Cheese And Quince: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Quince is a versatile fruit that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. When cooked, it develops an orange-red hue and a beautifully sweet flavour, making it an ideal pairing for cheese. In France, it is traditional to serve quince paste with various cheeses during the holidays. The paste, also known as 'membrillo', is thick and sliceable, similar to a soft cheese, and can be spread on crackers or bread. It pairs well with both hard and soft cheeses, such as Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, Cheddar, Comte, Brie, Camembert, and Chevre. Quince jelly is also a popular pairing with blue vein cheese.

Manchego, a nutty-flavoured Spanish cheese

Quince is a fruit that becomes beautifully sweet when cooked, developing an orange-red hue. Quince paste, or "membrillo", is a traditional Spanish treat made from cooked quince. It is sliceable and spreadable and can be served with cheese.

When creating a cheese board with quince paste, it is recommended to include a mix of textures and flavours, with a variety of hard and soft cheeses. For a soft cheese to pair with quince, a creamy brie is a good choice due to its universal appeal and ability to pair well with additional toppings. Other soft cheeses that pair well with quince include Camembert, Brillat Savarin, chevre (goat cheese), feta, and halloumi. For more hard cheeses to accompany Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, sharp cheddar, aged Comte, and Tomme de Brebis are good options.

To prepare quince and Manchego as an appetiser, cut the quince paste into slices, and then into rectangles or diamond shapes. Cut the Manchego into slices, and then into squares or rectangles small enough to fit on a cracker. Place the cheese on the cracker and then the quince paste on top.

Parmigiano Reggiano, a crumbly Italian cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano is a crumbly Italian cheese that is a perfect pairing with quince. Quince is a fruit that, when cooked, develops an orange-red hue and becomes beautifully sweet. Its harsh raw tartness transforms into a more subdued and enjoyable flavour. Quince is often made into a paste, or "quince cheese", which has a soft texture similar to that of soft cheese. It can be sliced, spread, or crumbled, making it a versatile addition to any cheeseboard.

When it comes to pairing quince with Parmigiano Reggiano, the contrast between the crumbly cheese and the soft, spreadable quince creates an interesting textural combination. The saltiness of Parmigiano Reggiano also balances the sweetness of quince, creating a delightful flavour profile. The sharpness of the cheese enhances the sweetness of the quince, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste experience.

In terms of presentation, a simple yet effective approach is to serve a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano alongside the quince paste. This allows your guests to crumble the cheese over the quince or cut it into bite-sized squares for easy popping into the mouth. You can also get creative by spreading the quince paste on crackers or bread and then topping it with crumbled Parmigiano Reggiano for a tasty bite-sized treat.

When creating a cheeseboard featuring Parmigiano Reggiano and quince, consider including a variety of textures and flavours. You can add other hard cheeses such as Manchego or Sharp Cheddar, or soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. To enhance the experience further, incorporate fresh or dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and bread. The versatility of quince and Parmigiano Reggiano makes them a perfect pairing, as they can be presented in multiple ways to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Whether you choose to serve them as a simple duo or as part of a larger spread, Parmigiano Reggiano and quince are a delicious combination that your guests are sure to enjoy. The contrast between the salty, crumbly cheese and the sweet, soft quince creates a unique sensory experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sharp cheddar, especially an aged white cheddar

Aged white cheddar has a bite to it, which works well with the sweet notes of quince. The nuttiness of the cheese also works in harmony with the sweetness of the quince. Quince paste is a traditional Spanish pairing with Manchego, a mild, nutty Spanish cheese. However, an aged white cheddar can be a great substitute for this classic combination. The sharpness of the cheddar will add a new dimension to the pairing.

When creating a cheeseboard with quince, it is a good idea to include a variety of textures and flavours. Quince paste is soft, so including some hard cheeses, like cheddar, will create an interesting contrast. You could also include some other elements like nuts, fresh fruit, bread, and crackers. A cheeseboard with quince paste and a variety of cheeses, including a sharp white cheddar, will be a showstopper at any gathering.

If you are creating canapes or appetizers, quince paste can be cut into small rectangles or diamonds, or even into shapes using small cookie cutters. These can be paired with slices of cheddar and placed on crackers for an easy, delicious bite. The sharpness of the cheddar will be a great foil for the sweetness of the quince, creating a tasty mouthful.

Whether on a cheeseboard or as part of an appetizer, sharp cheddar and quince is a pairing that will delight and surprise your guests. The contrast between the sharp, nutty cheddar and the sweet, tart quince creates a complex and satisfying flavour profile.

Blue cheese, especially with quince jelly

Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese with a pungent aroma and a rich, salty taste. When paired with the sweet and tangy flavour of quince, it creates a delightful combination that enhances the flavour of both ingredients. Quince, a golden-yellow fruit related to apples and pears, has a unique flavour profile that ranges from tart and astringent when raw to sweet and aromatic when cooked.

Quince jelly, in particular, is an excellent companion to blue cheese. The jelly can range from a firm, sliceable consistency to a softer, spreadable texture, offering versatility in presentation and serving options. When quince is cooked, it develops an orangish-red hue and a beautifully sweet taste, making it an ideal partner for the salty, creamy, or crumbly characteristics of blue cheese.

To create a well-rounded cheese platter featuring blue cheese and quince jelly, consider adding a variety of textures and flavours. Include some hard cheeses, such as Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, or aged cheddar, which provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of blue cheese. You can also add some soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, for a smoother, more spreadable option. Don't forget to include crackers, bread, or fresh fruit like persimmons or apples to complement the flavours and provide a neutral base for the stronger flavours of the blue cheese and quince jelly.

When serving, arrange the cheeses, quince jelly, and accompaniments artfully on a cheese board or platter. Add some festive touches, such as cinnamon sticks or seasonal fruits, to elevate the presentation. Provide a sharp knife for slicing the cheeses and jelly, and offer a variety of crackers or bread options to cater to different tastes. Remember to bring the blue cheese to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its flavour and texture.

By combining blue cheese, especially with quince jelly, you create a sophisticated flavour profile that will impress your guests and elevate your cheese course to a new level of deliciousness.

Brie or Camembert

Both Brie and Camembert are soft cheeses that are easy to find and pair well with quince paste. Brie is a little stronger than Camembert, so the choice depends on your taste preference. Quince paste is a very traditional Spanish sweet, thick jelly that is sliceable and spreadable. It is usually served with cheese for the holidays in Provence, France.

Quince paste has a sweet and tart flavour profile, and its soft texture and spreadability are similar to that of a soft cheese. Thus, it is recommended to pair it with a few soft and hard cheeses to create a variety of textures and flavours on your cheese board.

When serving Brie or Camembert with quince paste, it is best to include some extra toppings or spreads, as these cheeses go well with additional flavours. You can also include other elements like nuts, fresh fruit, bread, and crackers to enhance your cheese board.

In addition to quince paste, Brie and Camembert pair well with other sweet and tart accompaniments, such as fruit butter, cranberry sauce, and jams. These cheeses are versatile and can be enjoyed with a range of sweet and savoury combinations.

Frequently asked questions