Pairing Cheeses With Strawberries: A Delicious Combination

While strawberries are commonly combined with dairy products like milk and cream, they are less frequently paired with cheese. However, the sweet and sour taste of strawberries can complement the salty, spicy, and earthy flavours of certain cheeses. Some cheeses that go well with strawberries include naturally aged cheddars, naturally smoked cheese, premium Monterey Jacks, goat cheese, and ricotta.

Strawberries and ricotta

You can then assemble a summer berry cheese board with strawberries and ricotta as the stars of the show. Place the ricotta mixture onto a large cheese board and assemble the other cheeses around it. Fill in the spaces with the strawberries, nuts, and crackers. You could also add other berries such as raspberries and blueberries to complement the strawberries and ricotta.

For a savoury option, you could try making ravioli with strawberries and ricotta. This would be a unique and interesting way to enjoy the classic combination of strawberries and ricotta.

Goat's cheese and strawberries

Goats Cheese and Strawberries

The combination of goats cheese and strawberries is a match made in heaven. The salty, tangy cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delicious contrast of flavours. This pairing is a great way to elevate a simple dish and impress your guests. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate these two ingredients into your next meal:

Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

For a tasty appetiser or snack, try making strawberry goat cheese bruschetta. This dish combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. To make this dish, simply grill slices of Italian bread, top them with goat cheese, and add diced strawberries that have been tossed in a balsamic reduction. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful and delicious appetiser.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini

Another delicious option is strawberry goat cheese crostini. Similar to the bruschetta, this dish features toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese and thinly sliced strawberries. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with fresh mint or basil for a refreshing and elegant appetiser. The sweetness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the goat cheese complement each other perfectly, making it a delightful choice for a summer meal.

Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Salad

If you're looking for a refreshing summer salad, try combining strawberries, basil, and goat cheese. This salad is a twist on the classic Caprese salad, substituting strawberries for tomatoes and goat cheese for mozzarella. The addition of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper takes this salad to the next level. The sweetness of the strawberries is balanced by the tangy cheese and the herbal notes of the basil, creating a flavourful and beautiful dish.

Other Tips and Variations

When pairing strawberries and goat cheese, the key is to find a balance between sweet and savoury. Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:

• Use ripe, red strawberries for the best flavour and presentation.
• If your strawberries are not sweet enough, toss them with a bit of honey or maple syrup before adding them to your dish.
• For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute vegan sour cream or omit the goat cheese altogether.
• Play with different herbs such as mint, basil, or thyme to add a refreshing flavour to your dish.
• If you're looking for a more substantial dish, serve the strawberry and goat cheese salad over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach.
• Get creative with your balsamic vinegar by making a balsamic reduction or glaze, which will add a thick, sweet, and sour dimension to your dish.

Cheddar and strawberries

While strawberries are commonly combined with dairy products such as milk and cream, they can also be paired with cheese. The sweet and sour taste of strawberries pairs well with the salty and spicy character of cheese.

When it comes to Cheddar and strawberries, this combination is a match made in heaven. Cheddar is a type of firm or all-purpose cheese with a low moisture content, which gives it a tough exterior. When paired with the sweetness of strawberries, the cheese becomes a delicious snack or ingredient in a variety of dishes.

One way to enjoy Cheddar and strawberries is to create a simple yet elegant appetizer. Slice some fresh, ripe strawberries and arrange them on a plate with cubes or slices of Cheddar. You can also add some nuts, such as almonds or pecans, and a drizzle of honey to complement the flavours.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try making a strawberry and Cheddar salad. Toss together mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and cubed Cheddar cheese. For an extra burst of flavour, add some chopped basil or mint leaves and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

For a heartier meal, consider making a grilled cheese sandwich with a twist. Layer sliced strawberries and Cheddar between two slices of bread, butter the outside of the bread, and grill until golden brown. The warmth of the grilled sandwich will bring out the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delightful contrast with the savoury Cheddar.

So, the next time you're looking for a unique yet delicious combination, give Cheddar and strawberries a try. Whether it's a simple snack or a creative culinary dish, this pairing is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Monterey Jack and strawberries

Monterey Jack, also known as Jack, is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It is made using cow's milk and originated in Monterey, California. It is a versatile cheese that can be eaten on its own or melted into dishes like quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pasta.

When it comes to pairing cheese with strawberries, the sweet and sour taste of strawberries combines surprisingly well with the salty and spicy character of certain cheeses. Monterey Jack is one such cheese that pairs well with strawberries. The mild flavour and slight sweetness of Monterey Jack complement the sweetness of strawberries, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

To elevate this pairing, consider incorporating other ingredients that enhance the flavours of both the cheese and the strawberries. For example, fresh basil or bell peppers can add a refreshing touch, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can provide a delightful contrast with its fruity acidity.

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, try arranging sliced strawberries and Monterey Jack on a platter, perhaps with some crackers or bread. This combination is perfect for a summer snack or as part of a cheese course. Additionally, consider the following recipe ideas:

• Strawberry and Monterey Jack quesadillas: Layer sliced strawberries and shredded Monterey Jack between two tortillas and grill until the cheese is melted.
• Strawberry, Monterey Jack, and basil skewers: Thread fresh strawberries, cubes of Monterey Jack, and basil leaves onto skewers for a refreshing and tasty treat.

Gouda and strawberries

While it may seem unusual to pair fruit and cheese together in a hot dip, it is a common practice to combine strawberries with dairy products such as milk or cream. A hot smoked gouda strawberry cheese dip is a perfect example of this combination. This dish is inspired by the classic pairing of brie and jam on crackers.

To make this dish, you will need cream cheese, smoked gouda, fresh strawberries, and a baguette or long seeded loaf. The cream cheese and gouda are combined and mixed until incorporated, and then the strawberries are gently folded in. This mixture is then baked in the oven until melted and puffed, with the strawberries adding a fruity touch. The bread is buttered and baked until crispy, providing the perfect vessel for the dip.

The result is a delicious, melty, and gooey treat that is best enjoyed fresh and ideally shared with friends outdoors. This unique combination of gouda and strawberries creates a harmonious balance of flavours and textures, making it a delightful and unexpected culinary experience.

In addition to this hot dip, aged gouda can also be paired with strawberries and balsamic vinegar, offering a more savoury take on the combination. The salty and spicy character of gouda complements the sweet and sour taste of strawberries, creating a delightful contrast that surprises the palate.

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