Mango And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Tropical Treat

Mangoes are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. The sweetness and tartness of mangoes make them a great match for salty and creamy cheeses like goat cheese and feta. The fruit's tropical flavours can also complement savoury, salty cheeses such as cheddar. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, mango fire cheddar or mango habanero cheese can be a unique and exciting option. Additionally, mango chutney, purée, and pickles can be paired with aged, salty, or strong cheeses for a flavourful contrast.

Mango and goat's cheese in a salad

Mango and Goat Cheese Salad

Mango and goat cheese is a classic pairing that is often overlooked. Goat cheese has a strong flavour profile and a certain odour that can be off-putting to some. However, when combined with mango, the sweetness of the fruit enhances the flavour of the cheese. The sweetness-salty combination is a match made in heaven!

Ingredients

• Mixed salad leaves
• Spinach
• Rocket
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Diced mango
• Sweet vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• Prepare your favourite salad leaves as a base. Try a combination of spinach and rocket for a peppery kick.
• Crumble some goat cheese over the leaves.
• Add diced mango to the salad.
• Drizzle a sweet vinaigrette over the salad.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips

• Try adding some nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture, such as pistachios, pumpkin seeds or dried cranberries.
• For a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Experiment with different types of mango to find your preferred flavour and sweetness.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped chilli or a spicy dressing to complement the sweetness of the mango.

Variations

This salad can also be adapted to include other cheese and fruit combinations. Some classic pairings include:

• Watermelon and feta
• Peach and soft goat cheese
• Apple and cheddar
• Blue cheese and peaches
• Strawberries and cream cheese

Mango chutney with aged cheeses

Mango chutney is a great pairing with aged cheeses. The sweet and silky tropical fruit flavour of mango chutney can bring out the sweetness in aged cheeses, and the contrast in flavour and texture makes for an excellent combination.

Aged cheeses, such as those that have been cured or dried, have a more intense flavour than their younger counterparts. The ageing process allows the cheese to develop a stronger, sharper taste, which can be beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the mango chutney.

When creating this pairing, look for aged cheeses such as a sharp cheddar, a nutty Gruyère, or a strong, aged Parmesan. The intense, salty, and nutty flavours of these aged cheeses will be enhanced by the sweet mango chutney. The chutney's texture will also add a delightful contrast to the dryness of the aged cheeses.

For an exceptional pairing, try a mango chutney with a sharp cheddar cheese. The mango chutney will bring out the underlying sweetness of the cheddar, while the sharpness of the cheese will be a perfect foil for the sweet chutney. You could also experiment with other aged cheeses, such as an aged Gouda or Emmentaler, to find your preferred combination.

To elevate this pairing, consider serving it with a glass of wine. A lighter-bodied wine, such as a Moscato, or a sparkling wine, will offer a crisp, clean finish that beautifully balances the fruit and fat of the mango chutney and aged cheese.

Mango and pepper jack cheddar

The sweetness and tartness of mangoes complement the savoury, salty, and nutty flavours of pepper jack cheddar. The pepper jack cheddar's creamy texture also goes well with the mango's silky texture.

Pairing Ideas

• Top a cracker with a slice of pepper jack cheddar and a quick salsa made with diced mangos, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a sweet-and-spicy bite.
• For a sweet-savoury lunch or snack, spread a toasted baguette with ricotta and top with mango-citrus jam.
• Mango chutney with pepper jack cheddar.
• Mango purée layered with pepper jack cheddar.
• Mango pickles with pepper jack cheddar.
• Mango jam pairs well with pepper jack cheddar.
• Add mango to a salad with pepper jack cheddar.

Wine Pairing

A lighter-bodied wine with gentle aromatics, such as Moscato, or a sparkling wine with an effervescent mouthfeel and a crisp, clean finish, will balance the fruit and fat of the mango and pepper jack cheddar pairing.

Mango and cottage cheese

Mango Cottage Cheese Salad

For a refreshing summer dish, combine chunks of fresh, juicy mango with creamy cottage cheese in a bowl. Add some chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of flavour. This sweet and savoury salad makes a wonderful side dish or a light lunch on its own.

Mango Cottage Cheese Toast

Spread a thick layer of cottage cheese on a slice of toasted sourdough bread. Top it with thin slices of mango, a sprinkle of chilli flakes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours, along with the crunch of the toast, makes for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Mango Cottage Cheese Parfait

For a unique dessert or breakfast option, layer mango puree and cottage cheese in a glass. Top it off with some granola, chopped nuts, and fresh mint leaves. This parfait offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavours, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Mango Cottage Cheese Dip

Blend mango, cottage cheese, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a sweet and spicy dip. Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. This dip is perfect for parties or as a tasty snack when you're craving something both sweet and savoury.

Mango Cottage Cheese Smoothie

For a tropical-inspired smoothie, blend cottage cheese, mango, banana, and orange juice together. Add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is a great way to start your day or as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

So, the next time you're looking for a creative way to use mango and cottage cheese, give one of these ideas a try! The combination of sweet, tangy mango and creamy cottage cheese is sure to impress your taste buds.

Mango salsa with habanero cheddar

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Habanero cheddar cheese

Method

• In a bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well.
• Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. For a spicier salsa, add some chopped habanero pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the salsa with sliced or grated habanero cheddar cheese on the side. The sweetness of the mango and the heat of the habanero complement the sharp, salty flavours of the cheese.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the salsa.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• For a more substantial snack or appetiser, serve the salsa and cheese with crackers or crostini.
• For a refreshing summer dish, top a bed of mixed greens with the salsa and crumbled habanero cheddar, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
• For a heartier meal, use the salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. The mango and habanero flavours pair well with a variety of proteins.
• If you're feeling adventurous, add a dollop of grapefruit marmalade to the salsa. The sweet and bitter flavours create an interesting contrast.
• For a spicier kick, use a mango habanero jam or chutney instead of fresh mango in the salsa.
• To balance the heat of the habanero, add a cooling element such as avocado or yoghurt to the salsa.

Frequently asked questions