Cheese And Truffle: A Match Made In Heaven

Truffles are a culinary fungus that grows underground and is highly prized by chefs and foodies alike for its unique, intoxicating flavour. When it comes to cheese, truffles are a match made in heaven. The earthy, pungent, nutty flavour of truffles pairs wonderfully with creamy, nutty cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan. Other good pairings include Gouda, Brie, Manchego, and Blue Cheese. The key to pairing truffles is to balance their potent aroma and flavour with other ingredients that complement rather than overpower.

Wine: a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a full-bodied red

When it comes to wine, the general rule of thumb is to select one that enhances the delicate notes of the truffle cheese without overpowering or masking the flavour.

A crisp, dry sparkling wine, such as Chanceny Saumur Brut from the Loire Valley, is an excellent choice for those who want something light and refreshing. This wine is made from a blend of 80% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay, and 10% Chenin Blanc, resulting in floral and fruity notes that are both delicate and elegant—the perfect complement to the cheese.

If you're a red wine drinker, consider pouring a glass of Le Petit Caboche, distinguished by its red fruit tones and subtle oak aroma. This wine pairs exquisitely with the flavour of truffle cheese, enhancing its earthy, nutty notes.

For those who prefer their wines white and aged, a lightweight option such as Fray Leon Reserva Sauvignon Blanc strikes the perfect balance. The earthiness and nuttiness of the cheese are beautifully contrasted by the bright acidity of this wine.

Finally, for a decadent after-dinner treat, nothing beats a glass of Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port alongside a black truffle cheddar. This combination is truly a match made in culinary heaven, with the rich, sweet flavours of the port harmonizing perfectly with the creamy, earthy notes of the cheese.

Meat: charcuterie and cured meats like prosciutto or salami

Charcuterie and cured meats like prosciutto or salami are excellent companions to truffle cheese. The salty yet subtle flavour of prosciutto, for instance, provides a delicious contrast to the earthy, nutty notes of the truffle.

When it comes to cured salami, such as soppressata, the combination with truffle cheese results in a heavenly symphony of flavours and textures. Thin slices of cured ham or prosciutto can also offer a sensational contrast, boosting the overall taste experience.

Truffle cheese is any type of cheese flavoured with truffle shavings, truffle oil, or both. Any style of cheese made from any type of milk can be flavoured with truffles, and the truffle flavour is usually easy to detect. When serving truffle cheese, it is best to keep the presentation simple so that the truffle flavour can be in the spotlight. A sliced baguette or plain crackers are ideal accompaniments.

A truffle cheese to try with charcuterie meats is the Sottocenere, an Italian semi-soft cheese with a strong truffle aroma and a slightly milder truffle flavour. The cheese also has a blend of nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, licorice, cloves and fennel rubbed into the rind, adding to the truffle aromatics.

Chutney: a deep, rich chutney like fig

When it comes to cheese, truffles are a match made in heaven. Truffles have an earthy, pungent, nutty flavour that is truly unforgettable. The right cheese pairing with truffles can create an irresistible combination of earthy aroma and creamy richness.

A deep, rich chutney like fig is the perfect accompaniment to truffle cheese. The sticky sweetness of the fig is a delightful contrast to the earthy, nutty notes of the truffle. The Godminster team recommends their own deep, rich Sticky Fig Chutney, bursting with fresh fig flavour, as the ultimate truffle cheese companion.

Fig and truffle is a pairing that works well in other dishes too. For example, one Reddit user recommends making a pizza dough brushed with lots of melted butter and garlic powder, topped with truffle gouda, black mission figs, fresh sage, and asiago on the crust. They describe it as "incredible" and say that the figs paired really well with the truffle.

Another option is to pair truffle cheese with a neutral-flavoured cracker or bread so that the aromatic taste of the truffle is not compromised. A sliced baguette or plain crackers are recommended as accompaniments to truffle cheese.

Other foods: neutral-flavoured crackers or bread

When serving truffle cheese, it's best to keep the presentation simple, allowing the truffle flavour to shine. Neutral-flavoured crackers or bread are great options to serve with truffle cheese as they complement the cheese without compromising its aromatic taste.

A sliced baguette is a great choice to serve with truffle cheese. The crusty exterior and soft interior of a baguette provide a textural contrast to the cheese. The baguette's neutral flavour also ensures that the truffle cheese remains the star of the show.

Similarly, plain crackers can be a perfect companion to truffle cheese. Opt for a cracker that is not heavily seasoned or flavoured, as you don't want to overpower the delicate flavours of the truffle cheese.

When choosing a cracker or bread to pair with truffle cheese, look for options that are free of strong spices, herbs, or artificial flavours. These additional ingredients can clash with the earthy, nutty, or garlicky notes of the truffle cheese, detracting from its unique flavour profile.

Additionally, consider the texture of the cracker or bread. A crisp, crunchy texture can provide a satisfying contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. However, if you're serving soft truffle cheese, you may want to opt for a softer bread or cracker to avoid an overwhelming textural experience.

Remember, the key to pairing truffle cheese with other foods is to enhance the cheese's flavour without overshadowing it. Neutral-flavoured crackers or bread provide the perfect backdrop for the complex and delicate flavours of truffle cheese.

What not to pair: spicy foods, bold red wines, vinegar-based sauces

Truffles are prized for their unique, intoxicating flavour and aroma. They are versatile and can be used to elevate a wide variety of dishes. However, it's important to note that there are some foods that should be avoided when pairing with truffles, especially truffle cheese. Here's why spicy foods, bold red wines, and vinegar-based sauces should be avoided when crafting the perfect truffle cheese dish:

Spicy Foods

The subtle, earthy, and nutty notes of truffle cheese can be easily overpowered when paired with extremely spicy ingredients. The delicate flavours of the truffle can be engulfed by the heat of spicy foods, resulting in a loss of the truffle's nuanced characteristics. It is best to avoid overpowering spices and chillies when crafting a dish that features truffle cheese as the star ingredient.

Bold, Highly Tannic Red Wines

While some red wines like a light and fruity Le Petit Caboche or a Pinot Noir can beautifully complement truffle cheese, highly tannic or heavily oaked reds should be avoided. The strong flavours and tannins of these wines can mask the delicate, earthy notes of the truffle cheese. The key is to select a wine that enhances the truffle's flavours rather than overwhelms them.

Vinegar-Based Sauces

Sour or vinegar-heavy sauces can clash with the creamy richness of truffle cheese. The sharp acidity of vinegar-based sauces can create an unpleasant contrast with the smooth, nutty characteristics of the truffle cheese. Instead, opt for neutral-flavoured crackers or bread to allow the aromatic taste of the truffle cheese to shine.

In conclusion, when crafting a dish with truffle cheese, it is important to remember that the truffle should be the star of the show. Avoid spicy, tangy, or overly strong flavours that can mask the delicate notes of the truffle. Experiment with different combinations, but always let the truffle's earthy, nutty, and aromatic flavours take centre stage.

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