Pineapple, Ham, And Cheese: The Perfect Trio

The combination of pineapple and cheese is a delightful culinary pairing that intrigues the palate with its juxtaposition of sweet and savoury flavours. This duo works wonders not just on pizzas but also in appetizers, salads, and even desserts. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to accompany pineapple and ham, several options come to mind:

- Cheddar Cheese: A classic, timeless choice with its distinct sharpness. The tangy edge of aged cheddar beautifully balances the sweetness of pineapple, making it a popular pairing for party platters.

- Mozzarella: Offers a softer, milder pairing, allowing the tropical zest of pineapple to shine through. It's a star ingredient in Hawaiian pizza, creating a cohesive bite.

- Brie: Adds a luxurious touch with its soft, buttery texture and rich flavour. The creamy consistency of brie complements the tangy-sweet notes of pineapple.

- Feta: For a bold, salty contrast, feta's crumbly texture and briny flavour make it the perfect foil to pineapple's sugary tang.

- Gouda: With its subtle sweetness and caramel-like undertones, gouda enhances the tropical flavour of pineapple while adding a savory complexity.

- Blue Cheese: For those feeling adventurous, blue cheese provides a sharp contrast to pineapple's sweetness. This pairing is bold and not for the faint of heart.

- Goat Cheese: A tangy, light, and slightly earthy option that highlights the tropical notes of pineapple while adding a creamy texture.

Pineapple and ham pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) container pineapple-flavored cream cheese (such as Philadelphia®)
• 3 (12-inch) flour tortillas
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• 3 green onions

Method:

• Spread the cream cheese onto each tortilla.
• Top with ham and a green onion.
• Starting with the green onion end, roll the tortilla into a log.
• Cut the ends from each roll to make a clean edge.
• Cut each log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces.

Tips:

• You can make these pinwheels 'seasonal' by using different flavored tortillas with different colouring.
• The logs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Cut when ready to serve.
• For a bolder flavour, try using sharp cheddar cheese instead of cream cheese.

Hawaiian pizza

The Hawaiian pizza is a fusion of sweet and savoury flavours, with its combination of tangy pineapple, creamy cheese, and salty ham or other toppings. Although it is a controversial dish, its popularity is undeniable. The key to the success of this pizza lies in the balance of textures and flavours. The melted cheese acts as a smooth, savoury base, while the pineapple provides bursts of sweetness in each bite. Even for those sceptical of the unusual combination, the contrasting flavours create an experience worth trying.

When it comes to cheese selection for a Hawaiian pizza, there are several options that pair well with pineapple. While mozzarella is the standard choice, other varieties can enhance the tropical flavour of the pineapple. Here are some alternative cheeses to consider:

• Aged Cheddar or Gouda: Using aged cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella adds a rich depth that complements the pineapple's sweetness.
• Asiago Stagionato: This aged Italian cheese is a firmer and saltier version of Asiago, often used in bagels. It has fruity and tropical flavour notes, making it an ideal pairing with pineapple.
• Smoked Gouda: If you're looking for a smoky flavour profile, smoked gouda is a great choice. Its washed-curd sweetness pairs beautifully with the tropical fruit.
• Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise: This raw cow's milk cheese is modelled after France's Abondance and has tasting notes reminiscent of pineapple. Its excellent melting properties make it a perfect choice for pizza toppings.

When crafting your Hawaiian pizza, remember to use high-quality, fresh pineapple or a premium canned product. You can also experiment with different types of ham and other toppings to find the perfect balance of flavours that suits your taste.

Grilled ham and cheese sandwich with pineapple

The grilled ham and cheese sandwich with pineapple is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. This recipe elevates the classic grilled cheese sandwich by adding a tropical twist. The key to this sandwich is the interplay of textures and flavours between the juicy pineapple, the savoury ham, and the creamy, melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sandwich bread (preferably whole wheat)
• 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or another cheese of your choice)
• 2 ounces of thinly sliced ham
• 2 thin slices of pineapple, cored
• 3 fresh basil leaves
• Butter, for grilling

Instructions:

• Layer the ingredients on one slice of bread in the following order: cheese, ham, pineapple, basil, and a second slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slice of bread.
• Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
• Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda, to find your favourite combination.
• If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the sandwich, you can use pineapple-flavoured cream cheese instead of sliced pineapple.
• For an extra indulgent touch, try spreading some butter on the outside of the bread before grilling. This will give the sandwich a crispy, golden crust.
• You can also use a sandwich press or panini maker instead of a skillet to cook the sandwich.

Pineapple cheese casserole

Ingredients:

This delicious casserole combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savouriness of cheese and the crunch of buttery crackers. It's the perfect side dish for a family gathering or potluck and can even double as a dessert! Here's what you'll need:

• 2 cans (20 ounces each) of pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
• 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve of buttery round crackers (about 1 3/4 cups crushed), Ritz crackers are a popular choice
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• Sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 6 tablespoons of juice for the recipe.

In a large bowl, combine sugar (if using), flour, and the reserved pineapple juice. Mix well. Add the pineapple chunks and stir to coat them evenly. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pineapple layer. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed cracker crumbs until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the cheese layer.

Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken and set.

Tips and Variations:

• You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to experiment! Other cheeses that go well with pineapple include mozzarella, brie, feta, gouda, and goat cheese.
• For a colourful addition, consider adding thawed cherries or other fruits, ensuring they are well-drained to avoid a soggy casserole.
• To make this dish even more indulgent, try adding a crisp, crumbly topping similar to an apple crisp topping.
• While this casserole is typically served as a side dish, it can also double as a dessert!

Salads featuring cheese and pineapple

Salads are a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of pineapple and cheese as a combination. The sweet and tangy notes of pineapple are beautifully balanced by the savouriness of cheese, creating a refreshing and indulgent sensory experience. Here are some salad ideas featuring this dynamic duo:

Feta and Pineapple Salad:

For a vibrant mix of sweet and salty, toss together fresh greens, feta crumbles, pineapple chunks, and a light vinaigrette. The saltiness of feta amplifies the sweetness of the pineapple, making it perfect for warm-weather dining. You can also add olives and greens like arugula for a heartier option.

Mozzarella and Pineapple Salad:

Combine pineapple chunks, mozzarella balls, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and indulgent appetizer. Fresh mozzarella works best for this salad as it absorbs the pineapple's juice, making each bite flavourful and juicy.

Goat Cheese and Pineapple Salad:

Spread goat cheese on crackers and top with a slice of pineapple for a quick, elegant snack. Alternatively, use this combination in flatbreads or salads to add a touch of sophistication to your everyday meals. The tangy and slightly earthy flavour of goat cheese highlights the tropical notes of pineapple.

Cheddar and Pineapple Salad:

Cheddar cheese, with its distinct sharpness, is a classic pairing with pineapple. You can create a simple yet sophisticated snack by skewering pineapple chunks and sharp cheddar cubes. This combination also works well in grilled dishes like sandwiches or burgers, where melting cheddar adds an irresistible layer of flavour.

Brie and Pineapple Salad:

Brie adds a luxurious touch to the pairing. Its soft, buttery texture and tangy-sweet flavour create an elegant balance with the fruity brightness of pineapple. Try wrapping brie and pineapple in puff pastry and baking it as a decadent appetiser, or serve them together on a charcuterie board.

These salad ideas showcase the versatility of pineapple and cheese, offering a delightful mix of flavours and textures. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a refreshing meal, these combinations are sure to tantalise your taste buds!

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