Cheese And Fruit: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Palate

Creating a fruit and cheese platter is an impressive way to delight your guests. The key to a successful pairing is to balance various complementary tastes and textures. For example, sweet, juicy fruits work well with rich, savoury cheeses.

Some classic pairings include watermelon and feta, and grapes and brie.

- Apples and cheddar

- Pears and gorgonzola

- Apricots and goat cheese

- Strawberries and ricotta

- Blueberries and feta

- Cherries and asiago

- Figs and blue cheese

- Peaches and gouda

- Pineapple and Monterey Jack

- Plums and brie

- Oranges and manchego

- Blackberries and cotija or aged cheddar

- Cranberries and mozzarella or manchego

- Raspberries and cream cheese or grilled muenster/baby Swiss cheese

- Pears and brie, blue cheese, manchego, pecorino romano, or camembert

Apples and grapes are a classic pairing with cheese

Grapes, on the other hand, are sweet and juicy, pairing beautifully with creamy and slightly tangy cheeses like Brie. Both red and green grapes are used for serving with cheese.

Apples and grapes are usually the first fruits that come to mind when serving a party food cheese tray. However, there are many other fruits that pair beautifully with cheese. For example, pears and gorgonzola, apricots and goat cheese, strawberries and ricotta, and peaches and gouda.

Grapes and apples are also commonly served with an assortment of other fruits, such as berries, dried apricots, oranges, and dates, alongside a variety of cheeses.

Sweet and salty is a classic combination

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it is important to consider the different textures and tastes of the produce and dairy. For example, sweet, juicy fruits work well with rich, savoury cheeses. The flavour contrast brings out the best in both. Fresh fruits match well with fresh cheeses, such as Ricotta or Chèvre. Sugar loves mould, so opt for a bloomy rind or blue cheese.

There are endless combinations of fruits and cheeses to choose from. Apples, for example, pair well with cheddar, manchego, brie, and gorgonzola. The crispnest of apples complements the sharpness of cheddar, creating a classic and satisfying combination. Grapes, on the other hand, pair beautifully with brie. The sweetness and juiciness of grapes are a perfect match for the creamy and tangy flavour of brie.

Pears are another popular choice, as their sweet and slightly grainy texture contrasts nicely with creamy and pungent cheeses like gorgonzola and blue cheese. If you're looking for something more unique, try apricots with goat cheese. The sweetness and delicate flavour of apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese. For a truly indulgent pairing, try strawberries with ricotta. The sweetness of ripe strawberries balances well with the mild and creamy nature of ricotta.

So, the next time you're entertaining, remember that a fruit and cheese platter is a perfect appetiser. Get creative with your combinations and don't be afraid to experiment!

Fresh fruit matches fresh cheese

Fresh fruits can also complement the saltiness of fresh cheeses. For instance, the light, juicy-sweet watermelon contrasts with the salty chunks of mild feta. The saltiness of the feta, in turn, elevates the sweetness of the watermelon.

In addition, fresh fruits can be paired with fresh cheeses to create a dynamic duo of sweet and salty flavours. For example, sweet, succulent fruit works wonderfully with a rich and savoury cheese assortment, and the flavour contrast itself brings out the best in both.

Sugar loves mould

When creating a fruit and cheese board, the key is to find a balance between complementary tastes and textures. Sugar loves mould, so fresh fruit matches fresh cheese (soft, high-moisture cheeses without rinds, such as ricotta or chèvre). Bloomy rind, washed rind, wrinkly rind and blue cheese are all examples of mouldy cheeses that go well with sweet, succulent fruit.

For instance, the sweetness and delicate flavour of fresh or dried apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese. Similarly, the sweetness of ripe strawberries balances well with the mild and creamy nature of ricotta cheese.

Another classic example is the pairing of grapes and brie. Sweet and juicy grapes pair beautifully with the creamy and slightly tangy flavour of brie cheese.

Additionally, the sweet, jammy, and earthy taste of figs is a perfect match for the creamy, rich, and pungent flavour of blue cheese.

When creating your fruit and cheese board, feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Balance intensities and seek complementary flavours

When pairing fruit and cheese, the aim is to strike a balance between complementary tastes and textures. For semi-hard cheeses, in particular, it's important to balance intensities and seek out complementary flavours.

A good example of balancing intensities is the pairing of sweet, juicy watermelon with salty feta cheese. The saltiness of the feta enhances the sweetness of the watermelon, creating a delightful contrast. Another classic example is the pairing of grapes and brie. The sweetness and juiciness of the grapes complement the creamy, tangy flavour of the brie.

When it comes to seeking complementary flavours, consider the combination of peaches and gouda. The smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour of aged gouda pairs well with the juicy, sweet, and fragrant nature of peaches. Similarly, the sweetness and delicate flavour of apricots (either fresh or dried) are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese.

For a successful pairing, it's essential to consider the balance of flavours and textures between the fruit and cheese. Creating a contrast between sweet and savoury, crisp and creamy, or salty and juicy can lead to delightful combinations that enhance the overall tasting experience.

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