Gala Apples And Cheese: Perfect Pairings

Gala apples are known for their mildly sweet, vanilla taste and crisp flesh. But what cheese goes well with them? There are several options, including chevre (goat) cheese, sharp cheddar, and Swiss or Emmental. Gala apples are a versatile variety, perfect for snacking or as a topping on a salad. Their crisp, fragrant flavour is well complemented by the bite of a naturally-aged cheddar, while goat cheese brings out their sweetness.

Gala apples and cheddar (extra sharp or aged)

Gala apples are heart-shaped with yellow-orange skin featuring red striping. They have a mild, sweet, vanilla-like flavour and a crisp, juicy texture. They are in season from mid-August to early September.

When it comes to cheese, Gala apples are best paired with cheddar, goat cheese, Swiss or Emmental. For cheddar, an extra sharp or aged variety is recommended to balance the sweetness of the apple. The saltiness and punchiness of the cheese will be lifted by the crisp, fragrant flavour of the Gala apple.

For a balanced flavour profile, the sharpness of the cheddar should be complemented by the sweetness of the apple. The saltiness of the cheese will also be offset by the apple's natural sugars. The crisp texture of the Gala apple will provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy mouthfeel of the cheese.

To elevate this pairing, try adding some bacon, maple-glazed walnuts, and rosemary. The savoury, smoky flavours of the bacon and the sweet, sticky walnuts will create an even more complex flavour profile. The rosemary will add a subtle piney, woody note to the pairing, bringing out the vanilla undertones of the Gala apple.

Gala apples and goat cheese

Gala apples are heart-shaped, with yellow-orange skin featuring red striping. They have a mild, sweet, and juicy flavour, and are perfect for snacking or as a topping on a salad. Their crisp, fragrant flavour is well-complemented by the naturally-aged bite of extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Goat cheese, also known as Chevre, is a soft, creamy, and tangy cheese with a sharp flavour. It pairs well with the sweetness of Gala apples, creating a delicious and well-balanced combination. This pairing is perfect for an afternoon snack or as part of a charcuterie board.

For a complete sensory experience, try pairing Gala apples and goat cheese with a glass of sweet yet light wine, such as Pinot Grigio. The wine will enhance the sweetness of the apples and the creaminess of the cheese, resulting in a delightful trio of flavours.

Gala apples and Swiss or Emmental cheese

Gala apples are known for their mildly sweet, vanilla taste and crisp flesh. They are a fragrant apple variety with a heart-shaped build and yellow-orange skin with red striping. This variety of apple is a perfect snack on its own or as a topping on a salad.

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental, is a mild and nutty cheese with a creamy texture. It is an excellent choice for a cheese board or as an ingredient in dishes such as fondue or grilled cheese sandwiches.

When pairing Gala apples with Swiss or Emmental cheese, the sweetness of the apples will be enhanced by the creamy sharpness of the cheese. The crispness of the apples will also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich texture of the cheese. This pairing is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury, making it a perfect match for a charcuterie board or an afternoon snack.

To elevate this pairing, consider adding some complementary ingredients. For a savoury twist, try pairing Gala apples with Swiss or Emmental cheese and some crisp bacon or maple-glazed walnuts. For a sweeter option, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon could enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.

Additionally, wine can be a wonderful accompaniment to apple and cheese pairings. A light and sweet wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would complement the mellow flavours of the Gala apples and Swiss or Emmental cheese.

Gala apples and pepper jack cheese

Gala apples are known for their mildly sweet, vanilla taste and crisp flesh. This makes them a perfect match for sharp, nutty cheddar, as well as chevre or goat cheese, and Swiss or Emmental cheese.

However, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, a Gala apple and Pepper Jack cheese pairing might be the answer. Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a spicy kick. The spice of the Pepper Jack cheese will complement the sweetness of the Gala apple, creating an unexpected but delightful combination.

For a well-rounded snack, include some nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, and a drizzle of honey to offset the spice. You could also try adding some crisp, fresh vegetables like cucumber or zucchini, or even some arugula leaves, for a touch of bitterness.

If you're feeling creative, you could turn your Gala apple and Pepper Jack cheese pairing into a delicious appetizer or snack. Try making mini apple tarts or a galette, or get adventurous with some apple and Pepper Jack cheese quesadillas.

So, while Gala apples typically pair well with cheddars and goat cheeses, a combination with Pepper Jack cheese is definitely worth exploring, especially if you're looking for something a little more unusual and exciting.

Gala apples and Pinot Grigio

Gala apples are known for their mildly sweet, vanilla taste and crisp flesh. This makes them a perfect match for sharp, nutty cheddar cheese. The salt and punchiness of aged cheddars are balanced by the sweetness of the apples.

Gala apples also go well with goat cheese, also known as Chevre. The creamy sharpness of the goat cheese complements the mellow, vanilla-like sweetness of the Gala apple. This pairing is enhanced by a sweet yet light wine like Pinot Grigio. The soft flavours of the cheese and wine allow the Gala apple's subtle deliciousness to shine through.

Gala apples are a versatile variety, great for snacking, adding to a salad, or baking. They are heart-shaped and yellow-orange with red striping, and they ripen mid-August to early September. Their crisp, fragrant flavour is well-suited to a naturally-aged cheese like Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar.

Frequently asked questions