Rosemary's Perfect Cheese Pairing Partners

Rosemary is a versatile herb that adds a flavorful and aromatic touch to any cheese platter. Its woody and slightly piney flavor complements a wide variety of cheeses. Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese pair well with rosemary, as their creamy texture blends beautifully with the herb's fragrance. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan also work well, creating a well-balanced pairing. For bolder flavors, blue cheeses such as gorgonzola and roquefort can be paired with rosemary for a unique combination. Additionally, rosemary is a great addition to baked goods like biscuits and crackers, often combined with cheeses such as cheddar and gruyere.

Rosemary and blue cheese puffs

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted according to package directions and kept cold
• 4 ounces of blue cheese, cut into small squares
• 2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method

Blue cheese and rosemary is a unique and pungent combination. The sharp and tangy notes of blue cheese blend harmoniously with the herbal undertones of rosemary, offering a complex and robust flavor profile.

These rosemary and blue cheese puffs are perfect as appetisers, canapes, hors d'oeuvres, starters, or party food. They are the fastest way to serve guests a warm bite, and they are super easy to make.

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll the puff pastry out onto a floured surface to a square or rectangle shape. Cut squares that are 1 1/2-inches (3 ½ cm) in diameter.

Place a piece of blue cheese in the center of the pastry square. Sprinkle with rosemary and wrap the pastry tightly around the cheese with the seam on the bottom. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat until all the pastry is used.

Brush all the puffs with the egg wash.

Bake for 20-22 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.

Tips

• These puffs travel well. Make them the day before, reheat per the instructions above, and wrap well in foil. They will still be warm if you have a 10-15 minute drive to your destination.
• You can make them round or square, just try and get a good seal of the pastry. It is inevitable that some cheese will ooze out of some of them. This is okay, it just adds to the homey look and there's nothing better than browned, crispy cheese.

Rosemary-infused cheese

Rosemary is a versatile herb that complements a wide variety of cheeses, making it a classic choice for cheese and herb pairings. The woody and slightly piney flavour of rosemary adds a flavorful and aromatic touch to any cheese platter.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese pair excellently with rosemary. The creamy texture of these cheeses creates a delightful and indulgent flavour combination with the herbal notes of rosemary. For a simple yet elegant appetiser, top some crackers or bread with goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, or create a more substantial dish by spreading goat cheese on a sandwich.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan also work well with rosemary. The sharp and nutty flavours of these cheeses contrast nicely with the earthy and aromatic taste of rosemary, resulting in a well-balanced pairing. Try adding shredded aged cheddar and dried rosemary to biscuit dough for a savoury snack, or sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of rosemary crackers.

Blue Cheeses

For those who enjoy bold flavours, blue cheeses such as gorgonzola and roquefort can be paired with rosemary for a unique and pungent combination. The sharp and tangy notes of blue cheese blend harmoniously with the herbal undertones of rosemary. Create a sophisticated snack by adding blue cheese to a cracker topped with rosemary-roasted walnuts, or get creative and make a bacon, caramelised onion, and rosemary pizza with blue cheese.

Wine Pairings

To enhance your rosemary-infused cheese experience, pair it with a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. The crisp and fruity notes of these wines will complement the herbal flavours of the cheese, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.

Culinary Applications

Whether you're a fan of soft, hard, or blue cheeses, infusing them with rosemary will surely take your taste buds on an aromatic journey. So, get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and culinary applications to discover your favourite rosemary-infused cheese combinations.

Rosemary and cheddar biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, plus more for topping
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 cup milk

Method

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and milk and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cheese, rosemary, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add the butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will cause the biscuits to become flat. If the butter becomes too warm, place the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes.

Gently stir in the milk mixture until just combined. Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of dough and place onto a baking sheet, making 12 biscuits. Top each biscuit with extra cheese.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or warm.

Tips

• For a more uniform shape, roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out the biscuits.
• For a more crunchy texture, sprinkle a little cheese on top of the biscuits before baking.
• These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.
• For a stronger flavour, use fresh rosemary instead of dried.

Soft cheeses like brie and camembert

Rosemary and brie can be combined in a variety of dishes, such as pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even desserts. For instance, rosemary-infused oil can be used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, which can then be spread on bread and topped with grated gouda cheese for a flavourful grilled cheese sandwich. Alternatively, rosemary can be added to sugar syrup, which can then be used in desserts such as sorbets, cakes, and fruit salads.

In addition to enhancing the flavour of sweet dishes, rosemary also pairs well with other ingredients commonly used in cheese dishes. For example, rosemary can be added to walnuts to create a tasty topping for brie or camembert. The herb can also be combined with garlic, chiles, and olive oil to create a feta confit, which can be spread on crackers or bread.

When pairing rosemary with soft cheeses, it is important to consider the robustness of the herb in relation to the cheese. While a strong herb like rosemary can stand up to bold, aged cheeses, it can also be used to enhance the flavour of milder, creamy cheeses like brie and camembert. The key is to find a balance between the herbal notes of the rosemary and the creamy texture and flavour of the cheese.

Hard cheeses like aged cheddar and parmesan

Aged cheddar, with its sharp and tangy taste, is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes featuring rosemary. For instance, rosemary and aged cheddar biscuits are a tasty treat, offering a crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. The savoury cheddar and fragrant rosemary create an addictive combination. Another option is to create a hearty soup featuring aged cheddar and rosemary, a perfect comfort dish for cold weather.

Parmesan, with its distinctive nutty and salty flavour, also pairs beautifully with rosemary. Grated parmesan can be used in recipes such as rosemary parmesan crackers or straws, adding a savoury depth to the herbal notes of rosemary. The salty, umami flavour of parmesan can also balance out the sweetness of rosemary, making it a versatile ingredient in dishes featuring this herb.

In addition to aged cheddar and parmesan, other hard cheeses can also be considered when pairing with rosemary. For a unique flavour profile, try a strong, mature cheddar or a hard sheep's milk cheese like pecorino. The sharpness of these cheeses will create a delightful contrast with the aromatic rosemary.

When creating dishes with hard cheeses and rosemary, consider the balance of flavours and textures. The robust nature of hard cheeses can stand up to the strong flavour of rosemary, so feel free to experiment with different combinations. Whether you're creating appetisers, snacks, or main courses, the combination of hard cheeses and rosemary is sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions