Cheese And Lemon: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Lemon and cheese may seem like an unlikely pairing. Citrus fruits tend to be very acidic, and this acidity can cause cheese to curdle and develop an acrid taste. However, there are still some cheeses that work surprisingly well with lemon.

Goat's cheese and lemon

Goats Cheese and Lemon

Goats cheese and lemon is a refreshing combination that works well together. The sharpness of the goats cheese is offset by the tartness of the lemon, creating a flavour profile that is both light and zesty.

In Cooking

Goats cheese and lemon can be used in a variety of cooked dishes. A simple pasta dish combines lemon zest, chilli flakes, garlic and olive oil with grilled goat's cheese on top. The lemon and goats cheese combination can also be used as a topping for pizza or stirred through a salad.

As an Ingredient in Cheese

Lemon can be added to goats cheese as an ingredient. Lemon juice can be used in the cheese-making process to curdle the milk and form curds. This creates a tangy, soft goats cheese. Lemon can also be added to goats cheese as an additional flavour, along with herbs and spices.

As a Dip

Goats cheese and lemon can be combined to make a zesty dip. The cheese is blended with lemon juice and zest, green onions, salt and pepper and served with pita chips.

As a Pairing

Goats cheese and lemon also work well as a pairing, with the cheese offsetting the bitterness of the lemon. A popular pairing is fresh, sweet goats cheese with lemon curd, served on a baguette or cracker. The addition of a sprig of thyme adds an extra dimension to this combination.

In Baked Goods

Goats cheese and lemon can be combined and spread on toast or crackers, or used as a filling for a cooked tart.

Alpine-style cheeses and lemon

Alpine-style cheeses are a group of hard or semi-hard cheeses with a distinct character, whose origins lie in the Alps of Europe. They are now eaten and imitated in most cheesemaking parts of the world. Their distinct character arose from the requirements of cheese made in the summer on high Alpine grasslands and then transported with the cows down to the valleys in the winter.

The best-known Alpine cheeses, all made from cow's milk, include the Swiss Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller, as well as the French Beaufort and Comté (from the Jura Mountains, near the Alps). Both countries have many other traditional varieties, as do the Alpine regions of Austria (Alpkäse) and Italy (Asiago and Montasio).

When pairing Alpine-style cheeses with lemons, it is important to consider the distinct characteristics of these cheeses. Alpine-style cheeses have a firm yet elastic texture, low salt content, and excellent meltability. They have a wide array of flavours, ranging from fresh-cut grass to chocolate to toasted hazelnuts, depending on the forage of the cows whose milk was used to make them.

When pairing cheese with lemon, it is important to consider the acidity and bitterness of the lemon. Lemon can be a challenging fruit to pair with cheese due to its high acidity and potential bitterness. However, Alpine-style cheeses, with their mild, nutty, and sweet flavours, can complement the tartness of lemons.

• Gruyère: A classic Swiss cheese with a firm yet elastic texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It pairs well with a navel orange, and the combination can bring out notes of cocoa nibs.
• Comté: Another Swiss cheese with a similar profile to Gruyère. It pairs well with a Cara Cara orange.
• Raclette: A French cheese that is often served melted over potatoes, ham, and pickles. Its creamy texture and mild flavour can balance the acidity of lemons.
• Appenzeller: A Swiss cheese with a robust flavour and a firm texture. Its nutty and sweet notes can stand up to the tartness of lemons.

When pairing Alpine-style cheeses with lemons, consider using lemon curd, lemon marmalade, or other sweet and tangy lemon preparations. The sweetness of the lemon curd can balance the tartness of the lemon and complement the nutty and sweet notes of the Alpine-style cheeses. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of honey, which can help calm the bitterness between the cheese and the lemon.

Cheddar and lemon

Lemon and Herb Mac & Cheese

A creative twist on the traditional macaroni and cheese, this recipe calls for lemon zest and fresh herbs, creating an upscale flavour sensation. The sharpness of the cheddar is a good match for the lemon, with the creamy sauce and pasta providing a good base for the citrus notes. The addition of herbs like rosemary and thyme also enhances the overall flavour profile, making it a well-rounded and tasty dish.

Lemon Grilled Cheese

This recipe by Giada De Laurentiis combines lemon, mozzarella, parmesan, and white bread to create a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic grilled cheese, with the mozzarella providing a subtle tanginess and the parmesan adding a nutty, savoury flavour. The result is a unique and mouth-watering take on a comfort food favourite.

Cheddar Lemon Sauce

This sauce is a perfect pairing of cheddar and lemon, resulting in a delicious condiment that can be served over vegetables like asparagus. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the tangy lemon juice, creating a smooth and creamy sauce with a hint of citrus. The addition of hot pepper sauce also gives it a subtle kick, making it a versatile and flavourful addition to various dishes.

Palate-Coating Aged Cheddar with Spice-Stewed Mandarins

This pairing combines a nutty, slightly sharp aged cheddar with holiday spices and creamy, dense mandarins. The mandarins are stewed in a mixture of water, sugar, vanilla, and spices, resulting in a complex and explosive combination of flavours. The sharpness of the cheddar is offset by the sweetness of the mandarins, creating a unique and indulgent taste experience.

When pairing cheddar and lemon, it is important to consider the type of cheddar used. Medium-level cheddar-style cheeses tend to work better with citrus than their sharper, stronger-flavoured counterparts. The nuttiness and slight sharpness of aged cheddars can complement the sweetness of the lemon, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable flavour profile.

Lemon Fetish cheese

Lemon Fetish is an unusual cheese that originates from Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. This unique cheese is crafted from pasteurized sheep's milk and is similar in style to feta. What sets Lemon Fetish apart is its coating—the cheese is rolled in a layer of Red Fife wheat and grated lemon zest, imparting tangy, citrusy, and lactic aromas. The texture of the cheese is dry, and it is often paired with avocados and cucumbers to create a refreshing combination.

When it comes to cheese and lemon pairings, it might seem like an unlikely duo. Citrus fruits, with their high acidity, can sometimes turn the taste of cheese acrid and curdled. However, with the right combinations, the two can come together harmoniously. One successful pairing is fresh, sweet chèvre with lemon curd. The slight tartness and refreshing qualities of both the cheese and lemon complement each other beautifully. For a more complex bite, buttery brie pairs well with citrus brûlée, especially when paired with grapefruit and cara cara slices sweetened with a brown sugar brûlée.

For those who enjoy the sharpness of aged cheddar, a creative pairing option is to combine it with spice-stewed mandarins. By stewing mandarins with holiday spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you create a flavour explosion that beautifully contrasts the creaminess of the cheddar. Another unexpected pairing is creamy blue cheese with chocolate-covered orange peels. The combination of the rich, buttery blue cheese and the sweet, citrus-infused chocolate is a match made in heaven.

When it comes to beverages, lemonade is a popular choice to accompany cheese, especially those made from goat's milk. A fresh goat cheese or young goat Gouda pairs exceptionally well with a glass of unsweetened or lightly sweetened lavender lemonade. Elderflower cordial and apple juice are also excellent choices to sip alongside soft goat's cheese.

Lemon-based sauces and cheese

One option is to use a lemon-based sauce with a young goat gouda. The rich and herbal flavours of the cheese will contrast nicely with the lemon flavours. Another option is to use a fresh goat cheese with a lemon-based sauce. This combination is often mixed into a salad and paired with a glass of unsweetened or lightly sweetened lavender lemonade.

Lemon cheese is a traditional Christmas dish that can be spread on toast or crackers or put in cooked tart shells. It is made by melting butter and sugar over very low heat, then slowly pouring in beaten eggs and lemon juice. Lemon zest is then stirred into the mixture until it thickens.

Baked cheese with lemon, garlic, and herbs is another option for a lemon-based sauce and cheese dish. This dish is made by baking cubed or grated Asiago and fontina cheeses with garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and oregano. It can be served with crackers or vegetables for dipping.

When pairing lemon-based sauces with cheese, it is important to consider the level of acidity in the lemon sauce and the type of cheese being used. A very acidic lemon sauce may not pair well with a strong or sharp cheese, while a milder sauce may complement a softer or more mild-tasting cheese.

Frequently asked questions