Strawberries And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Sweet Treat

While strawberries are commonly combined with dairy products such as milk or cream, they are less often paired with cheese. However, the sweet and sour taste of strawberries can complement the salty, spicy character of cheese. Some cheeses that go well with strawberries include Fontina, Monterey Jack, Swiss, and Ricotta. For a more complex flavour profile, strawberries can be combined with cheese and other ingredients, such as strawberry, basil, and Chavroux cheese, or strawberry, tequila, Brugge Rodenbach cheese, and gueuze.

Monterey Jack, Swiss, and Brie

Strawberries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. While some may prefer the classic combination of strawberries with dairy such as milk or cream, there are several types of cheese that can complement the sweetness and sourness of strawberries.

Monterey Jack is a premium choice that pairs well with strawberries. This combination is exemplified in the California Strawberry Commission's recipe for a strawberry grilled cheese sandwich. The sandwich includes sliced strawberries, Swiss cheese, and Monterey Jack on whole-grain bread, grilled to perfection. The buttery, toasted bread and melted cheese create a delightful contrast of textures and flavours with the sweet strawberries.

Swiss cheese is another excellent option to pair with strawberries. The slightly fruity aroma and salty, spicy character of Swiss cheese create an intriguing interplay of flavours when combined with strawberries. The strawberry grilled cheese sandwich recipe mentioned above showcases how Swiss cheese can enhance the strawberry experience.

Brie, a soft, creamy cheese with a hint of tanginess, also makes a wonderful companion to strawberries. Its rich and savoury notes balance the sweetness of the fruit. For a more indulgent option, consider baking Brie with a strawberry topping, or creating a strawberry and Brie grilled cheese sandwich.

When creating a cheese board or pairing cheeses with strawberries, it's important to consider a variety of factors such as flavour profiles, textures, and complementary combinations. For instance, the tanginess of goat cheese or the sharpness of white cheddar can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of strawberries. Additionally, the addition of nuts, crackers, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can further enhance the overall experience.

In conclusion, while Monterey Jack, Swiss, and Brie are excellent choices to pair with strawberries, there are endless possibilities to explore when it comes to cheese and fruit combinations. Feel free to experiment and find the pairings that delight your taste buds the most!

Cheddar and ricotta

Strawberries and cheese is a fashionable and fancy culinary practice. The sweetness of strawberries works wonderfully with the savouriness of cheese, and the flavour contrast brings out the best in both.

When it comes to cheddar and ricotta, both are excellent choices to pair with strawberries. Cheddar, especially naturally-aged cheddars, are a great match for strawberries. The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a balanced flavour profile. On the other hand, ricotta is a fresh cheese that also pairs well with strawberries. Fresh cheeses tend to have high moisture and no rinds, and their mild flavour and creamy texture complement the sweetness and juiciness of strawberries.

For a summer berry cheese board, you can combine strawberries with sliced sharp white cheddar and whipped ricotta. Add some crackers and nuts, such as marcona almonds, for a crunchy texture. The sharpness of the cheddar and the mild, creamy whipped ricotta will create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures when paired with the strawberries.

Another option is to make a strawberry grilled cheese sandwich. You can spread butter on slices of bread, layer with Swiss cheese, strawberry slices, and another layer of cheese, before topping with the second slice of bread and grilling to perfection. Cheddar would be a good choice of cheese for this sandwich, adding a sharp, savoury note to the sweet strawberries.

Mozzarella and burrata

Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, slightly salty flavour. It is a popular cheese for pizza and pasta dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own or with fresh fruit like strawberries. When pairing mozzarella with strawberries, consider adding some balsamic vinegar to the mix, as suggested by a user on Reddit. The acidic notes of the balsamic vinegar will enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and provide a nice contrast to the creamy mozzarella.

Burrata is a type of fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a solid outer shell made from mozzarella, while the inside contains a mixture of mozzarella and cream, giving it a soft, creamy texture. The rich, indulgent nature of burrata means it pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the juicy fruit creates a delightful sensory experience.

When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The freshness and sweetness of strawberries provide a nice counterpoint to the savoury, creamy nature of mozzarella and burrata. This combination is perfect for a summer snack or dessert, offering a unique twist on the classic cheese and fruit pairing.

In addition to strawberries, mozzarella and burrata also pair well with other fruits such as peaches. The stone fruit's sweetness and juiciness complement the creamy cheeses, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Blue cheese and smoked gouda

Blue cheese and strawberries may seem like an unusual combination, but it is a classic example of how "sugar loves mold". The sweetness of the strawberries balances the salty, savoury character of the blue cheese. The result is a delightful contrast that brings out the best in both. However, it is important to note that blue cheese does not pair well with acidic wines and fruits as they can make it taste soapy.

On the other hand, smoked gouda is a perfect match for strawberries. The smokiness of the cheese enhances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delightful flavour combination. This pairing is a great option for those who enjoy exploring different taste profiles. Like blue cheese, smoked gouda also pairs well with other fruits such as figs.

When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it is essential to consider the balance of flavours and textures. For instance, fresh fruit typically goes well with fresh cheese, such as ricotta or chèvre. For semi-hard cheeses, it is important to balance intensities and seek out complementary flavours. Fatty flavours can also be used to soften dry textures, especially with hard cheeses.

In addition to blue cheese and smoked gouda, other cheeses that pair well with strawberries include fontina, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and goat cheese. These combinations can be used to create delicious appetizers, snacks, or even a summer berry cheese board, which is a fun and easy option for entertaining guests.

Parmesan and goat's cheese

When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The general rule is that sweet, succulent fruit pairs well with rich, savoury cheeses. Fresh fruit matches well with fresh cheese, such as soft, high-moisture cheeses without rinds (e.g. ricotta or chèvre). Sugar loves mould, so don't be afraid to pair sweet strawberries with a bloomy or washed rind cheese.

For a summer berry cheese board, consider adding some crunch with crackers and nuts. Marcona almonds are a great choice, as they pair well with berries and feel elegant. You could also drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the cheese and strawberries to take your taste experience to the next level!

So, if you are looking for a delicious and unique flavour combination, why not try Parmesan or goat's cheese with strawberries? The contrast in flavours will bring out the best in both, creating a sophisticated and surprising taste sensation.

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