Blackberries And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Snack

Blackberries and cheese is a fashionable and fancy culinary practice. The sweet and succulent taste of blackberries works wonderfully with rich and savoury cheeses, and the flavour contrast brings out the best in both. Blackberries pair well with a variety of cheeses including goat's cheese, mozzarella, brie, cream cheese, gouda, and aged cheddar. Blackberry grilled cheese is a perfect combination of flavours any time of the year.

Blackberry grilled cheese

A fun twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich, this blackberry grilled cheese is a unique sweet and savoury combo. The best cheeses to pair with blackberries are goat's cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, brie, gouda, cheddar, and manchego. You can also add some basil or cinnamon for extra flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of crusty bread (sourdough or homemade artisan bread)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ounces of blackberries, fresh or in jam form
• 2-4 ounces of cheese (goat, mozzarella, Swiss, brie, gouda, cheddar, or manchego)
• Optional: fresh basil, cinnamon, or jalapeños

Method:

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter-side down, in a skillet. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese (or your chosen cheese) on the non-butter side of the bread in the skillet. If you are adding basil, sprinkle it on top of the cheese.

Place the blackberries on top of the cheese and/or basil. If using fresh blackberries, slice them in half or quarter them so they lay flatter in the sandwich. If using blackberry jam, spread it on the other slice of bread.

If desired, add some jalapeños or cinnamon on top of the blackberries. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Turn the skillet to medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Tips:

• If you want to add some protein, try adding crispy bacon or prosciutto to the sandwich.
• You can swap blackberries for other berries or fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or pears.
• For extra flavour, try drizzling honey on top of the blackberries.
• To make the sandwich heartier, use a thicker slice of bread or add some greens, such as spinach or arugula.
• To soften the butter and cheese, let them come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before assembling the sandwich.
• If you don't have butter, you can use mayonnaise or olive oil instead.

Blackberry and goat cheese

Blackberries and goat cheese make for a delightful combination, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, creamy, and tangy flavours. This pairing is a great addition to any cheese plate and can be served as a simple appetiser or a low-carb dessert.

A blackberry and goat cheese log is an easy-to-make appetiser that can be prepared with just five ingredients. To make the log, first create a blackberry compote by heating blackberries, lemon juice, honey, and salt in a skillet for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the berries as they cook. Once cooked, stir in lemon zest and thyme, and let the mixture cool. Next, lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and spoon half of the blackberry mixture onto it, placing a log of goat cheese on top. Spread the remaining blackberry mixture on top of the goat cheese and wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving with your favourite crackers or crostini.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese

For a more indulgent treat, try a blackberry grilled cheese sandwich. This gourmet twist on a classic melt features goat cheese, mozzarella, fresh blackberries, and basil on crusty bread, such as sourdough or a homemade artisan loaf. To prepare, butter one side of each slice of bread and place butter-side down in a skillet. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on the non-buttered sides, then top with blackberries and basil. Divide the mozzarella cheese between the sandwiches and place the remaining bread on top, butter-side up. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Blackberry Aged Cheese Skewers

For a unique and elegant appetiser, try blackberry aged cheese skewers. This simple yet impressive dish combines juicy blackberries with aged gouda, raw aged cheddar, or Spanish Manchego cheese. Cut the cheeses into triangles or cubes and slide them onto skewers, alternating with blackberries. This beautiful and delicious combination of fruit and cheese is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Wine Pairings

When serving blackberry and goat cheese, consider pairing it with a glass of Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. The hints of dark berries and bright acidity in Pinot Noir complement the sweet and tangy flavours of the dish. Alternatively, the grassy notes of Sauvignon Blanc pair nicely with the goat cheese.

Blackberry and gouda

For a simple yet elegant appetizer, try blackberry and gouda skewers. Thread juicy blackberries with cubes of gouda, aged cheddar, or Manchego cheese onto a skewer. The sharpness of aged cheddar and the slight tang of Manchego complement the sweetness of the blackberries. You can also add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

If you're feeling creative, make a blackberry compote with lemon juice, honey, and fresh thyme. Roll a log of goat cheese in the compote and chill it before serving with crackers or crostini. The tanginess of the goat cheese will balance the sweetness of the blackberries, creating a delightful flavour profile.

When creating a cheese platter, remember that fresh fruit matches well with fresh, soft, high-moisture cheeses. So, feel free to experiment with different combinations of blackberries and fresh cheeses like ricotta or chèvre. You can also balance intensities and seek out complementary flavours, especially when pairing with semi-hard cheeses like gouda.

Whether you choose skewers, a compote, or a classic cheese platter, blackberries and gouda are a delicious duo that your guests are sure to enjoy.

Blackberry and brie

Blackberry Brie Grilled Cheese

Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by adding blackberries and brie. This combination is simply divine. Start by spreading butter on the outside of two slices of bread – preferably a crusty , hearty variety like sourdough or whole grain. Add a generous amount of brie to one slice, and top it with fresh blackberries. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up. Place the sandwich in a hot skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. For an extra indulgent touch, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Blackberry Brie Appetizer

Impress your guests with a blackberry brie appetizer that is both elegant and easy to make. Create a blackberry compote by cooking blackberries with lemon juice, honey, and fresh thyme. Let the compote cool, then spread it on a sheet of plastic wrap. Place a log of brie on top and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for about an hour, allowing the flavours to meld. Serve this delicious treat with crackers or crostini, and get ready to wow your guests.

Blackberry Brie Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a wonderful way to showcase the harmony of blackberries and brie. Arrange slices of brie on a platter, along with fresh blackberries. Add some whole grain crackers, nuts, and perhaps a drizzle of honey. For a more substantial spread, include other cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese, and meats such as prosciutto or salami. Don't forget to include some fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a pop of colour and flavour.

Blackberry Brie Salad

For a refreshing take on this pairing, try a blackberry brie salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens, and add slices of brie, fresh blackberries, and your choice of nuts or seeds. For a tangy twist, include some arugula or spinach, and perhaps a few slices of avocado. A light vinaigrette dressing will bring all the flavours together.

Blackberry Brie Dessert

Indulge your sweet tooth with a blackberry brie dessert. Bake the brie in a puff pastry, and serve it with a blackberry compote or fresh blackberries on the side. The warmth of the baked brie and the sweetness of the blackberries create a decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet craving.

Blackberry and mozzarella

Blackberry Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

This mouth-watering combination takes inspiration from the classic Caprese combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. To create this gourmet twist on a traditional grilled cheese, start by spreading a layer of soft goat cheese on your favourite crusty bread. Then, add a generous amount of fresh blackberries, sliced into halves or quarters. Top it off with shredded or sliced mozzarella, which will get ultra-melty and gooey as it melts. Don't forget to add some fresh basil, and you've got yourself a sandwich that's both delicious and visually appealing!

Blackberry Mozzarella Appetizer

For an elegant and easy appetizer, try creating blackberry and mozzarella skewers. Simply alternate blackberries and mozzarella balls on a skewer, adding in other ingredients like fresh basil leaves for added flavour. You can also experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as smoked mozzarella or burrata, to find your favourite combination. Serve these skewers at your next party, and your guests will surely be impressed!

Blackberry Mozzarella Salad

Combine fresh blackberries, mozzarella pearls, and your choice of leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, for a refreshing and flavourful salad. Drizzle your favourite vinaigrette over the top and add some chopped nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch. This salad is a wonderful way to showcase the contrasting flavours and textures of sweet blackberries and creamy mozzarella.

Baked Blackberry Mozzarella Bites

Create delicious baked treats by wrapping blackberries and mozzarella in a blanket of crispy, golden phyllo dough. Simply place a cube of mozzarella and a blackberry inside a small square of phyllo dough, brush with melted butter, and bake until golden. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fun snack, and the combination of warm, melted mozzarella and juicy blackberries is simply irresistible.

Blackberry Mozzarella Platter

Showcase the beauty of this pairing by creating a simple yet elegant cheese platter. Arrange fresh blackberries alongside mozzarella balls or slices, adding in some fresh herbs like basil for a pop of colour. You can also provide a variety of crackers, breads, or crostini for your guests to create their own custom bites. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as smoked or flavoured varieties, to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions