Finding The Perfect Cheese To Pair With Bananas

Bananas and cheese might seem like an unusual combination, but it's a match made in heaven. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, there are plenty of ways to pair these two ingredients. For a savoury option, try a banana grilled cheese sandwich with gouda, or get adventurous with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or feta. If you're feeling really daring, some people even suggest blue cheese or cream cheese with chives on a bagel. For a sweet treat, banana and cream cheese swirl bread is a delicious option, or go all out with a banana cream cheesecake topped with bavarian cream. Bananas are also a popular pizza topping in Northern Europe, so why not give banana and mozzarella a go? So, the next time you're feeling adventurous, give bananas and cheese a try!

Bananas and cheese in a grilled sandwich

A grilled banana and cheese sandwich may sound like an unusual combination, but it is a delightful dish that has been described as "exquisite", "yummy", and "an agreeable marriage of flavours". The sweetness of the banana blends well with savoury cheese, and the addition of spices such as paprika, cinnamon, or nutmeg can enhance the flavour profile.

Ingredients and Preparation

The type of cheese used in this sandwich can vary according to personal preference. Some popular options include gouda, mascarpone, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. For a more indulgent option, grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches are also a delicious choice.

When preparing the sandwich, the following steps can be followed:

• Start by spreading butter on one slice of bread.
• Layer banana slices on top of the buttered bread.
• Add a layer of your chosen cheese.
• Sprinkle spices such as paprika, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top (optional).
• Place the second slice of bread on top.
• Grill the sandwich in a pan or oven until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian option, add a sprinkle of salt to the sandwich for a savoury flavour.
• To balance the sweetness of the bananas, add a slice of ham or bacon to the sandwich.
• If you don't have access to an oven, a panini press or grill can also be used to cook the sandwich.
• For an extra indulgent touch, use brioche bread for a richer flavour and softer texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter sandwich, consider adding honey or peanut butter to the mix.

The grilled banana and cheese sandwich is a unique and tasty creation that combines sweet and savoury flavours. By choosing your favourite type of cheese and adding spices to taste, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dessert. So, don't be afraid to experiment and enjoy the delightful combination of bananas and cheese in a grilled sandwich!

Bananas and cheese in a dessert

Bananas and cheese might seem like an unusual combination, but there are several ways to turn this into a delicious dessert.

One option is to make a banana cheesecake. This can be done by creating a crust from crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, butter, and sugar. For the filling, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Layer banana slices in the crust and pour in the filling. Top with whipped cream and more banana slices. This dessert needs to be refrigerated for several hours before serving.

Another option is to make a banana cream cheesecake. This is similar to the previous recipe but includes a banana bavarian cream topping. To make the topping, heat heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and banana extract in a saucepan. Slowly add the hot cream to beaten egg yolks, then return the mixture to the heat and continue cooking until it thickens. Stir in gelatin and allow to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cooled custard. Spread the bavarian cream over the cheesecake and refrigerate until set.

If you're looking for something even simpler, you can try making banana sushi with cream cheese. This only requires a banana, cream cheese, and, optionally, a drizzle of mango sauce.

For a more indulgent option, you could try a sugar-flambéed banana half with blobs of cheesecake-style cream cheese and a salted caramel drizzle.

Finally, if you're a fan of sandwiches, you could try an apple and banana sandwich with sharp cheddar and basil. Just be sure to spritz the banana and apple with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Bananas and cheese in a cheesecake

The Perfect Pairing: Bananas and Cheese

The key to a successful banana cheesecake lies in the cheese. While some cheeses may seem like unlikely candidates, they can complement bananas beautifully. Consider these options:

• Cream Cheese: A traditional choice for cheesecakes, cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy base. It blends seamlessly with bananas, creating a smooth and rich filling.
• Mascarpone: Fresh mascarpone offers a delicate flavour that enhances the sweetness of bananas. It's a slightly unconventional choice, but it adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert.
• Camembert and Feta: These cheeses might seem like unexpected guests at the party, but they play well with bananas. Their distinct flavours can create a unique and intriguing cheesecake.
• Monterey Jack: If you're feeling adventurous, melted Monterey Jack is a tasty companion to bananas. It adds a gooey, savoury contrast to the sweet fruit.

The Base: A Crunchy Canvas

For the base of your cheesecake, you have several options to choose from. Each option will provide a different texture and flavour, so consider your preferences:

• Graham Cracker Crust: A classic choice, the graham cracker crust provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for your cheesecake. It's a simple yet effective option that pairs well with the banana and cheese filling.
• Cookie Crust: If you're feeling indulgent, a cookie crust takes your cheesecake to the next level. Crushed Oreo or Golden Oreo cookies blended with butter create a decadent, sweet base. Alternatively, you can use 'Nilla wafers' for a more traditional Southern flavour.
• No Crust: If you prefer a more minimalist approach or want to focus solely on the filling, you can opt for no crust at all. This option lets the banana and cheese shine without any distractions.

The Filling: A Tropical Delight

The star of your cheesecake is, of course, the filling. This is where the magic happens, and you can customise it to your liking:

• Banana Cream Cheesecake: For a classic take on this dessert, opt for a banana cream cheesecake. Mash ripe bananas and fold them into your cream cheese mixture. This creates a smooth, velvety filling that's sure to impress. Don't forget to top it with fresh banana slices for an extra burst of flavour.
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake: If you're feeling adventurous, try a banana pudding cheesecake. Cook diced bananas with brown sugar and lemon juice, then fold this mixture into your cream cheese base. This adds a layer of complexity to your cheesecake, and the lemon juice helps to enhance the banana flavour.
• Toppings and Variations: Feel free to experiment with toppings and variations to make your cheesecake truly yours. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crust, garnish with additional banana slices, or even top it with caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Baking and Serving: The Final Touches

Now that you've assembled your cheesecake, it's time to bake it to perfection and serve it in style:

• Baking Tips: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it at a low temperature for a longer period. Resist the urge to open the oven door during the first hour of baking. Once it's baked, let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating it.
• Serving Suggestions: Cheesecakes are best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate your creation for at least six hours or even overnight. This allows the flavours to meld and intensify. When it's time to serve, top your cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or a sprinkling of nuts for added texture and flavour.

There you have it! Bananas and cheese in a cheesecake is a delightful combination that's sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. Get creative, experiment with different cheeses and toppings, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your labour. Happy baking!

Bananas and cheese in a smoothie

Bananas and cheese is a combination that may not immediately spring to mind, but there are several types of cheese that can complement the fruit's sweetness. Cream cheese, mascarpone, camembert, feta, and ricotta are all mentioned as pairings for bananas. One source suggests that a banana grilled cheese sandwich using Monterey Jack is "effing good", while another recommends cheddar and banana as their "fave fruit snack".

So, how about a banana and cheese smoothie? Well, why not? Smoothies are a great way to use up ripe bananas and can be made with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for how to make a banana and cheese smoothie:

Ingredients

• One ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of your chosen cheese

Optional Extras

• Honey or maple syrup to taste
• Ice cubes
• A handful of greens such as spinach or kale
• Nut butter
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon

Method

• Place all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth, adding more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
• If you like your smoothie chilled, use frozen bananas or add a few ice cubes.
• Taste and adjust with honey or maple syrup if needed.

There you have it! A banana and cheese smoothie. A unique combination of sweet and savoury, it's definitely worth a try.

Bananas and cheese in a salad

Bananas and cheese is a combination that may seem odd to some, but it is surprisingly tasty and versatile. One way to enjoy this pairing is in a salad, where the sweetness of the bananas and the savouriness of the cheese can create a delightful contrast. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious banana and cheese salad:

Ingredients

For a banana and cheese salad, you will need:

• Ripe bananas
• Cheese of your choice (suggestions below)
• Fresh greens such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula
• Optional: nuts, dried fruit, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavour

Cheese Options

When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with bananas in a salad, there are several options that can complement the fruit's sweetness:

• Cream cheese: This classic pairing is a popular choice for banana cheesecake and can add a tangy twist to your salad.
• Mascarpone: Fresh mascarpone has a creamy texture and a mild flavour that goes well with bananas.
• Camembert: This soft, creamy cheese can add a touch of elegance to your salad.
• Feta: Crumbled feta cheese provides a salty contrast to the sweetness of the bananas.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and can add a gooey texture to your salad.
• Cheddar: A sharp cheddar cheese can provide a bold flavour contrast to the bananas.
• Gouda: As suggested by a German recipe, gouda is a delicious pairing with bananas in a grilled cheese sandwich, and it can also work well in a salad.

Instructions

To make your banana and cheese salad, follow these simple steps:

• Start by slicing the bananas into thin pieces.
• Choose your cheese and slice or crumble it, depending on the type.
• Wash and dry your chosen greens and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, gently mix the bananas, cheese, and greens.
• If desired, add in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh herbs for extra flavour and texture.
• Serve your salad as a side dish or light lunch.

Tips and Variations

• If you're feeling adventurous, you can grill or caramelise the bananas before adding them to the salad for a deeper flavour.
• For a heartier salad, add in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
• To make it a meal, serve the salad with crusty bread or a side of quinoa or farro.
• For a touch of sweetness, drizzle the salad with a balsamic reduction or a honey vinaigrette.

So, there you have it! Bananas and cheese in a salad can be a delicious and unique way to enjoy this unexpected pairing. Get creative and experiment with different types of cheese and additional ingredients to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions