Blackberries And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Blackberries are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. When it comes to cheese, blackberries are a surprisingly good pairing. The sweetness of the blackberries can complement the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delicious and unexpected flavour combination. So, which cheeses go well with blackberries?

Blackberry and brie grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

• Blackberries
• Brie
• Bread
• Butter
• Other cheeses (optional)

Recipe

First, prepare the blackberries. Fresh blackberries can be used to make a jam by adding sugar and lemon juice, and simmering until thickened. Alternatively, a store-bought blackberry jam can be used.

Next, assemble the sandwich. Spread butter on one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down in a pan over medium heat. Layer the sandwich with brie, blackberry jam, and any other desired cheeses. Top with another slice of bread, buttered on the outside. Fry both sides of the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich can be served as a snack, lunch, or even as a cheese course. It pairs well with wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, a Spring Thyme Cocktail will complement the flavours of the sandwich.

Blackberry aged cheese skewers

A fun, simple, and elegant appetizer or dessert, these blackberry aged cheese skewers are a perfect treat for any gathering. This recipe combines juicy blackberries with aged gouda, raw aged cheddar, or Spanish Manchego cheese. The sweetness of the blackberries is a wonderful contrast to the salty, sharp, and tangy flavours of the aged cheeses.

Ingredients:

• Skewers (bamboo skewers with a knotted end work well)
• 1 pint of blackberries (about 20 blackberries)
• 10 ounces of aged gouda, cut into triangles (aged for three to five years)
• 10 ounces of aged cheddar or Manchego cheese, cut into cubes
• Optional: crackers, flowers, and herbs for serving

Instructions:

• Cut the cheeses into the desired shapes and sizes.
• Slide the cheese pieces and blackberries onto the skewers, alternating between them.
• Place the skewers on a board or platter, adding optional crackers, flowers, or herbs for garnish.
• Enjoy your delicious and beautiful creation!

Feel free to experiment with other types of aged cheese, as many of them pair wonderfully with berries. You can also add a drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavours. These skewers are a wonderful way to showcase the season's freshest ingredients and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Blackberry grilled cheese sandwich with five cheeses

This blackberry grilled cheese sandwich with five cheeses is a fun twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. It combines juicy blackberries with not one, but five different cheeses for a unique sweet and savoury flavour profile.

Ingredients:

• Blackberries
• Brie cheese
• Sharp white Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• Manchego or Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Onion powder
• Bread
• Butter

Optional:

• Honey
• Cinnamon

Instructions:

• Spread butter over one side of your bread slices.
• Toast the bread, buttered side down, in a large skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown (around 2-3 minutes).
• In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses.
• In another bowl, combine the Manchego or Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, butter, and onion powder.
• Layer four slices of bread with the Brie cheese, cheddar cheese mixture, and blackberries, with the toasted side facing up.
• Top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the toasted side is facing down.
• Spread the outsides of the sandwiches with the mayonnaise mixture.
• Toast the sandwiches over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese has melted (around 5-6 minutes on each side).
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can keep it simple with just blackberries and Brie cheese, or get creative by adding a drizzle of honey and/or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra sweetness.
• For an extra crispy sandwich, butter both sides of the bread and grill one side before adding the fillings, as suggested by chef Adam Kuban.

Blackberry and cheese as a dessert

Blackberry and cheese is an excellent combination for a dessert. The sweetness of the blackberries is a perfect match for the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful sweet and savoury dessert.

There are several types of cheese that pair well with blackberries. A popular choice is brie, which has a gooey texture and a mild, salty flavour that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Another option is a combination of aged gouda and raw aged cheddar or Spanish Manchego cheese. The aged gouda has a hint of caramel flavour, while the aged cheddar is sharp and tangy. These cheeses can be served with the blackberries in skewers, creating an elegant and simple dessert.

For a more indulgent option, you can create a blackberry grilled cheese sandwich. This involves grilling bread slices with butter and filling them with a combination of shredded sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Manchego or Parmesan cheese, along with sliced brie and fresh blackberries. The result is a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich that is sure to impress.

If you're looking for a lighter dessert, you can also create a summer berry cheese board. This involves pairing blackberries with cheeses like goat cheese, sharp white cheddar, and whipped honey ricotta. The tanginess of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the blackberries create a delicious contrast. You can add crackers and nuts, such as marcona almonds, to provide a crunchy texture and make it a well-rounded dessert.

So, whether you're in the mood for a grilled cheese sandwich, a simple skewer, or a cheese board, blackberries and cheese is a perfect combination for a sweet and savoury dessert.

Blackberry and cheese as an appetizer

Blackberries and cheese are a delicious combination and make for a great appetizer. Here are some ideas for blackberry and cheese appetizers:

Blackberry and Brie Grilled Cheese

This fun twist on a grilled cheese sandwich combines juicy blackberries with gooey brie cheese, creating a unique sweet and savoury combo. You can keep it simple with just blackberries and brie, or get creative by adding a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra sweetness. To take your grilled cheese to the next level, try buttering both sides of the bread and grilling one side before adding the fillings.

Blackberry Aged Cheese Skewers

These skewers are a simple, elegant, and delicious appetizer. Alternate juicy blackberries with aged gouda, raw aged cheddar, or Spanish Manchego cheese. Aged gouda has a blend of cheese and caramel flavours, while aged cheddar is sharp and wonderful when combined with sweet blackberries. Manchego is a semi-hard sheep's milk cheese that adds a nice contrast. You can also experiment with other aged cheeses that pair well with berries.

Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you're looking for a gourmet grilled cheese experience, try this sandwich with five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries. It's sure to impress your guests. This sandwich features shredded sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Manchego or Parmesan, and Brie cheeses, along with fresh blackberries between slices of sourdough bread. Butter the bread, toast it, and then layer on the cheeses and blackberries before grilling to perfection.

Summer Berry Cheese Board

A cheese board is a great way to showcase the delicious combination of berries and cheese. For a summer berry cheese board, choose a variety of berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Pair them with complementary cheeses like goat cheese, sharp white cheddar, and whipped honey ricotta. The tanginess of the goat cheese goes especially well with strawberries, and you can even drizzle some balsamic over them for an extra flavour boost. Add some crackers and nuts, such as marcona almonds, for crunch and you're all set!

So, there you have it! Four blackberry and cheese appetizer ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and berries to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions