Cheese And Truffle Mouse: A Perfect Pairing

Truffle cheese is a type of cheese that has been flavoured with truffles, a culinary fungus that grows underground. Any style of cheese made from any type of milk can be flavoured with truffles, and the result is a cheese with an earthy, pungent, nutty flavour. Truffles are often shaved thinly and sprinkled over dishes like pasta, risotto, or eggs. Truffle cheese can be used in the same way, grated over dishes like pasta, pizza, or mac 'n' cheese. It can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or melted into a fondue. When serving truffle cheese, it's best to keep it simple so that the truffle flavour can shine through. A sliced baguette or plain crackers are ideal accompaniments, and a glass of sparkling wine or pinot noir can add to the pleasure of eating truffle cheese.

Truffle cheese and wine

Truffle cheese is a unique and indulgent treat, boasting earthy notes, nutty flavours, and a distinct aroma. When it comes to wine, the key is to select one that complements and enhances the delicate flavour profile of the truffle cheese without overpowering it.

Sparkling Wines

For a light and elegant pairing, consider a crisp, dry sparkling wine. Chanceny Saumur Brut from the Loire Valley is an excellent choice, blending 80% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay, and 10% Chenin Blanc. This wine offers floral and fruity notes that beautifully complement the earthy richness of truffle cheese.

Red Wines

If you prefer red wine, look for options with subtle red fruit tones and a delicate aroma. Le Petit Caboche, with its subtle oak scent, is an exquisite match for truffle cheese. It's important to avoid bold, highly tannic reds, as they can mask the subtle flavours of the cheese.

White Wines

Aged, lightweight white wines can also provide a wonderful contrast to the earthy, nutty flavours of truffle cheese. A Fray Leon Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, for example, offers a perfect balance. However, avoid heavily oaked whites, as they can clash with the truffle's delicate characteristics.

Dessert Wines

For a sweet conclusion to your meal, pair a bottle of Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port with a black truffle cheddar. This combination is a match made in culinary heaven, providing a delightful after-dinner treat.

General Guidelines

When pairing wine with truffle cheese, remember that the cheese is the star of the show. Opt for wines that enhance rather than overwhelm its delicate yet distinctive flavour. Experimentation is encouraged, but caution is advised with very spicy foods, bold reds, and vinegar-based sauces, as they can clash with the creamy richness of truffle cheese.

Truffle cheese and meat

Truffle cheese is any type of cheese flavoured with truffles, a culinary fungus that grows underground. Truffles have an earthy, nutty aroma and flavour. When it comes to meat, there are several options that pair well with truffle cheese.

Prosciutto di Parma

The salty yet subtle flavour of Prosciutto di Parma is a classic choice to accompany truffle cheese. Its thin slices of cured ham offer a sensational contrast, boosting the overall taste experience.

Cured Salami

Cured salami, such as Soppressata, is another mouth-watering option. It creates a heavenly symphony of flavours and textures when paired with truffle cheese.

Charcuterie

Various charcuterie boards and cured meats complement the earthy, nutty notes of truffle cheese. From thin slices of cured ham to salami, the options are endless.

Burgers

For a more indulgent option, try topping your burger with truffle mousse and melted provolone cheese. This combination will surely impress at your next summer cookout or special occasion.

Truffle Mousse Pâté

This decadent option combines creamy chicken livers, porcini mushrooms, black truffles, and sherry wine. Spread it on a fresh baguette and top it with salami and sundried cherries for a sweet and savoury bite.

When pairing truffle cheese with meat, remember that the cheese should be the star of the show. Choose meats that enhance the delicate, earthy flavours of the cheese rather than overpowering them.

Truffle cheese and chutney

Truffle cheese is a show-stealer, with its earthy, nutty, and aromatic flavours. When choosing a chutney to pair with it, you want something that complements the cheese without overpowering its delicate yet distinctive taste.

A rich, deep chutney with a unique flavour can be the perfect companion to truffle cheese. Godminster, a producer of the award-winning Howling Hound Black Truffle Cheddar, recommends their Sticky Fig Chutney, which they say is the ultimate truffle cheese companion. The fresh fig flavour is said to burst through and complement the earthy notes of the truffle cheese.

When it comes to chutney, it's best to avoid anything with very spicy, bold, or vinegar-heavy flavours, as these can clash with the truffle cheese. Instead, opt for something with a touch of sweetness, like fig, or a more subtle savoury chutney.

Remember, the truffle cheese is the star of the show, so choose a chutney that will enhance rather than overwhelm its flavour. You could also serve the truffle cheese with neutral-flavoured crackers or bread, to ensure the aromatic taste isn't compromised.

Truffle cheese and bread

Truffle cheese is any type of cheese flavoured with truffles, a culinary fungus that grows underground. It has an earthy, pungent, nutty flavour. When serving truffle cheese, keep the presentation simple so that the truffle flavour can be the star of the show. A sliced baguette or plain crackers are ideal accompaniments.

Truffle cheese can also be grated over eggs, pizza, pasta, mac 'n' cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, risotto, or melted into a fondue. It can be used to make toasties, such as Godminster's award-winning Howling Hound Black Truffle Cheddar toasties with sticky marmite onions.

Truffle mousse, on the other hand, is a decadent combination of pâté and truffles. It can be spread over a fresh baguette and topped with salami and dried fruit for a sweet and savoury bite. It can also be used as a topping for burgers.

Truffle cheese and pasta

Truffle cheese is a luxurious and indulgent ingredient that can elevate a simple dish of pasta into something truly special. With its earthy, nutty flavours and distinctive aroma, truffle cheese adds a unique depth of flavour to pasta dishes.

When choosing a truffle cheese for your pasta, consider a semi-soft or hard cheese that can be grated over your dish. Examples include Sottocenere, a semi-soft Italian cheese with a strong truffle aroma and milder truffle flavour, or Truffle Tremor, a soft and fluffy pasteurized goat's milk cheese with black truffle bits. These cheeses will allow the truffle flavour to shine through without overwhelming the other ingredients.

For the pasta itself, a creamy base will complement the truffle cheese well. Think rich and indulgent—a béchamel or alfredo sauce, perhaps—to create a truly decadent dish. You could also try a truffle-infused pasta, where the truffle flavour is incorporated directly into the dough. This would be an excellent choice for pasta shapes like tortellini or ravioli, where the filling can also be enhanced with truffle cheese.

When it comes to accompaniments, keep things simple and avoid overpowering the delicate flavours of the truffle cheese. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. To drink, a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a lightweight white wine will enhance the flavours without overwhelming them.

Finally, don't forget that truffle cheese is the star of the dish, so use it sparingly and allow its distinctive flavour to shine. With its heady aroma and earthy notes, truffle cheese will elevate your pasta dish into something truly memorable.

Frequently asked questions