The Perfect Cheese And Balsamic Vinegar Pairing Guide

Balsamic vinegar and cheese are a classic combination, and for good reason. The acidity of the vinegar balances the richness of the cheese, and the slight sweetness of the vinegar offsets the heaviness of the cheese's high-fat content. The result is a flavour explosion that will keep you going back for more. But which cheeses go best with balsamic vinegar? Most cheeses pair well with balsamic vinegar, but some varieties work better than others. The traditional choice is Parmigiano Reggiano, but other hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano also hold their own. Blue cheese is another good option, as its sharp flavour is hard to overwhelm. For soft cheeses, a slight drizzle of balsamic vinegar can bring out the flavours of mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, Chevre goat cheese, and Robiola.

Parmigiano Reggiano

A simple way to serve Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar is to break the cheese into bite-sized chunks, drizzle with vinegar, and let stand for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to absorb the vinegar and intensifies the overall flavour.

For a more indulgent experience, follow the lead of Massimo Bottura, the chef of Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, and invest in a large wheel of aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Scrape off bites of cheese and drizzle with a few drops of high-quality balsamic vinegar for a true taste of Emilia Romagna.

When choosing a balsamic vinegar to pair with Parmigiano Reggiano, opt for a high-quality, aged variety. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, aged for at least 12 years, is an excellent choice. Its thick, rich, and glossy texture, and nuanced flavours will complement the cheese perfectly. However, other varieties, such as the IGP vinegars aged for three or more years, can also be a more affordable option without compromising on quality.

To elevate your Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar pairing, consider adding other ingredients. Fresh, sweet fruits such as figs, apricots, or strawberries pair exceptionally well with this combination. You can also add other ingredients such as cured meats, nuts, or herbs to create a flavourful and textured dish.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Parmigiano Reggiano. While the classic pairing is delicious, other varieties such as Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or even a younger Parmigiano Reggiano can offer a slightly different flavour profile that may suit your taste preferences.

Blue cheese

Italian Gorgonzola is the obvious choice for this pairing, but French Roquefort and Spanish Cabrales are also excellent options. Blue cheese stuffed figs with balsamic vinegar is a recommended dish.

The distinct flavour of blue cheese is complemented by the notes of fig in Spark Balsamic Vinegar. Spread blue cheese onto crusty bread or crackers, and add a touch of balsamic vinegar for a burst of flavour.

The more aged the cheese, the better it will pair with an aged balsamic vinegar. The sweetness of the vinegar will balance out the saltiness of the cheese, and the added acidity will alleviate the heaviness of the cheese's high-fat content.

Soft cheeses

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that pairs wonderfully with balsamic vinegar. It can be served with fresh basil leaves and enjoyed as a contrast of flavours and textures. For an extra kick, try Mozzarella di Bufala Campana or burrata. Burrata is a creamy texture that is taken to new heights when paired with the sweetness of a balsamic glaze. It can be served on a bed of fresh arugula or heirloom tomatoes, with a balsamic drizzle for a burst of sweet and savoury flavours.

Another soft cheese that works well with balsamic vinegar is Chevre goat cheese. Crumble the goat cheese, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and spread crackers around in a circle. Robiola is also a good option. It is a soft-ripened Italian cheese, similar to French brie and camembert. Robiola has a rich, buttery, slightly fruity taste, which makes a great pair with sweet and thick balsamic vinegar. Enjoy it on its own or add extra flavours such as thick, spicy, and sweet pepper jam.

For a simple snack, try ricotta cheese with a generous amount of balsotta cheese on grilled baguette slices, add a few drops of balsamic vinegar, and top off with fresh strawberries. This combination is heavenly with a cup of coffee.

Aged balsamic vinegar

When serving aged balsamic vinegar with cheese, a simple way is to lay the cheese on a platter and put a small bowl of the vinegar next to it for dipping. Alternatively, shave or grate the cheese over a dish and finish with a drizzle of the vinegar.

Some specific examples of cheeses that go well with aged balsamic vinegar include:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Pecorino Romano
• Grana Padano
• Blue cheese
• Goat cheese
• Mozzarella
• Burrata

Salads and dressings

For a simple side salad, balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over lettuce, chicken, carrot slices, bell pepper, pineapple, and tomato. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar will also complement the tanginess of a goat cheese salad.

Balsamic vinegar can also be used in salad dressings. It can be mixed with extra virgin olive oil for dipping fresh white bread, or drizzled over grilled or roasted vegetables.

Frequently asked questions