Blueberries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and they make a great addition to a cheese plate. Blueberries and cheese is a classic combination, with soft cheeses such as brie or camembert being a great choice for pairing with blueberries due to their creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the berries. For a more tangy combination, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or goat cheese also go well with blueberries, as the cheese's tanginess balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cheese type | Soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert; goat's or sheep's milk cheese; mozzarella; white cheddar; blue cheese; feta; ricotta Salata |
Blueberry type | Fresh; cooked with sugar, lemon juice, and thyme; blueberry jam |
Dish type | Salad; grilled cheese sandwich; cheese board |
Other ingredients | Spinach; almonds; baby spinach; arugula; walnuts; pecans; roasted beets; EVOO and orange juice with a hint of dijon; basil-infused extra virgin olive oil; sourdough bread |
What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses like brie or camembert
You can also try a play on the classic combination of cheese and jam on a cheeseboard by making a blueberry white cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich is made with sweet, juicy blueberries simmered until thickened and lots of cheese sandwiched between two slices of sourdough bread. The blueberries are cooked with sugar, lemon juice and lemon thyme to add a citrusy flavour. The sandwiches are cooked in a hot skillet until melty and golden.
Blueberries also go well with other soft, unripened goat's cheeses. For example, a user on Reddit mentions that a Greek salad with goat's cheese and toasted almonds or walnuts would be delicious.
In addition to soft cheeses, blueberries also pair well with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or goat cheese as the tanginess of these cheeses helps to balance the sweetness of the berries.
Whiskey and Cheese: Perfect Pairing Recommendations
You may want to see also
Goat's or sheep's milk cheese
When it comes to cheese, goats' and sheep's milk varieties are a fantastic match for blueberries. The creamy texture and tanginess of these cheeses beautifully complement the sweetness of blueberries, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
Goat's cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile option that pairs exceptionally well with blueberries. Its unique flavour can stand up to the sweetness of the berries without being overpowering. In a salad, try combining baby spinach, blueberries, goat cheese, and toasted almonds with a fruity dressing, such as extra virgin olive oil and orange juice with a hint of Dijon mustard. The crunch of the almonds and the creaminess of the cheese create a delightful textural contrast, making each bite a sensory experience.
For a more indulgent option, consider a grilled cheese sandwich with a twist. Blueberry white cheddar grilled cheese sandwiches are a sweet and savoury delight. Start by simmering fresh blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and lemon thyme until thickened. Spread this mixture on sourdough bread, top with generous amounts of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella, and grill to perfection. The salty, tangy cheese and the sweet blueberries create a flavour combination that is sure to impress.
Sheep's milk cheese is another excellent choice to pair with blueberries. Soft-ripened sheep's milk cheese has a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with blueberries. The tanginess of the cheese helps to balance the sweetness of the berries, resulting in a harmonious flavour profile.
When creating a cheese plate, consider adding a sheep's milk cheese, such as the Old Chatham Creamery's Crown Finish Caves Naked Pruner, and a blueberry jam, such as the Maison Francis Miot Wild Blueberry Jam, for a sophisticated pairing that will impress your guests. The combination of the creamy cheese and the sweet-tart jam is a classic for a reason.
Whether you choose goat's or sheep's milk cheese, the key to a successful pairing with blueberries lies in the contrast of flavours and textures. The tanginess and creaminess of these cheeses beautifully offset the sweetness and juiciness of blueberries, resulting in a delightful culinary experience.
Cheese and Scotch: A Perfect Pairing Guide
You may want to see also
Salty feta or ricotta Salata
Blueberries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and they make a great addition to any cheese plate. When paired with feta or ricotta Salata, blueberries can be a part of a delicious savoury dish. The salty, tangy cheese will enhance the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.
A great way to enjoy this combination is in a salad. Try tossing some baby spinach, blueberries, and crumbled feta or ricotta Salata with a light vinaigrette. Toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, can also be added for a crunchy texture and extra flavour.
For a heartier meal, you can make a sandwich with sourdough bread, feta or ricotta Salata, and blueberries. The sharpness of the cheese and the sweetness of the blueberries will create a delightful contrast of flavours. You can also add other ingredients, such as fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey, to enhance the flavours even more.
The versatility of blueberries and their ability to pair well with salty cheeses like feta or ricotta Salata opens up a range of possibilities for creative culinary combinations.
The Perfect Condiment Pairing for a Ham and Cheese Sandwich
You may want to see also
Maple cheddar
Maple Leaf Cheese in Monroe, Wisconsin, produces an award-winning double-milled aged white cheddar blended with Wisconsin blueberries. This blueberry cheddar is sweet and creamy, making it a great standalone snack, shredded into recipes, or served as a dessert cheese. It's also a fantastic option for those following a keto diet, thanks to its low carb count and high protein content.
If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own blueberry cheddar breakfast sausage at home. This unique breakfast option combines Maine blueberries, real maple syrup, and Cabot cheese to flavour the pork, resulting in a delicious blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
For a simpler option, try a baby spinach salad with blueberries, maple cheddar, and toasted almonds. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer and can be enhanced with a fruity dressing, such as extra virgin olive oil and orange juice with a hint of dijon mustard.
The versatility of maple cheddar and its harmonious pairing with blueberries offer a delightful culinary experience, whether enjoyed in a savoury dish, on a cheese platter, or as a sweet treat.
The Perfect Cheese Pairings for Salami
You may want to see also
Blueberries in a salad with spinach, goat's cheese and almonds
Blueberries, spinach, goat's cheese, and almonds make a delicious and healthy salad. This combination is perfect for summer, with a nice fruity dressing, such as EVOO and orange juice with a hint of dijon.
This salad is a great way to enjoy blueberries when they are ripe, juicy, and in season. It is also a good source of dietary fibre and micronutrients. Spinach, on the other hand, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and offers antioxidant functions.
For the salad, you can use a cup of halved fresh strawberries, half a cup of fresh raspberries and blueberries each, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds. You can also add grilled salmon, shrimp, or chicken to make it a heartier entrée salad.
To make the salad, divide the spinach between two plates. Top each plate with half of the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle with goat cheese and sliced almonds, adjusting the quantities to your taste. Finally, drizzle the salad with a dressing of your choice and serve.
You can also add a crunch to the salad with toasted almonds or pecans, and even walnuts. For a vegan version, you can use a dairy-free alternative to goat cheese.
Mac and Cheese: Choosing the Perfect Cheesy Blend
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blueberries are often paired with soft cheeses like brie or camembert, as the creamy texture of the cheese complements the sweetness of the berries. Blueberries also go well with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or goat cheese, as the tanginess of these cheeses helps to balance the sweetness of the blueberries. For a more savoury pairing, salty cheeses like feta or ricotta Salata can bring out the sweetness of the blueberries.
Blueberry bourbon pecan jam and goat cheese is a classic pairing. The addition of bourbon, cinnamon, and pecans adds depth to the sweetness of the blueberries, while the tang of the goat cheese balances the jam perfectly. Another popular combination is maple cheddar and blueberries, as the sweet and tangy characteristics of the cheese complement the blueberries.
Blueberries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of foods. They go well with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to any dish. Blueberries also pair well with wines, particularly sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne, which help to cleanse the palate and highlight the sweetness of the berries. For red wine lovers, a fruity Pinot Noir can bring out the berry flavour of the blueberries.