Cheese And Truffle: The Perfect Pairing

Truffle cheese is a rockstar in the culinary world, with its earthy notes, nutty flavour, and distinct aroma. While it can be expensive, there are now more affordable options available, such as truffle cheddar, that can be used to create a variety of dishes, from pasta to grilled cheese sandwiches. When paired with other ingredients, it is important that the truffle cheese is not overshadowed, as it should be the star of the dish.

Truffle cheese pasta

Ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice (Tagliatelle, Linguine, Penne, etc.)
• Shallots/Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms (optional)
• Butter
• Truffle cheese (Ilchester Truffle Cheddar, Parrano Truffle Cheese, etc.)
• Parmesan or Italian hard cheese (optional)
• Cream (Single, Double, Heavy, Half-and-half, etc.)
• Salt and Pepper
• Fresh Parsley (optional)
• Olive Oil
• Peas (optional)

Method:

• Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Add peas for the last minute of cooking time, then drain, reserving some of the cooking water.
• Heat olive oil in a deep pan and saute the shallots/onions for a few minutes until soft.
• Add the mushrooms, garlic, and butter to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the mushrooms are deeply browned and the liquid in the pan is evaporated.
• Add the cream and mix well. Turn off the heat.
• Add the grated truffle cheese and mix until melted and a thick sauce forms.
• Add the cooked pasta and peas to the sauce, along with fresh parsley if using. Toss until combined, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Truffle cheese can be expensive, but some supermarkets offer affordable options.
• This recipe is adaptable and can be modified to use different types of cheese, methods of adding truffle flavor, and mix-ins.
• For a vegetarian option, use Italian hard cheese instead of Parmesan.
• To thin out the sauce, use pasta cooking water or a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half.
• Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like tomatoes, breadcrumbs, or other types of mushrooms.

Wine pairings

When it comes to wine, the general rule of thumb is to select one that enhances the delicate notes of the truffle cheese, rather than overpowering or masking its flavour.

A crisp, dry sparkling wine such as Chanceny Saumur Brut from the Loire Valley is a great choice. This light sparkling wine, made from a blend of 80% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc, boasts floral and fruit notes that are both delicate and elegant, complementing the cheese splendidly.

If you prefer red wine, Le Petit Caboche is a superb option. Distinguished by its red fruit tones and subtle oak aroma, this wine pairs exquisitely with the flavour of the truffle cheese.

Aged, lightweight white wines such as Fray Leon Reserva Sauvignon Blanc provide the perfect balance to the earthy, nutty flavour of the cheese, creating a mouth-watering partnership.

For a perfect after-dinner treat, a bottle of Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port paired with Black Truffle Howling Hound cheddar cheese is a match made in culinary heaven.

When serving truffle cheese, it is important to remember that it should always be the star of the show. So, any accompaniments should serve to enhance the cheese rather than overshadow it. Neutral-flavoured crackers or bread are recommended so that the aromatic taste of the truffle cheddar is not compromised.

Meat pairings

When it comes to meat, truffles are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some meat pairings to consider:

Charcuterie and Cured Meats

Charcuterie boards with cured meats such as prosciutto, cured ham, and salami are a delicious way to showcase truffles. The salty and subtle flavours of these meats provide a delightful contrast to the earthy and aromatic notes of truffles.

Beef and Duck

For a heartier option, black truffles pair beautifully with rich, marbled cuts of beef or succulent duck breast. The earthy and subtle flavour of black truffles can accentuate the savoury taste of these meats.

Poultry

White truffles, known for their garlicky aroma, are a perfect match for poultry dishes. Chicken and turkey dishes can be enhanced by the delicate flavour of white truffles, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

Bacon

Bacon is a versatile meat that can be paired with truffles in a variety of dishes. From breakfast plates to salads, the savoury, salty flavour of bacon can be elevated by the addition of truffles.

Game Meats

Truffles can also be paired with game meats such as rabbit, or even more exotic choices like venison or wild boar. The unique flavour of these meats can be accentuated by the earthy notes of black truffles or the aromatic fragrance of white truffles.

Seafood

While not traditionally considered meat, seafood options such as scallops, langoustines, and shellfish can be paired with truffles for a luxurious dining experience. The briny flavours of the sea are elevated by the earthy or garlicky notes of truffles.

Truffle cheese toasties

Ingredients

• Truffle cheese (a variety of truffled cheeses can be used, such as truffle cheddar, truffle gouda, or truffle goat cheese)
• Bread (a neutral-flavoured bread is recommended to avoid compromising the aromatic taste of the truffle cheese)
• Butter
• Optional: truffle butter, truffle salt, or truffle oil to enhance the truffle flavour

Method

• Start by preparing your desired bread for toasting. A crusty bread or a neutral-flavoured bread such as sourdough is recommended to complement the truffle cheese.
• Spread butter on the bread, or use truffle butter for an extra indulgent touch.
• Generously layer slices of truffle cheese on the bread. For an even more intense truffle flavour, sprinkle truffle salt or a few drops of truffle oil over the cheese.
• Toast your sandwich in a sandwich press, panini press, or grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
• Enjoy your truffle cheese toastie!

Tips and Variations

• Experiment with different types of truffle cheese to find your favourite. Truffle cheddar, truffle gouda, and truffle goat cheese are all delicious options.
• For an extra special touch, serve your toasties with a side of chutney or caramelised onions.
• If you're feeling creative, try adding additional ingredients to your toastie, such as sliced tomatoes, arugula, or cured meats like prosciutto or salami.
• To make your truffle cheese go further, combine it with other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar in your toastie.

Indulge in the luxurious flavour of truffles with this simple and delicious truffle cheese toastie recipe. It's a perfect treat for yourself or to impress at your next dinner party!

Truffle mac and cheese

Ingredients

• Pasta (elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or tagliatelle)
• Butter
• Flour (all-purpose or cup for cup gluten-free)
• Milk
• Half and half (or light cream)
• Cheese (sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, Romano, or a mix)
• Truffle oil (white or black)
• Breadcrumbs (panko)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, smoked Gouda, Swiss cheese, smoked ham, or bacon

Method

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Make the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to form a roux. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
• Heat the milk until almost boiling, then gradually whisk it into the roux. Add the half and half, and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. You can use a mix of sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, or try Romano, smoked Gouda, or Swiss cheese.
• Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
• Pour the pasta and sauce into a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, then drizzle with truffle oil.
• Bake in the oven at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
• Serve warm as a main dish or a side.

Tips

• You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.
• If you can't get hold of truffle oil, you can use good quality olive oil or melted butter instead.
• For extra flavour, try adding some cooked, chopped bacon or smoked ham to the pasta before baking.

Frequently asked questions