Cheese And Pate Pairing: Best Combinations To Try

Pâté is a French delicacy that is enjoyed across Europe and beyond. It is a savoury, smooth mixture of pureed meats and spices that can be spread on bread or crackers, eaten alone, or used to make sandwiches. While it can be eaten on its own, it is often served with side dishes to add flavour and texture. Mustard, for example, is a common pairing to give the dish an extra kick. Pâté can also be served with bread and crackers, which soak up the juices. When it comes to cheese, pâté is often paired with smoked cheeses, which have a nutty, smoky flavour. This creates a decadent, gourmet combination. Some specific pairings include smoked cheddar with pheasant rosemary pâté and smoked blue cheese with cubed country-style pâté.

Characteristics of cheese that goes with pâté

Smoked cheese and pâté

There are several varieties of smoked cheese and pâté that pair well together. Firstly, smoked cheddar and Pheasant Rosemary pâté is a bold, savoury blend with mellow undertones. This combination works well with Beagle chips or a crusty baguette. For a smooth, rich flavour, smoked Pepper Jack cheese and Duck Rillette pâté is a great option. The addition of sweet fruit preserves adds a touch of sweetness to the savoury pairing. Smoked blue cheese has a delicate piquant flavour that is enhanced when it is smoke-cured. This variety pairs well with a cubed country-style pâté and some red grapes or cherry tomatoes to balance the flavour.

For a unique twist, smoked mackerel and cottage cheese can be combined to make a delicious pâté. This can be made by blending smoked mackerel, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic cloves, red onion, and seasoning. The result is a creamy, spreadable pâté that is perfect on toast. Another interesting option is a smoked trout pâté made with hot smoked trout, cream cheese, and horseradish. This pâté has a kick of flavour and is delicious on toasted bread or with crackers.

Mustard and pâté

The tang of mustard and the creaminess of pâté are a foodie's dream come true. Mustard is elevated from a mere condiment when paired with pâté. Spicy, honey, Dijon, and traditional American yellow mustards all complement pâté beautifully.

Chicken Liver Mousse, for example, pairs well with a bold, spicy brown mustard. The grainy edge of the mustard adds texture to the smooth pâté, and the bold flavours of both are a perfect match. This combination works well on sliced pita bread or a crisp baguette.

Honey mustard, with its subtle sweetness, is a great contrast to the savoury Duck Rillette. Spread both inside a crepe and top with sautéed onions and bell peppers for an indulgent treat.

Dijon mustard, a French classic, has a spicy sharpness that pairs well with traditional flavours like Pheasant Rosemary. The bold yet delicate flavour profile of this combination works well on crostini with lettuce, tomatoes, and crunchy onions.

Country-style pâtés, on the other hand, pair exceptionally well with standard yellow mustard. The mellower variety of mustard still packs an acidic, sweet-tart flavour punch that complements the pâté. Serve this combination with cornichons on oatcakes or flatbread crackers for a striking and tasty party appetiser.

Beef and Wild Mushroom Pate is another pâté that goes well with mustard. A Cognac Mustard Sauce, made with Coleman's dry mustard, cognac or brandy, and Champagne vinegar, is the perfect complement to this pâté.

Potato salad and pâté

There are many types of potato salad and pâté, and they can be paired in various ways to create a delicious meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Creamy Potato Salad and Pâté:

For a classic take on potato salad, opt for a creamy version with mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and a mix of boiled potatoes, eggs, celery, and onions. The key to this salad is to use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Klondike Goldust, which will hold their shape even after boiling. This type of potato salad provides a nice contrast in texture and flavour when paired with a robust pâté, such as a country-style or duck pâté. The smoothness of the salad will balance the stronger flavours of the pâté.

Mustard, Pickle, and Hard-Boiled Egg Potato Salad with Pâté:

If you're looking for a potato salad with a bit more bite, try a version that includes mustard, pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs. This type of potato salad has a rustic, thick, and luxurious quality due to the partial mashing of the potatoes. When paired with a smooth and nutty smoked cheese pâté, the flavours and textures will complement each other beautifully. The smokiness of the cheese will also add an interesting dimension to the salad's zesty flavours.

Potato Salad with a Twist:

For something a little different, try adding some unique ingredients to your potato salad. Bacon, rosemary, scallions, banana peppers, or even a mild Swiss cheese can give your salad an unexpected twist. When paired with a pâté, these flavours can be enhanced even further. For example, try a potato salad with Swiss cheese alongside a pheasant rosemary pâté, or a potato salad with bacon and scallions with a duck pâté.

Starchy Potato Salad and Pâté:

If you prefer a softer, creamier potato salad, opt for starchy potatoes like Idahos or Russets, which will break down when boiled. This type of potato salad goes well with a variety of pâtés, especially those with bold flavours. Try pairing it with a blue cheese pâté, or a duck pâté for a smooth and rich combination.

When serving potato salad and pâté, consider the portion sizes and presentation. These dishes can be served as part of a larger spread, or as a more substantial offering. Small portions of pâté can be a fun and decadent treat, especially when paired with the right potato salad. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of flavours and textures to find your favourite pairing!

Macaroni salad and pâté

Choosing the Right Cheese

Pâté is a rich and flavourful dish, so it's important to choose a cheese that can stand up to its robust flavour. Smoked cheeses are an excellent option, as they have a nutty and smoky flavour that pairs well with the smoothness of pâté. Try smoked cheddar, smoked pepper jack, or smoked blue cheese for a unique and decadent taste experience.

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

A classic macaroni salad typically consists of cooked elbow macaroni pasta, a creamy dressing, and various vegetables. The dressing is usually made with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Common vegetables include celery, onion, bell pepper, grated carrots, and pimento peppers. You can also add hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, or diced pickles for extra flavour and texture.

Preparing the Macaroni Salad

To make the perfect macaroni salad, start by cooking the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Rinse the cooked macaroni under cold water and drain it well. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Combine the cooked macaroni with the dressing and stir in the vegetables and any additional ingredients. Chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to meld.

Serving and Storing

Elevating Your Dish

To take your macaroni salad and pâté to the next level, consider adding some shredded or diced cheddar cheese to the macaroni salad. You can also incorporate hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and texture. If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the savoury dish, serve it with sweet fruit preserves or relish on the side. Don't forget to provide a crusty baguette or crackers to spread the pâté on, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Pickles and pâté

When it comes to choosing a pickle to pair with your pâté, there are a few options to consider. Cornichons, or tiny sour gherkins, are a classic choice for pâtés and charcuterie boards. Their small size makes them ideal for nibbling, and their tart, crunchy texture can help cut through the richness of the pâté.

Another option is to go for a full-sized dill pickle, which can add a more substantial crunch and a refreshing burst of flavour to your pâté. If you're feeling creative, you could even try making your own pickles at home with a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or onions. Experimenting with different spices and brines can also add unique flavours to your pickles, which can then be used to complement or contrast with the specific type of pâté you're serving.

When serving pickles with pâté, it's a good idea to provide a variety of crackers, breads, or toast points to spread the pâté on. This not only helps to round out the snack but also ensures that your guests can create their own perfect bite, balancing the flavours of the pâté and pickle to their preference.

In terms of specific pâté and pickle pairings, here are a few ideas:

• Try a country-style pâté with a classic cornichon and a smear of whole-grain mustard on a slice of toasted baguette.
• For a more indulgent option, pair a rich duck liver pâté with a full-sized dill pickle and a slice of crusty sourdough bread.
• If you're serving a game meat pâté, like rabbit or pheasant, consider pairing it with a sweet and spicy bread and butter pickle for a unique flavour combination.
• For a summery twist, serve a vegetable pâté with crisp pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, or carrots, and a light and airy cracker.

Remember, the key to successful pairings is balance. The briny, acidic crunch of a pickle can help cut through the richness of a pâté, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your taste buds!

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