Cheese And Apple Pairing: The Best Combinations To Try

Apples and cheese are a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The variety of both apples and cheese means that there are endless flavour combinations to explore. While some apple and cheese pairings are more popular than others, it's hard to go wrong with this classic duo.

Gala apples and cheddar

Gala apples are a versatile ingredient, suitable for both sweet and savoury dishes. They are particularly good for creating sauces, and baking, such as apple pie. Their sweetness and crisp texture also make them a great choice for cheese pairings.

When it comes to cheddar, a naturally-aged, extra sharp variety is the best match for Gala apples. The sharpness of the cheddar provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apple, creating a delightful flavour combination.

For a simple yet delicious snack, try slicing up a Gala apple and pairing it with a piece of cheddar. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also try making an apple cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. To make this savoury treat, layer sliced Gala apples with cheddar cheese between two slices of bread (sourdough or whole wheat work well) and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Honeycrisp apples and Gruyere

The combination of Honeycrisp apples and Gruyere is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury, making it a perfect addition to any charcuterie board. The crispness of the apple provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the cheese, while the sweetness of the apple is balanced by the saltiness of the Gruyere. This pairing is a true taste sensation, offering a delightful interplay of flavours and textures that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

One delicious way to enjoy this pairing is in the form of Gruyere, apple, and ham toasts with thyme and honey. This recipe calls for toasting whole-grain bread, topping it with smoked Gruyere, salty ham, and thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, and then broiling it to melty perfection. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme add the perfect finishing touch, making these toasts perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.

If you're looking for a more simple way to enjoy this flavour combination, try a classic apple and cheese plate. Simply slice up some Honeycrisp apples and pair them with a hunk of Gruyere. This easy pairing is a great option for a quick snack or appetizer and allows the flavours of the apple and cheese to truly shine.

Whether you're enjoying them in a fancy toast or simply sliced and paired together, Honeycrisp apples and Gruyere are a delicious combination that is sure to satisfy your sweet and savoury cravings. So why not give this flavourful pairing a try and experience the magic of Honeycrisp and Gruyere for yourself?

Granny Smith apples and blue cheese

This pairing is a great addition to a charcuterie board, or as part of a salad. For a sweet and savoury salad, try combining thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, blue cheese, and candied pecans or walnuts. To add extra flavour, you could also include red onion and a vinaigrette dressing.

If you want to make your salad even more special, you could poach the apples before adding them. To do this, combine red wine, water, lemon zest, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil, then add the apples. Cover and poach over low heat, turning occasionally, until just tender. Remove from the heat and place the apples in the refrigerator to cool.

For a unique twist on this pairing, try adding a medium-bodied, fruity red wine like Merlot. This will add extra sweetness to the Granny Smith apples and is a great way to make them more palatable if you're not a fan of sour flavours.

Red Delicious apples and cheddar

Red Delicious apples are characterised by their deep red colour and sweet, crisp flavour. When paired with cheddar, the apple's sweetness is accentuated, providing a delightful counterpoint to the sharpness of the cheese. The crisp texture of the apple also creates a pleasant contrast to the creaminess of the cheddar.

When choosing a cheddar to pair with Red Delicious apples, consider a sharp cheddar, such as the Wisconsin variety, which has a rich, nutty flavour. Smoked cheddar is another excellent option, adding a depth of flavour to the pairing. For something a little different, try a garlic cheddar, which will bring a savoury kick to the combination.

To elevate this pairing, consider adding complementary ingredients. Caramelised onions, for example, can add a sweet and savoury dimension, while a drizzle of honey can enhance the sweetness of the apple. You could also try adding some crunch with walnuts, or a touch of spice with cinnamon.

Whether enjoyed as a snack, an appetiser, or a component of a larger spread, Red Delicious apples and cheddar is a timeless combination that is sure to satisfy.

Fuji apples and gorgonzola

The Fuji apple is a moderately-sized fruit, averaging 6 to 8 centimetres in diameter, with a round to ovate shape and a slightly lopsided appearance. Its skin is semi-thick, smooth, and waxy, with a yellow-green base covered in red-pink striping and blush. The flesh is dense, aqueous, crisp, and fine-grained, with a sweet-tart flavour and notes of honey and citrus.

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese, typically made from unskimmed cow's milk. It has a distinctive strong, sharp, and salty flavour with a creamy texture.

The combination of sweet and crisp Fuji apples with the salty and sharp gorgonzola makes for a delicious pairing. This duo can be enjoyed as part of a charcuterie board or incorporated into various dishes, such as salads or grilled cheese sandwiches.

For example, a kale salad with Fuji apples and gorgonzola is a fresh and tasty option. The recipe includes kale, dried cherries, red onions, apple chunks, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, and dry-roasted sunflower seeds. Another option is a Fuji apple salad inspired by Panera's version, which includes spring mix, romaine, baby spinach, Fuji apple slices, grilled chicken breasts, crumbled gorgonzola, pepitas or toasted pecans, and a white balsamic vinaigrette.

Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or incorporated into a recipe, the combination of Fuji apples and gorgonzola is a delightful pairing of sweet and savoury flavours.

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