Sweet And Savory: Cheeses To Complement Desserts

Cheese is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated by pairing it with the right foods. While some may be sceptical of having cheese for dessert, it can be the perfect end to a meal when combined with something sweet. The sweetness of fruit, for example, is a nice balance with rich and creamy cheese. Sliced peaches go well with Gruyère, dried dates with blue cheese, and apples with sharp cheddar. Spicy jalapeños and dried cranberries or cranberry sauce are good with cream cheese, and chutney or jam with brie. For something sweeter, try chocolate with cheese – milk chocolate pairs well with Monterey Jack.

Fresh and dried fruit

Fresh Fruit

Apples

A crisp, sliced apple is a great pairing with a sharp cheddar. This combination is a classic and for good reason! The sweetness of the apple is a perfect contrast to the sharpness of the cheddar.

Peaches

Sliced peaches are a wonderful pairing with Gruyère. The sweetness and slight tanginess of the peach complement the Gruyère's strong, slightly salty flavour.

Pears

The sweet, tender juiciness of a pear is a great match for an extra sharp cheddar. The citrusy tang of the cheese is a perfect companion to the pear's natural sweetness.

Plums

Plums are a great pairing with Vermont Sharp Cheddar. The slight acidity and buttery tang of the cheese pair well with the juicy sweetness of the plums.

Blackberries and Raspberries

Blackberries and raspberries are a wonderful pairing with an aromatic, well-ripened Gruyère-style mountain cheese. The strong flavour of the cheese is a perfect match for the sweetness of the berries.

Dried Fruit

Dates

Dried dates are a great pairing with blue cheese. The sweetness of the dates is a perfect contrast to the strong, salty flavour of the blue cheese.

Dried Cherries and Apricots

Dried cherries and apricots are a great pairing with softer cheeses. The sweetness of the fruit is a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Sun-dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes have an intensely sweet tanginess that is a perfect match for a seriously sharp cheddar. The bold flavour of the cheese is a wonderful complement to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Other Fruit

Mango

Mango, whether plain, in a salsa, or in a relish, is a great pairing with habanero cheddar. The gentle, sweet acidity of the mango is a perfect complement to the cheddar.

Grapes

Grapes are a classic pairing with cheese, and for good reason! They are a wonderful balance to the richness of the cheese. Try them with White Oak Cheddar for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a wonderful pairing with a lite50 sharp cheddar. The tangy sweetness of the strawberries is a perfect match for the creamy, savoury flavour of the cheese.

Prunes

Prunes, especially when stewed in port wine, are a great pairing with Brillat Savarin, a triple creme cheese made of 100% pasteurized cow's milk. The sweetness of the prunes is a nice contrast to the tanginess of the cheese.

Figs

Figs are a great pairing with softer cheeses, such as brie. Try them with a young and mild cheddar, or with honey for a sweet treat.

Cherries

Brandied cherries are a wonderful pairing with Taleggio, a washed-rind cheese. The sweetness of the cherries is a perfect match for the creaminess of the cheese.

Apricots

Apricot preserve is a great pairing with blue cheese. The sweetness of the preserve is a nice contrast to the strong flavour of the blue cheese.

Guava

Guava is a great pairing with cream cheese. The sweetness of the fruit is a nice contrast to the tanginess of the cheese.

Cranberries

Cranberries, dried or in a sauce, are a good pairing with cream cheese. The tartness of the cranberries is a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Quince

Quince jam, with big fruit chunks, is a great pairing with brie or cream cheese. The sweetness of the jam is a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb jam, with big fruit chunks, is another great option for brie or cream cheese. The tartness of the rhubarb is a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Mango Chutney

A not-too-sweet mango chutney, with big fruit chunks, is a wonderful pairing with brie. The sweetness of the chutney is a nice contrast to the tanginess of the cheese.

Prickly Pears

Prickly pears, also known as tunas, are a great pairing with cheddar. They are similar to dragon fruit but are cheaper and have a sweet, creamy flavour.

Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are the perfect complement to soft, mild cheeses. Their juicy sweetness is a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Eggplant

Eggplant has a cool flavour and mild acidity that perfectly complements an extra sharp cheddar. The tanginess of the cheese is a wonderful match for the sweetness of the eggplant.

Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers have a tender, subtle sweetness that goes great with a Vermont Sharp Cheddar. The slight acidity and full-flavoured, buttery tang of the cheese are a perfect match for the peppers.

Grilled, fresh, dried, or stewed, fruit is a wonderful pairing

Chocolate and cheese

Select the Right Cheeses

Choose a variety of cheeses with distinct flavours and textures. Opt for both mild and strong cheeses to provide a range of options for pairing. Some popular choices include Gouda, Cheddar, Brie, Roquefort, and Goat cheese.

Consider Texture

Pay attention to the texture of the cheeses you select. Generally, pair creamy and softer cheeses with smoother chocolates, while harder and aged cheeses go well with darker, more intense chocolates. However, feel free to experiment and trust your taste preferences.

Match Intensity

Aim for a balanced pairing by matching the intensity of the cheese and chocolate. Lighter, milder cheeses work well with milk or white chocolates, while stronger cheeses can stand up to the boldness of dark chocolate. This way, neither the cheese nor the chocolate will overpower each other.

Complementary Flavours

Look for complementary flavours between the cheese and chocolate. For example, pair a sharp Cheddar with dark chocolate that has nutty or fruity notes. A creamy Brie can be enhanced with milk chocolate infused with caramel or honey. Experiment with different flavour combinations to find your favourite pairings.

Try Contrasting Textures

Experiment with contrasting textures to create an interesting mouthfeel. Combine a creamy, smooth chocolate with a crumbly, aged cheese, or a crunchy nutty chocolate with a soft, creamy cheese to provide a delightful contrast that enhances the overall experience.

Select Accompaniments

Consider incorporating complementary accompaniments to enhance the pairing. Fresh fruits like figs, berries, and pears can add a touch of sweetness and freshness. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts can provide a crunchy element. Additionally, crackers or bread can serve as a neutral base for enjoying the cheese and chocolate together.

Specific Pairing Ideas

• Parmigiano Reggiano and dark chocolate with almonds is a classic pair. The robust and nutty cheese goes great with hearty dark chocolate, and the addition of almonds complements the nutty, umami flavour in the cheese.
• Goat Cheese and Milk Chocolate are both super creamy and slightly sweet, creating a harmonious combination.
• Blue Cheese and Extra Dark Chocolate (70% or higher) are both strong flavours, so the chocolate can stand up to the stinkiness of the cheese.
• Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Dark Chocolate with raspberries or other fruity flavours. The sharpness of the cheddar will complement the sweetness of the chocolate, while the raspberries add a touch of freshness.
• Gruyere and Gouda with Extra Dark Chocolate with nutty flavours. The signature nutty and roasted chocolate flavours will pair well with these dense, nutty cheeses.
• All Blue Cheese, including Stilton, St. Agur, Rogue River Blue, and Bayley Hazen Blue, pairs best with 75% to 90% cocoa. The notes of minerality, flint, and nuttiness in the chocolate will complement the creaminess and sharpness of the blue cheese.

Nuts and cheese

Selecting the Nuts

When choosing nuts to pair with cheese, consider their flavour and texture. Nuts with a natural sweetness, such as pecans, complement the saltiness of most cheeses. Walnuts have an earthy flavour and a drier texture, making them a delicious garnish for aged cheeses. Almonds, particularly the Spanish Marcona variety, pair well with harder aged cheeses like cheddar, especially when paired with slices of crisp apple. Pistachios lend a lovely greenish-purple colour and delicious flavour to cheese plates, and they are best paired with creamy, light-coloured cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.

Selecting the Cheeses

When creating a cheese and nut platter, it's essential to offer a variety of cheeses with different moisture contents, textures, fat contents, or milk types. A good rule of thumb is to include at least three distinct cheeses. In addition to a good quality cheddar, which is a crowd favourite, consider adding a soft cheese like brie or camembert, and a blue cheese for a sharp, pungent flavour. For a dynamic flavour and texture combination, pair creamy and crumbly blue cheese with the crunchy texture of pecans. Walnuts also go well with blue cheese, especially when drizzled with honey. For a contrasting crunch, pair almonds with milder cheeses like Swiss or Brie, or harder aged cheeses like cheddar.

Enhancing the Flavours

To enhance the flavours of your cheese and nut platter, consider adding sweet or spicy coatings to the nuts. For example, spiced or honey-roasted pecans pair beautifully with brie, especially when paired with sweet condiments like honey or spicy-sweet pepper jelly. Toasted slivered almonds also complement the creamy and mild flavour of brie. For a touch of contrasting flavour, pair salty cheeses like feta or goat cheese with the sweetness of cashews.

Creating a Balanced Platter

When assembling your cheese and nut platter, aim for a balance of flavours and textures. Include ingredients that cater to all taste sensations, such as salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. Fresh and dried fruits, crackers, cured meats, and olives can also be added to create a well-rounded and appetising platter. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite pairings!

Spicy and sweet

Habanero Cheddar and Mango

The gentle sweetness of mango is a great complement to the bold habanero cheddar. Try it plain, or in a salsa or relish for a spicy kick.

Pepper Jack and Raspberry Jelly

The subtle heat of pepper jack cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of raspberry jelly. This pairing offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

Jalapeños and Cream Cheese

For those who like it spicy, jalapeños pair well with cream cheese. Add some dried cranberries or a dab of cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Chorizo and Seriously Sharp Cheddar

The bold, spicy flavour of chorizo is an ideal match for the sharp, tangy taste of Seriously Sharp Cheddar. This combination offers a delightful interplay of salty, spicy, and savoury notes.

Spicy Spreads and Aged Cheddar

Try pairing spicy spreads, such as hot pepper jelly or chilli fig jam, with an aged cheddar. The bold flavour of the cheese will stand out against the peppery spread, creating an intriguing flavour profile.

Blue Cheese and Apricot Preserve

The strong, pungent flavour of blue cheese is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of apricot preserve. This pairing offers a unique sensory experience, combining salty, sweet, and tangy notes.

Sweet wine and cheese

For a soft, creamy cheese, try a triple creme cheese such as Brillat Savarin, which is made from cow's milk and has a sweet and lactic flavour. This pairs well with honey, especially if you're looking for something to drizzle. Another option is mascarpone, which has a similar texture to mascarpone but a more mild flavour.

For a harder cheese, an aged gouda is a great option. Gouda develops a sweet flavour with notes of caramel and creme brulee as it ages, and can even become crunchy. Another hard cheese to consider is Manchego, which has a nutty flavour that pairs well with sweeter wines.

Blue cheese is a strong, salty option that can be incredibly satisfying after a meal. Roquefort is a great choice if you're looking for a blue cheese to pair with sweet wine. Its strong, salty flavour is balanced by a pleasant sharpness.

For a goat cheese, try Chevrot, a lightly aged goat cheese from the Loire with a tangy, chalky flavour. Goat cheeses are known for their bright, palate-cleansing flavours, making them a great choice for dessert.

When creating a cheese plate, it's a good idea to include some accompaniments. Fresh and dried fruits are a classic pairing with cheese, as is honey. Drizzle honey over a triple creme cheese, or pair it with a strong blue cheese for a delightful contrast. Fig jam is another excellent option, especially with a mild cheddar or cream cheese. For something more unusual, try chilli fig jam.

Frequently asked questions