Cheese And Balsamic Vinaigrette: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Balsamic vinegar is a versatile condiment that can be used in salad dressings, desserts, and even drizzled over food to enhance its flavour and presentation. It is made from cooked grape must (juice) and two kinds of wine vinegar. The best balsamic vinegar comes from Modena in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. It is thick, glossy, and rich with a balance of sweet and sour flavours. When paired with cheese, the slight sweetness of the vinegar balances out the saltiness of the cheese, making it seem less heavy and rich. The combination of balsamic vinegar and cheese also stimulates increased saliva production in the mouth, enhancing the desire to continue eating. Most cheeses, hard or soft, pair well with balsamic vinegar, as long as it is used sparingly and is of good quality.

Parmigiano Reggiano

A simple way to serve Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar is to lay the cheese on a platter and break off a few chunks. Then, put a small bowl of good-quality aged balsamic vinegar from Modena next to it. Guests can then dip the cheese into the vinegar. It is important to use real aged balsamic vinegar, as there are many copycats that do not compare to the true aged variety. The authentic product will have a label that reads "Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI", which stands for Protected Geographic Indication, so you know that it is the real thing. Good balsamic vinegar is more viscous than other vinegars and has a slight sharpness with a sweetness similar to overripe plums.

A recipe for a Parmigiano Reggiano vinaigrette can also be made by combining 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. These ingredients can be whisked together or put in a tightly sealed mason jar and shaken vigorously. This vinaigrette can be used to top a salad with freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

Blue cheese

A blue cheese vinaigrette can be made by combining avocado oil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and crumbled blue cheese. This can be used as a salad dressing or as a marinade for meat. It is a low-carb and keto-friendly option.

A simple salad can be made with mixed baby greens, leaf lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. This combination of blue cheese and vinaigrette can also be used as a sauce over chicken or beef.

For a stronger blue cheese flavour, a balsamic vinegar with a higher grade will pair well. The clear sweetness and mellow tartness of a high-grade balsamic vinegar will complement the blue cheese well.

Mozzarella

For a simple summer recipe, combine sliced fresh mozzarella balls, baby greens, basil, balsamic vinaigrette, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the greens with tomato slices, arrange the mozzarella on top, and drizzle with the dressing.

Another option is to make a balsamic marinated tomato and mozzarella salad. Combine balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped onion, cubed mozzarella, and halved grape or cherry tomatoes. Chill the mixture until you are ready to serve.

Finally, for a tasty appetizer, drizzle balsamic vinegar over prosciutto-mozzarella crostini. You can also add Parmigiano Reggiano shavings to this dish for an extra kick.

Soft cheeses

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that pairs well with balsamic vinegar. It is best served with prosciutto, particularly Prosciutto Cotto, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You can also add some Parmigiano Reggiano shavings to enhance the flavour. This combination works well as a crostini or on a pizza. Another option is to create a classic Caprese Salad by slicing fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, seasoning them with sweet basil, salt, and pepper, and drizzling with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Burrata is another soft cheese that complements the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. A simple burrata salad can be made by adding fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. For a sweeter variation, you can substitute the cherry tomatoes with strawberries.

Robiola, a soft-ripened Italian cheese similar to French brie and camembert, also pairs well with balsamic vinegar. It can be baked and served with a sweet and thick balsamic vinegar and spicy, sweet pepper jam.

Ricotta is another soft cheese that can be paired with balsamic vinegar. A simple snack can be created by grilling baguette slices in olive oil, spreading ricotta cheese on top, adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar, and topping it off with fresh strawberries.

Hard cheeses

Balsamic vinegar is produced in the Italian regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and it has been paired with cheese since at least the 11th century. The strong acidity of balsamic vinegar is balanced by the high fat content of cheese, creating a harmonious flavour combination that stimulates the mouth to produce more saliva, encouraging people to eat more.

Hard Italian cheeses with a granular, crumbly texture, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano, are classic pairings with balsamic vinegar. These mature, robust cheeses can stand up to the strong flavour of balsamic vinegar without being overwhelmed. The slight sweetness of the vinegar also helps to balance out the saltiness of the cheese and makes it feel less heavy in the mouth.

When serving hard cheeses with balsamic vinegar, it is important to use a high-quality, authentic balsamic vinegar from Modena, which will have a rich sweetness and a slight sharpness. The cheese should be an aged, dry variety, and it can be served in chunks with a small bowl of balsamic vinegar for dipping. This simple yet luxurious appetizer is a delicious way to experience the flavours of Italy.

For a more substantial dish, hard cheeses with balsamic vinegar can be paired with sweet fruits such as figs, pears, or apricots. The sweetness of the fruit complements the salty, nutty flavour of the cheese, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy contrast. This combination can be served as a flavourful salad or a sophisticated snack.

In addition to the classic Italian hard cheeses, other hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Manchego may also pair well with balsamic vinegar. Experimenting with different varieties can lead to interesting flavour combinations that showcase the versatility of this classic pairing.

Frequently asked questions