Cherry And Cheese Pairing: The Best Matches Revealed

Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Some popular combinations include soft and creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, mozzarella, and ricotta, which complement the sweet and juicy nature of cherries. For those who prefer a sharper flavour, blue cheese and sharp aged cheddar are also excellent matches for cherries. The tanginess of blue cheese, especially when paired with sweet and juicy cherries, creates a delightful contrast. Additionally, brie, with its silky texture and mild flavour, pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart taste of dark-sweet cherry varieties.

Chevre cheese with Rainier cherries

Chevre cheese, or goat cheese, is a creamy and soft cheese with a tangy and creamy flavour. It is ideal for spreading on crackers, dipping vegetables in, or even eating plain. Chevre pairs well with Rainier cherries, also known as golden cherries, which are sweet and provide a great match for the creamy, somewhat sharp goat cheese. The tanginess of the chevre is complemented by the sweetness of the Rainier cherries.

Rainier cherries are a perfect complement to goat cheese because of their sweet flavour. Chevre, on the other hand, has a bit of a tang to it, so sweeter cherries are a better match than less sugary varieties. The combination of creamy, tangy chevre and sweet Rainier cherries creates a delightful contrast of flavours that enhance each other. The cheese brings out the sweetness of the cherries, while the fruit refreshes the palate and balances the tanginess of the cheese.

To elevate this pairing, it is recommended to serve it with a glass of sparkling white wine. This addition creates a delightful summertime appetizer or snack. The crispness and acidity of the wine will complement the sweetness of the cherries and the tanginess of the cheese, resulting in a well-rounded and refreshing flavour experience.

For a more festive presentation, you can pit and slice the cherries, then macerate them with a splash of the wine, a drizzle of honey, and some fresh thyme leaves. Serve this concoction over your favourite chevre cheese for a visually appealing and flavourful treat. This pairing of Chevre cheese with Rainier cherries, enhanced with wine, honey, and thyme, makes for an exquisite summertime treat, perfect for enjoying outdoors on a warm day.

Goat cheese with cherries

Goat cheese and cherries make a great combination, especially when served as an appetizer. The tanginess of goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of cherries, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. Here are some ways to incorporate goat cheese with cherries:

Chevre Cheese with Rainier Cherries

Chevre, also known as goat cheese, pairs excellently with Rainier cherries, also called golden cherries. The creamy and slightly sharp goat cheese complements the sweetness of the cherries. This combination is perfect for salads, veggie tacos, or even on its own. Enjoy it with a glass of sparkling white wine for a refreshing summertime treat.

Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Cherries

For a more savoury option, try making goat cheese crostini with roasted cherries. Simply roast the cherries with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and some herbs like thyme or rosemary. Spread goat cheese on toasted slices of baguette, top with the roasted cherries, and finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. This combination of flavours and textures will impress your taste buds!

Other Variations

You can also experiment with different types of goat cheese, such as whipped goat cheese or honey goat cheese. Additionally, feel free to use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available, as they work just as well in these pairings.

Brie cheese with cherries

Cherries and cheese are a delightful combination, especially in the summer. While there are several types of cheeses that go well with cherries, one of the most popular and well-loved pairings is that of brie cheese with cherries.

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, silky texture and a salty tang. Its flavour is described as mild, yet rich and buttery. It is a perfect match for the sweet-tart flavour burst and crisp bite of dark-sweet cherry varieties like the Bing cherry. The creamy and silky flavour of brie is beautifully complemented by the sweet and slightly tangy flavour of cherries.

A delightful summertime snack can be made by pairing brie and cherries alongside a gourmet cracker. You can also grill the brie and top it with cherries, honey, and thyme, and serve it with toasted bread or crackers. Another option is to bake the brie with a topping of cherry jam or preserves and balsamic vinegar, and serve it with crackers or bread.

For a festive presentation, you can pit and slice the cherries, then macerate them with a splash of Rosé, a drizzle of honey, and some fresh thyme leaves, and serve the mixture over brie.

Blue cheese with cherries

Blue cheese is a sharp and pungent cheese that pairs well with sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy fruits. This makes it a great option to pair with cherries, especially the Rainier or golden variety, which are known for their sweetness.

When creating a cheese platter with blue cheese and cherries, consider adding some crackers or biscuits on the side. Sweetmeal biscuits, such as plain digestives, can complement the combination of blue cheese and cherries without overwhelming the palate. You can also include other fruits, such as apples, to create a diverse and flavourful spread.

For a quick and easy dessert, simply wash and dry a punnet of cherries and place them in a serving bowl. Add a generous wedge of blue cheese, such as Roquefort, and your choice of biscuits to a large platter, and let your guests help themselves. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for summer and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try making an apple, pecan, and blue cheese salad with dried cherries. This salad features a delightful combination of flavours and textures, including the sweetness of the apples and dried cherries, the tanginess of the blue cheese, and the crunch of the pecans. You can also experiment with substitutions, such as using pears instead of apples or cranberries instead of cherries, to create your own unique twist.

White cheddar with cherries

White cheddar and cherries are a delicious combination. The creamy, sharp cheddar is a perfect match for the sweet, juicy burst of cherries. This pairing is a delightful way to enjoy two Wisconsin staples.

The cheese used in this combination is an aged white cheddar, double-milled with cherries. This process gives the cheese a fruity and creamy flavour profile. As the cheese ages, it becomes sharper, adding complexity to the overall taste. The result is a decidedly flavourful snack, appetiser, or dessert.

This pairing is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For a simple option, add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a tasty treat. It can also be served as part of a cheese board or platter, paired with complementary crackers or bread. For a more indulgent experience, try melting the cheese and dipping fresh cherries into it.

To elevate the experience further, consider adding a beverage pairing. A well-chilled, off-dry Rosé with berry notes will complement the sweet cherries and sharp cheddar without overwhelming the palate. Alternatively, a glass of sparkling white wine will also enhance the flavours of this pairing.

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