blue cheese.
• Danish Blue: A strong, firm-textured blue cheese from Denmark.
• Saint Agur: A soft, creamy French cheese with a strong blue cheese flavour.
• Cambazola: A milder German blue cheese with a Brie-like appearance.

Nuts and Blue Cheese

When it comes to nuts, walnuts are a classic pairing with blue cheese. Not only do they provide a crunchy texture contrast, but their nuttiness also complements the strong flavour of blue cheese. To enhance the flavour of walnuts even further, you can candy or glaze them with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Toasted walnuts also add an extra layer of flavour to your charcuterie board.

In addition to walnuts, pecans are another nut that goes well with blue cheese. They can be used as a substitute for walnuts in salads or simply enjoyed alongside blue cheese on a cheese platter.

Creating Combinations

Now, let's explore some specific combinations and serving suggestions:

• Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad: Combine your favourite blue cheese with walnuts, salad leaves (such as baby spinach or arugula), and a vinaigrette dressing. You can also add apples, pears, or cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Blue Cheese, Nuts, and Dried Fruit: Create a charcuterie board with blue cheese, walnuts or pecans, and dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries. You can also add fresh fruit like apple or pear slices, and a drizzle of honey.
• Blue Cheese Fondue with Nuts: For a warm and indulgent option, try a blue cheese fondue. Serve it with a variety of nuts, such as pecans, and dipping items like breadsticks, crackers, or fresh fruit.

Remember, when creating your blue cheese and nut combinations, feel free to experiment and personalise to your taste preferences. You can also add other complementary ingredients, such as cured meats, honey, or jams, to create a well-rounded and delicious charcuterie experience.

Frequently asked questions