Cheese And Olive Pairing: Kalamata And The Perfect Cheese Match

Kalamata olives are a popular ingredient in dips and spreads, as well as a staple on cheese boards and antipasti platters. When it comes to cheese, what are the best pairings for kalamata olives? A Greek-themed spread might include kalamata olives, hummus, feta cheese, and a fruity red wine. Feta cheese and kalamata olives are a classic combination, as they are both Greek and complement each other's brininess. Blue cheeses like gorgonzola and Danish blue are also excellent pairings, as are softer cheeses like brie or camembert.

Kalamata olives and feta cheese

Kalamata olives and feta can be served as part of an antipasti platter or mezze board, alongside items such as cured meats, grapes, crackers, dried fruits, and nuts. They can also be used as ingredients in dishes such as pasta or pizza.

For a quick and easy party dip, kalamata olives and feta can be combined in a food processor with olive brine, dried onion, and garlic powder. This dip can be served with homemade pita chips, crostini, or tortilla chips, or simply with a bag of potato chips.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp, chilled white wine such as a pinot gris (pinot grigio) or a smooth red wine such as pinot noir will pair well with kalamata olives and feta.

Kalamata olives and cream cheese

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of pitted kalamata olives, drained, reserving some brine
• 250 grams of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon of olive brine
• 1 tablespoon of dried onion
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Pita chips or crackers, for serving

Instructions:

• Add the pitted kalamata olives to a food processor and blitz for about 5 seconds to roughly chop.
• Remove the lid and use a spatula to scrape down the insides of the bowl.
• Add the cream cheese, garlic powder, dried onion, and olive brine. Blitz for another 5 seconds, then repeat the scraping and blitzing process to combine.
• Use a spatula to transfer the combined dip to a serving bowl. Provide a cheese knife and spread crackers on a plate around the base of the dip.

This dip can be served cold or at room temperature. It is best enjoyed with oven-baked warm pita chips.

In addition to cream cheese, Kalamata olives also pair well with other cheeses such as feta, blue cheese, brie, and camembert.

Kalamata olives and blue cheese

One way to enjoy this pairing is in a spread or dip. A Kalamata olive and blue cheese spread can be served with thinly sliced French bread or crackers. To make the spread, simply combine pitted Kalamata olives, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and blue cheese in a food processor, pulsing until a smooth, moist paste forms. This appetiser is sure to impress with its bold flavours.

For a refreshing summer salad, try pairing Kalamata olives with blue cheese, tomatoes, capers, and anchovies. Arrange sliced tomatoes on a platter, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then sprinkle with olives, crumbled blue cheese, capers, and anchovies if desired. Garnish with basil leaves for a beautiful and tasty dish.

If you're looking for a warm and comforting dish, try a Kalamata olive, tomato, and blue cheese melt. This recipe calls for rotini pasta tossed with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, peppers, and a combination of crumbled blue cheese and shredded cheddar. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, this dish is the perfect blend of flavours and textures.

Whether enjoyed in a simple spread or incorporated into more intricate recipes, the combination of Kalamata olives and blue cheese is a delicious and versatile pairing that can elevate your culinary creations.

Kalamata olives and cured meats

When it comes to specific pairings, salami is a classic choice to accompany Kalamata olives. The rich, spicy flavours of salami stand up to the bold taste of the olives, resulting in a satisfying and flavourful duo. Kabana, a type of dry sausage, is another excellent option for a cured meat to pair with Kalamata olives. Its slightly smoky and tangy flavour profile creates an intriguing contrast with the briny olives.

In addition to salami and kabana, prosciutto is a delightful choice to pair with Kalamata olives. The salty, sweet flavours of prosciutto play well with the strong flavours of the olives. For those who enjoy a more intense flavour profile, peppered salami offers a spicy kick that can enhance the overall taste experience when paired with Kalamata olives.

When creating a charcuterie board or antipasti platter featuring Kalamata olives and cured meats, it is essential to consider the overall flavour balance. The addition of cheeses, such as feta, blue cheeses like gorgonzola or Danish blue, brie, or camembert, can provide a creamy contrast to the saltiness of the olives and meats. Fresh or dried fruits, crackers, and nuts can also be incorporated to add texture and sweetness to the savoury spread.

In conclusion, Kalamata olives and cured meats are a perfect pairing, offering a delightful combination of salty, savoury, and spicy flavours. By including a variety of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, you can create a well-rounded and enticing platter that is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

Kalamata olives and antipasti

Kalamata olives are a delicious addition to any antipasti platter or mezze board. Their fruitiness and briny flavour pair well with a variety of cheeses, meats, and other antipasti items. Here are some ideas to create a delicious and well-rounded spread:

Cheeses

Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Danish Blue, and Roquefort, are excellent choices to pair with Kalamata olives. The salty, pungent, and creamy characteristics of these cheeses create a nice contrast with the fruity and briny notes of the olives.

Other cheese options include Brie or Camembert, which offer a rich, earthy, and buttery flavour profile. The mild, fresh cheeses like chèvre (goat cheese) and fromage blanc also work well, especially when paired with olives marinated in citrus or herbs. If you want to add a sweet touch, consider a long-aged Gouda; the saltiness of the olives will emphasise the cheese's sweetness.

Meats

Cured meats and antipasti kits are a great way to add variety to your platter. Consider items like Genoa salami, peppered salami, prosciutto, pancetta, or mortadella. These meats provide a nice savoury contrast to the Kalamata olives and can be complemented by items like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.

Other Antipasti Ideas

When creating an antipasti platter, it's a good idea to include a variety of textures and flavours. Consider adding items like roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, classic pickled vegetables, or marinated olives in different varieties and mixes.

You can also add some fresh produce, such as sliced apples or pears, berries, and crisp vegetables. Dried fruits and nuts will also provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour. Don't forget the bread and crackers! These are essential for cleansing the palate between bites and for dipping into spreads and relishes.

Dips and Spreads

If you want to include a dip or spread, a Kalamata olive dip is a great choice. Simply combine pitted Kalamata olives with cream cheese, olive brine, dried onion, and garlic powder in a food processor. This dip is quick and easy to make and can be served with homemade pita chips, crostini, or tortilla chips.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, a crisp, chilled white wine such as Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) or a smooth red wine like Pinot Noir can complement the flavours of Kalamata olives and antipasti nicely.

So, get creative, and enjoy putting together your Kalamata olive and antipasti spread!

Frequently asked questions