The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Peaches: A Guide

The sweet and savoury combination of peaches and cheese makes for a delightful snack, appetiser, or light meal. While blue cheese, goat cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, and burrata are all popular pairings with peaches, the type of cheese you choose will depend on your preference for mild or strong flavours. A stronger cheese goes well with a sweeter piece of fruit, so if you're looking for a milder flavour, opt for a creamy cheese like burrata or goat cheese. For a stronger flavour, try blue cheese or mascarpone.

Blue Cheese and Yellow Peaches

Blue cheese is sharp and pungent, which makes it a great pairing with sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy yellow peaches. The strong flavour of the blue cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the fruit, creating a delightful combination of contrasting tastes.

One unique way to prepare this pairing is to grill the peaches. Halve and pit the peaches, brush both sides with butter, and place the sliced halves on a hot grill for 4-5 minutes. Then, stuff the grilled peaches with blue cheese and drizzle with a balsamic reduction. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to be a treat for the taste buds!

For a more savoury take on this pairing, consider adding some spiced roasted pecans, deep-fried panko-crusted goat's cheese, arugula, and red sorrel salad. The savoury elements will balance the sweetness of the peaches and the tanginess of the blue cheese, creating a complex and intriguing dish.

If you're looking for a simpler option, try spreading blue cheese on a thick slice of bakery bread and topping it with sliced yellow peaches and basil. This open-faced sandwich is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavour combination of blue cheese and peaches.

When creating a cheese board, blue cheese and yellow peaches can be part of a delightful spread. Arrange sliced peaches on a tray with blue cheese, crackers, and a side of honey or another sweet dipping sauce. Add some nuts and meats, such as pistachios, prosciutto, or pepper salami, for a well-rounded and delicious appetiser.

Grilled Peaches with Blue Cheese and Basil

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black peppercorns
• 2 large fresh peaches with peel
• 2 1/2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Basil, cut into ribbons
• Bakery bread (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Stir together the vinegar, sugar, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until the liquid has slightly thickened and reduced by half. Remove from heat and set the glaze aside.
• Halve and pit the peaches. Drizzle both sides of the peach halves with olive oil.
• Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook until the flesh is caramelized, which should take around 5 minutes.
• Turn the peaches over and brush the tops with the balsamic glaze you prepared earlier. Continue grilling for another 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer the peach halves to individual serving dishes and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
• Sprinkle the blue cheese and basil on top.
• (Optional) Serve with thick-sliced bakery bread.

Your delicious grilled peaches with blue cheese and basil are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Peaches with Goat Cheese

One simple way to enjoy this pairing is to spread some young, soft goat cheese on a piece of crusty toast, top it with sliced peaches, and sprinkle with chopped thyme. This makes for a wonderful snack or a light lunch.

For a more substantial meal, try grilling your peaches. Halve and pit the peaches, brush both sides with butter, and place them on a hot grill for 4-5 minutes. Then, spread some goat cheese on a slice of thick bakery bread, top it with the grilled peach halves, and drizzle with a balsamic vinegar glaze. Sprinkle on some chopped thyme for an extra flavour boost.

If you're looking for a refreshing summer salad, combine sliced peaches with crumbled goat cheese, pistachios, and lavender. Drizzle with honey and add a few sprigs of rosemary. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal and can be paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

For a heartier option, try grilling some stone fruit, including peaches, nectarines, and apricots. Serve the grilled fruit with slices of goat cheese, prosciutto, and pepper salami. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze and enjoy with garlic and thyme crackers.

The versatility of peaches and goat cheese means that you can experiment with different preparations and additions to create a variety of dishes, from simple snacks to elegant appetisers or mains.

Peaches with Ricotta

Peaches and cheese is a classic sweet-and-savoury combination that works wonderfully as a light summer meal or snack. While there are several types of cheese that complement peaches, ricotta is a great choice. Here are some ideas for how to serve peaches with ricotta.

Ricotta and Peach Crostini

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, try making ricotta and peach crostinis. Start by slicing a baguette into thin pieces and toasting them. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese on each baguette slice, then top with sliced peaches. For added flavour, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or honey, and sprinkle with chopped herbs such as basil or rosemary.

Ricotta and Peach Salad

Create a refreshing summer salad by combining peaches and ricotta with mixed greens, such as arugula or baby spinach. Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pistachios or almonds, for crunch. You can also include other fruits, such as cherries or apricots, to enhance the sweetness. For a dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey.

Grilled Peach and Ricotta Toast

For a heartier option, try grilled peach and ricotta toast. Halve and pit fresh peaches, then brush with butter. Place the peach halves on a hot grill for a few minutes until slightly charred. Spread a generous amount of ricotta on thick slices of toasted bakery bread. Top with the grilled peach halves and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.

Ricotta and Peach Parfait

For a sweet breakfast or dessert option, layer ricotta cheese with sliced peaches in a parfait glass or jar. Drizzle each layer with honey and top with granola or chopped nuts for added texture and flavour. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced touch.

Ricotta and Peach Canapé

For a more sophisticated bite, create ricotta and peach canapés. Cut a baguette into thin slices and toast them. Spread a layer of ricotta on each slice, then top with diced peaches. Add a small piece of prosciutto and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs, such as basil or micro amaranth.

These are just a few ideas for how to enjoy the delicious combination of peaches and ricotta. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and additional ingredients to create your own unique dishes!

Peaches with Mascarpone

Peaches and cheese is a classic sweet-and-savoury combination that is perfect for a light summer meal or dessert. While there are many types of cheese that complement peaches, mascarpone is an excellent choice. Here are some ideas for creating delicious peach and mascarpone dishes.

Peach and Mascarpone Canapés

For a simple and elegant appetiser, try making peach and mascarpone canapés. Start by slicing a baguette into thin rounds and toasting them in the oven or on a grill. Spread a layer of mascarpone cheese on each crostini, then top with sliced or chopped peaches. For added flavour, drizzle the peaches with honey or balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with chopped herbs such as basil or rosemary. You could also add some arugula or red sorrel leaves for a touch of bitterness.

Grilled Peach and Mascarpone

Another option is to grill the peaches to bring out their natural sweetness. Halve and pit the peaches, then brush with butter. Place them on a hot grill for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly charred. Let them cool slightly, then serve with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction. You can also sprinkle the dish with crushed, spiced pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavour.

Peach and Mascarpone Dessert

For a more indulgent dessert, try a peach and mascarpone zabaglione. Create a creamy zabaglione by whisking egg yolks and sweet wine over a double boiler until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Layer sliced peaches and mascarpone in a dish, then top with the zabaglione and bake until golden. This dessert is sure to impress with its combination of warm, sweet peaches, creamy mascarpone, and fluffy zabaglione.

Peach and Cheese Platter

If you're looking for a more casual option, create a peach and cheese platter. Slice some fresh peaches and arrange them on a platter with a bowl of mascarpone. Add some other types of cheese, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, and a variety of crackers or bread. You can also include nuts, honey, and sliced meats such as prosciutto or salami. This allows your guests to create their own flavour combinations and explore the different tastes and textures.

When creating peach and mascarpone dishes, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Mascarpone is a soft, creamy, and mildly sweet cheese, so it pairs well with the sweetness of peaches and the crunch of nuts or the crispness of grilled bread. Play around with different ingredients and flavour combinations to find your favourite peach and mascarpone creations.

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