Cheese And Liver Pate: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Liver pâté is a classic dish that can be served in a variety of ways. While some enjoy it on toasted rye bread or crackers, others might pair it with cheese. But what type of cheese goes well with liver pâté? Some popular options include blue cheese, soft French cheese, and cheddar cheese spread. In addition, liver pâté can be served with cornichons, chutney, or fruit, creating a well-rounded and flavourful appetizer or snack.

Liver and Blue Cheese Pâté

Ingredients

• Butter
• Onions
• Chicken livers, halved and trimmed
• Fresh thyme
• Brandy
• Blue cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper

Method

Line a 2-cup dish or mould with plastic wrap, leaving an overhang. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they begin to brown, which should take about 6 minutes. Sprinkle the livers with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet with the thyme. Sauté until the livers are no longer pink in the centre, which will take about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the brandy, scraping up any browned bits. Place the contents of the skillet into a food processor and add the cheese. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper. Pack the pâté into the prepared dish, cover, and chill for a day before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This pâté can be served with crackers or baguette rounds. It is a tasty addition to a charcuterie board and goes well with Swedish rye bread.

Liverwurst and Cream Cheese Spread

A delicious and easy-to-make spread, perfect for a snack or appetizer, is the Liverwurst and Cream Cheese Spread. This spread combines the savoury flavours of liver sausage, also known as Braunschweiger, with the creamy texture of cream cheese. Here is a simple recipe to make this delightful spread at home.

Ingredients:

• Liver sausage or Braunschweiger
• Cream cheese, softened
• Worcestershire sauce, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
• Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• Other optional ingredients: cayenne pepper, mustard, dill, olive oil

Instructions:

• Gather your ingredients and ensure the liver sausage and cream cheese are softened for ease of mixing.
• In a medium bowl, mix the liver sausage, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. You can adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your taste preference.
• Add in the garlic powder and freshly cracked pepper to taste. The garlic powder is optional, but it adds a subtle savoury note to the spread.
• For a more well-rounded flavour, you can also add a small amount of cayenne pepper, dry mustard, and a garnish of fresh dill with a drizzle of olive oil. These additional ingredients will enhance the spread's overall taste.
• Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You can use a food processor or a stand mixer for this step to ensure a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
• Once mixed, transfer the spread to a serving bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours until cold. It is best when chilled overnight, as this allows the flavours to meld and intensify.
• Serve the spread with your favourite crackers, crunchy breadsticks, or party rye. It is a versatile spread that can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments.

This Liverwurst and Cream Cheese Spread is a delightful treat, perfect for those who enjoy savoury flavours. It is a simple recipe that can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it a great addition to your snack or appetizer repertoire.

Pate and Cheese on Crackers

Pâté is a great dish to serve with cheese and crackers. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious pâté and cheese crackers.

Choosing the Right Crackers

When it comes to choosing crackers to serve with pâté and cheese, it's important to select a type that won't overpower the other flavours. Water crackers are often recommended as they have a neutral taste and won't compete with the pâté. However, you can also serve pâté with other types of crackers, such as party rye, crunchy breadsticks, or even homemade Swedish flatbread.

The Best Cheeses to Accompany Liver Pâté

When selecting a cheese to pair with liver pâté, there are a few options that work particularly well. Blue cheese is a popular choice, as its strong flavour can stand up to the richness of the pâté. A soft French cheese is also a good option, especially when served with a chutney or jam, such as fig or onion. Other cheese options include cheddar cheese spread and soft French cheese.

Liver Pâté Recipes

There are many different recipes for liver pâté, but most include liver sausage or braunschweiger, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, mustard, cayenne pepper, and brandy. To make the pâté, simply mix the ingredients together and chill before serving.

Putting it All Together

To create a delicious pâté and cheese cracker, start by spreading a generous amount of pâté on a cracker. Top it with your chosen cheese, and perhaps add a small amount of chutney or jam. Garnish with fresh herbs such as dill, and serve with a glass of red wine or French white wine for the full French picnic experience!

Pate and Cheese on Bread

Pâté and cheese on bread is a delicious combination, and there are several ways to serve this dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Classic Combination:

A classic pairing for pâté is a good, crusty baguette or some Swedish rye bread. For the cheese, a soft French cheese like Brie or Camembert is a perfect choice. You can also try a soft blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort. Spread a generous amount of pâté on your bread, top it with a slice of cheese, and enjoy! This combination is simple yet sophisticated and makes for an excellent appetiser or light meal.

The Charcuterie Board Approach:

If you want to get a little more creative, why not turn your pâté and cheese into a charcuterie board? Start with a variety of breads, such as baguette slices, rye bread, and crackers. For the cheese, select a few different options, such as a sharp cheddar, a creamy Brie, and a tangy goat cheese. Add some cornichons (small pickles), whole grain mustard, and fresh or dried fruit for a touch of sweetness. You can also include some cured meats, like salami or prosciutto, to round out the board.

The Toasted Option:

For a warm and comforting twist, try toasting your bread before spreading on the pâté. A slice of toasted sourdough or rye bread can be a great base for your pâté and cheese. Top the pâté with a melted slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese, and you've got yourself a delicious open-faced sandwich. You can also sprinkle on some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add a bit of flavour.

The Fig and Onion Chutney Experiment:

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a fig or onion chutney to serve with your pâté and cheese on bread. The sweetness of the chutney will balance out the richness of the pâté. You can also add a soft French cheese, like Brie, to create a complex and indulgent flavour profile. This combination is perfect for those who want to elevate their pâté and cheese experience.

The Blue Cheese and Wine Pairing:

Blue cheese and pâté are a match made in heaven, especially when paired with a nice glass of red wine. The strong flavour of the blue cheese complements the richness of the pâté, while the wine helps to cut through the fattiness. This combination is perfect for a sophisticated evening appetiser or as part of a larger charcuterie board.

Remember, when it comes to pâté and cheese on bread, there are no hard and fast rules. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and accompaniments to find your favourite combinations. Bon appétit!

Pate and Cheese on Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a great way to bring people together through food. While there are no strict rules about what a charcuterie board should include, there are some guidelines to follow to create a memorable spread. One of the most important things to remember is to focus on quality. Every piece on the board will be savoured, so there's no hiding the quality of the ingredients.

When it comes to pate and cheese on a charcuterie board, here are some tips to create a delicious and visually appealing spread:

Presentation of Pate:

The presentation of pate on a charcuterie board can depend on its texture. For firmer pates, it is best to leave them in block form with a knife, allowing guests to cut off the desired amount. For softer pates, they can be placed in their entirety on a plate or transferred to a ramekin. Pate is typically served with a thin layer of aspic, a savoury meat jelly, which adds flavour and can be left on.

Pate and Cheese Pairings:

When pairing pate with cheese, consider the texture and flavour profiles of both. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, go well with creamy and decadent mousse pates.
• Semi-hard cheeses, like Gouda, pair nicely with chicken liver pate.
• Coarse-cut pates are best accompanied by soft cheeses. Brie, a spreadable cheese with a buttery flavour, is an excellent choice. Burrata, a type of fresh mozzarella, is another good option.
• Camembert, a soft cow's milk cheese with an earthy flavour, is a winning pairing with coarse-cut pate. It is also recommended to enjoy this cheese with a glass of red wine.
• Boldly-flavoured pates, such as duck liver mousse with cognac, pair well with milder cheeses.
• For softer-flavoured pates, like chicken liver, a strong-flavoured cheese will complement them nicely.

Accompaniments:

To enhance the enjoyment of pate and cheese on a charcuterie board, consider including various accompaniments such as:

• Crackers or baguette slices provide a crunchy base for the pate and cheese.
• Grapes, raisins, and other dried fruits add a touch of sweetness and can also be used to sweeten pate.
• Pickles and olives offer a tangy contrast to the richness of the pate and cheese.
• Fresh herbs, such as dill, can be used as a garnish to brighten up the flavours and presentation.
• A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of luxury to the pate.

Remember, a charcuterie board is a creative endeavour, so feel free to experiment and personalise your spread to impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions