Cheese And Apple: The Perfect Pairing

what cheese is best with apples

Apples and cheese are a classic combination, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. While some may prefer to enjoy their fruit and cheese separately, many would argue that certain types of apples and cheese are made for each other. From crisp, sweet apples like Ambrosia, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp, to the deep green Granny Smith, known for its tartness—there's an apple for every cheese.

Characteristics Values
Apple variety Gala, Honey Crisp, McIntosh, Granny Smith, Pinata, Fuji, Ambrosia, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp
Apple color Red, yellow, pink, green, yellow-green, red and green
Apple taste Sweet, tart, super sweet, sweet-tart, tropical, mellow, vanilla-like, juicy, crisp
Cheese variety Edam, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Alpine Cheddar, Seriously Sharp, Blue, Goat, Gorgonzola, Cabot Pepper Jack, Cabot Alpine Cheddar, Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar
Cheese taste Sharp, nutty, creamy-sharp, salty, full-bodied, fruity, mild, nutty sharp, wild-natured sharpness, smooth

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Granny Smith apples with Blue cheese and Merlot wine

Apples and cheese are a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Granny Smith apples, in particular, are a great choice for cheese pairings due to their unique tartness. When paired with sharp blue cheese, the sourness of Granny Smith apples is balanced out by the strong flavour of the cheese.

To take this pairing to the next level, consider adding a glass of medium-bodied, fruity red wine like Merlot. The added sweetness from the Merlot will further enhance the flavour profile by complementing the sharpness of the blue cheese. This trio of Granny Smith apples, blue cheese, and Merlot wine creates a dynamic combination that is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

For a simple yet indulgent treat, try a Granny Smith apple and blue cheese crostini. Top a bagel or a slice of French bread with thin apple slices, a generous helping of blue cheese, and a drizzle of honey. To add an extra crunch, sprinkle on some toasted walnuts or pecans.

If you're looking for a more substantial snack or appetizer, consider spreading blue cheese on a bagel or toast and topping it with thin slices of Granny Smith apple. This combination provides a contrast of textures and flavours that is sure to satisfy.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a gathering, the pairing of Granny Smith apples with blue cheese and Merlot wine is a unique and delightful option. The combination of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. So, the next time you're looking for a unique snack, give Granny Smith apples and blue cheese a try!

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Honey Crisp apples with Alpine Cheddar

The combination of apples and cheese is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury. While there are many types of apples and cheese to choose from, a Honey Crisp apple with Alpine Cheddar is a pairing worth trying. Honey Crisp apples, with their greenish-gold and red hues, offer a rich, spicy-sweet, crisp, and juicy flavour. Alpine Cheddar, a naturally aged cheese, will add a bold and sharp contrast to the apple's sweetness.

To elevate this pairing, consider serving the apple slices with a sprinkling of lemon juice to prevent discolouration and add a tangy twist. For an extra special touch, include some prosciutto, fig jam, and thyme on the side. The salty, sweet, and herbal notes of these additions will complement the apple and cheese combination beautifully.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try incorporating Honey Crisp apples and Alpine Cheddar into a baked dish, such as a twist on the classic apple crisp or pie. The sharpness of Alpine Cheddar can be a subtle, nutty element in a crumble topping or a more pronounced flavour when paired with apple pie instead of ice cream.

For a savoury option, try sliced Honey Crisp apples and Alpine Cheddar on toast, with Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. This combination will create a delightful interplay of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours.

No matter which way you choose to pair them, Honey Crisp apples and Alpine Cheddar are sure to be a tasty treat, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of apples and cheese together.

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Gala apples with goat cheese and Pinot Grigio wine

Gala apples, goat cheese, and Pinot Grigio wine make for a delightful trio. The semi-soft goat cheese, also known as chèvre in French, pairs well with the earthy taste of Gala apples. The goat cheese can be cooked with spicy flavours or Boursin-style flavours, such as Pennyroyal Laychee with Chive Flowers. The Gala apple's soft texture is perfect for baking and balances out the strong flavours of the cheese.

Pinot Grigio, a white wine variety, is a refreshing choice to complement the strong flavours of goat cheese and the sweetness of Gala apples. Its crisp and dry taste with hints of citrus and green apple will enhance the flavours of the cheese and apple pairing.

When creating a charcuterie board, consider adding Gala apples and goat cheese to your selection of cheeses, meats, and crackers. The sweetness of the apples and the tanginess of the cheese will provide a delightful contrast in flavours and textures. To elevate the experience, pair it with a glass of Pinot Grigio wine.

For a unique culinary experience, try incorporating Gala apples, goat cheese, and Pinot Grigio wine into a savoury dish. The apple can be diced and added to a curry or a turnover, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy notes of the dish. The goat cheese can be melted over the apple, creating a creamy texture and a flavourful combination.

In conclusion, the pairing of Gala apples with goat cheese and Pinot Grigio wine offers a delightful sensory journey. The earthy notes of the Gala apple complement the tangy and creamy goat cheese, while the crisp and dry Pinot Grigio wine enhances the flavours and provides a refreshing contrast. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack, on a charcuterie board, or incorporated into a savoury dish, this trio is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Fuji apples with Gorgonzola or Vermont Sharp Cheddar

Fuji apples are a versatile variety, ranging from very red to yellow-green with red highlights, and are known for their super sweet and juicy taste. They are also great for snacking, baking, or adding to a dish for a fresh topping.

Gorgonzola is a rich, creamy, semi-soft Italian cheese with a distinctive tang and bold flavour similar to blue cheese. The flavour might be a little too bold for some to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with the sweetness of Fuji apples creates a beautiful balance and contrast of flavours. A fall apple and gorgonzola salad is a great way to enjoy this pairing, with the addition of toasted walnuts, autumn greens, and a homemade vinaigrette. Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or marinated tofu to turn it into a satisfying main dish.

Vermont Sharp Cheddar is another cheese that pairs well with the sweetness and bright flavour of Fuji apples. The smooth and mellow profile of this cheddar provides a nice backdrop to the sweetness of the apples. This pairing is a classic combination, especially in New England and some parts of the Midwest, where it is traditional to serve apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side or melted on top. The New England Apple Cheddar Galette is a rustic tart that combines apples, maple syrup, and sharp cheddar cheese in a buttery crust, showcasing the wonderful marriage of these ingredients.

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Sweet apples with Parmigiano Reggiano

Sweet apples and Parmigiano Reggiano are a delightful combination. The crisp, juicy sweetness of apples such as Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Pink Lady, or McIntosh varieties pairs beautifully with the sharp, nutty flavour of Parmigiano Reggiano.

When creating this pairing, it is important to consider the texture and taste of both ingredients. Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan, is a hard, granular cheese with a strong, savoury flavour. Its salty, umami notes provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apple. To enhance the crispness of the apple, it is recommended to store apples in a cool place and only wash them just before serving to maintain their texture.

When serving this pairing, consider slicing the apple thinly, almost like a cracker, and pairing it with a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano. This presentation provides a beautiful textural contrast and allows the flavours to shine. Additionally, a squeeze of lemon juice on the apple slices will prevent them from turning brown and add a bright citrus note to the pairing.

For a more indulgent treat, try melting Parmigiano Reggiano over apple slices. The warm, creamy cheese blends beautifully with the sweet apple, creating a delightful mouthful. You can also sprinkle on some cinnamon and brown sugar to enhance the flavours and create a sweet, savoury, and spicy sensation.

Whether served as a simple snack, an elegant appetiser, or a decadent dessert, the combination of sweet apples and Parmigiano Reggiano is a delightful fusion of flavours and textures that is sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions

Granny Smith apples are a great match for manchego, blue cheese, or goat cheese. Honey Crisp apples pair well with Alpine Cheddar. Gala apples go well with extra sharp cheddar or creamy-sharp goat cheese. Sweet apples like Ambrosia, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp are delicious with a strong cheddar. Super-sweet Fuji apples are great with Gorgonzola.

Try sliced apple and cheddar on toast with Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Another option is sliced apple with caramelized onions and cheddar. For a sweet treat, try sliced apple with cinnamon and sugar on bread, topped with melted cheese.

A medium-bodied, fruity red wine like Merlot goes well with Granny Smith apples and blue cheese. Gala apples and goat cheese pair well with a sweet yet light wine like Pinot Grigio. The Pinata apple and Edam cheese pairing goes well with a full-bodied yet fruity Syrah.

To keep apples fresh, store them in a cool place and refrain from washing them until just before serving. To prevent the flesh from darkening when exposed to air, rub sliced apples with lemon.

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