The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Duck Dishes

Duck is a versatile meat that can be served in many ways, from the famous Peking Duck to a simple grilled cheese sandwich. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to accompany duck, the options are plentiful. For those who enjoy a bold flavour, a washed rind cheese such as Murray's Greensward or Jasper Hill Farm Winnimere is a perfect match for smoked duck breast. If you prefer a sweeter option, a milder Gorgonzola like dolce or cremificato is a delightful choice. For duck prosciutto and salami, sharper sheep's milk cheeses are recommended, such as Roncal, Manchego, or aged pecorinos. And let's not forget the classic grilled cheese sandwich with duck, where the duck is paired with Gruyère or cheddar for a mouthwatering fusion of flavours.

Peking duck grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of thick Asian milk bread or other high-quality soft white bread
• 1 tablespoon of softened butter
• 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion or chives
• 1 teaspoon of chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons of hoisin sauce
• A pinch of five-spice powder
• 4 slices of Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese
• 6 ounces of cooked duck with crispy skin, sliced
• 4 thin cucumber slices
• 4 thin, crisp cantaloupe slices or radish slices

Optional:

• Pickled carrots and daikon radish
• Mandarin pancakes

Method:

• Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread.
• Make the green onion hoisin spread by combining the mayonnaise, green onion, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder in a small bowl.
• Spread the mixture on the opposite side of each slice of bread.
• Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Place one slice of bread in the pan, butter-side down.
• Layer the cheese, duck, cucumber, and cantaloupe on top.
• Top with the remaining slice of bread, butter-side up.
• Grill in the skillet until the bottom is lightly browned and the cheese begins to melt.
• Carefully flip the sandwich and gently press with a spatula.
• Grill the other side until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey.
• Slice the sandwich in half and serve.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy duck skin, sear a skin-on duck breast.
• For a more authentic Chinese flavour, serve with Mandarin pancakes.
• To add a tangy twist, include some pickled carrots and daikon radish.

Smoked duck and Gorgonzola

When creating this pairing, it is important to consider the quality and type of both the duck and the cheese. For the duck, a brined and smoked duck breast with a crisp skin is ideal. This can be achieved by scoring the skin, applying a rub, and then smoking and searing the meat. The result is a tender, flavourful duck breast with a crispy skin that adds a satisfying textural contrast.

As for the Gorgonzola, a sweet and mild variety such as Gorgonzola Dolce or Cremificato is recommended. This type of Gorgonzola has a delicate flavour that won't overwhelm the duck, while still providing a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.

One way to elevate this pairing is to incorporate additional ingredients that complement both the duck and the Gorgonzola. For example, fresh or dried figs can be used, as their natural sweetness pairs well with the duck and cheese. A fig puree or a drizzle of honey can also be drizzled on top to enhance the sweetness and add a touch of elegance to the dish.

Another option is to create a savoury dish by incorporating ingredients such as truffle, garlic, shallots, and gnocchi. The earthy flavour of truffles enhances the richness of the duck and Gorgonzola, while the gnocchi provides a hearty base for the dish. This combination results in a comforting and indulgent meal that is perfect for a cosy night in.

Whether you choose to go sweet or savoury, the key to success when pairing smoked duck and Gorgonzola is to find a balance that showcases the unique qualities of each ingredient. By respecting the flavours and textures of both components, you can create a culinary experience that is truly exceptional.

Duck prosciutto and manchego

About Duck Prosciutto

Duck prosciutto is a type of cured duck meat that resembles traditional prosciutto but with a unique twist. Unlike traditional prosciutto, which is made from pork, duck prosciutto is crafted from duck breast. The meat tends to be drier but is complemented by a decadent layer of fat that melts in your mouth. This distinctive feature sets the stage for a perfect pairing with a sharp and flavourful cheese like manchego.

The Magic of Manchego

Manchego is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese that has been crafted for centuries. It boasts a firm texture and a nutty, slightly salty flavour that can range from mild to sharp, depending on its age. The sharpness of manchego is a perfect counterpoint to the richness of duck prosciutto. Its nutty notes enhance the savoury characteristics of the duck, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Pairing Suggestions

When pairing duck prosciutto and manchego, consider serving them as part of a charcuterie board or sampler platter. Include other complementary cheeses, such as a creamy goat cheese or a cow's milk cheese like Gouda. Add some crackers, olives, and fresh or dried fruit to round out the dish. This combination of flavours and textures will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Wine Pairing

To elevate your duck prosciutto and manchego experience, consider pairing it with a glass of wine. A light-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais, can complement the savoury notes of the duck and the sharpness of the manchego. Alternatively, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Duck salami and gouda

Duck salami is a great alternative to the traditional pork salami. The duck variety has a milder sweetness and a creamier fat content, which pairs wonderfully with the sharp and salty notes of gouda. The dryness of the duck meat is offset by the luscious layer of fat that caps it, and the gouda's sharpness cuts through this fat.

For a simple yet elegant starter, serve a duck, cheese, and olive sampler. Season and sear a duck breast, let it rest, then slice and serve with a platter of gouda and other cheeses, such as goat's cheese and cow's raw milk cheese, and some salted flat crackers.

For a more substantial meal, try a grilled cheese sandwich with duck and gouda. This could be made with slices of bread, butter, cucumber, cantaloupe, and other ingredients of your choice, grilled in a skillet until the cheese is gooey.

Duck, cheese, and olive sampler

Duck, cheese, and olives make for a delightful combination, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in. In this sampler, we will guide you through creating a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For this sampler, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8-oz. wild duck breast
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Goat cheese with dill
• Cow's milk cheese (such as Cantal French Raw Milk Cheese)
• Gouda or mozzarella
• Salted flat crackers
• Olives of your choice

Preparation

Start by seasoning the duck breast with salt and pepper. Place the duck in a smoking-hot iron skillet with hot olive oil. Sear for approximately 2 1/2 minutes until browning begins. Turn over and lightly sear the other side, being careful not to overcook. Let the duck rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Duck cooked in this manner is best served rare.

Presentation

Slice the duck and arrange it on a platter alongside the cheeses, crackers, and olives. This sampler is all about variety and balance. By choosing one raw milk cheese, one sheep's milk cheese, and one goat's milk cheese, you'll offer a range of flavours and textures. You can also add a few types of olives to the platter, such as kalamata, green, or stuffed olives.

This duck, cheese, and olive sampler is a simple yet elegant way to start your night. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. Enjoy the combination of flavours and textures as you indulge in this delicious sampler.

Frequently asked questions