Kamil Perry
Pears and cheese are a classic combination, and with so many varieties of both, the pairing possibilities are endless. From decadent sandwiches like a melty cheddar and pear panini to refreshing salads like a pear and gorgonzola salad, there's no limit to pear and cheese pairings. When it comes to choosing the best pear to pair with cheese, factors such as the pear's size, texture, flavour, and colour come into play. Similarly, the right cheese pairing depends on its texture and flavour profile. Here are some popular and mouth-watering pear and cheese combinations to tantalise your taste buds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pear variety | D'Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, Seckel, Red Anjou, Green Bartlett, Abate Fetel, Star Crimson, Yoinashi, Hosui |
| Cheese type | Soft, semi-soft, semi-firm, hard |
| Cheese variety | Brie, Camembert, Goat cheese, Blue cheese, Cheddar, Gouda, Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort, Tomme Brûlée, Bandaged English, Monterey Jack, Port-Salut |
| Accompaniments | Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbaresco, Sauternes, Marsala, Riesling, Champagne), crackers, crostini, Marcona almonds, walnuts, pecans, candied pecans, cured meats (prosciutto, salami, summer sausage, ham), sourdough, arugula |
| Preparation | Slice lengthwise, deseed, roast, poach |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese
If you're looking for a salad option, try a pear and goat cheese salad with a peppery arugula base. The sweetness of the pear and the tanginess of the goat cheese complement each other beautifully. You can also add salty prosciutto and sharp cheese to this combination for an elegant and delicious starter.
For a heartier option, consider a grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough bread, soft cheese like Brie or Camembert, and juicy pear slices. The sweetness of the pear and the tang of the cheese will create a delightful combination.
When preparing your pear and cheese pairing, remember to slice the pear lengthwise and remove the seeds. This presentation offers the best visual appeal and ensures that the flavours entwine perfectly.
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Semi-soft cheeses like Gouda or Manchego
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that is one of the most popular in the world. It is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, which will complement the sweetness of the pear. Manchego, meanwhile, is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a distinctive flavour that can be sharp or nutty, depending on how long it has been aged.
When creating a cheeseboard, it is a good idea to slice the pear lengthwise and lay it out among the cheese. This offers the best presentation. You can also add other items to the cheeseboard, such as meats like prosciutto, salami, summer sausage, or cured ham. If you want to add some crunch, try Marcona almonds or toasted walnuts. Crackers or crostini are also a good option.
If you want to create a more complex dish, you could try a pear and cheese salad. A popular option is a combination of pear, goat cheese, and peppery arugula. You could also try a grilled cheese sandwich with pear and cheddar, or a pear and Gorgonzola cheese salad.
When choosing pears, look for those that are ripe. To check if a pear is ripe, hold it in your hand and gently press the neck of the pear with your thumb. If the skin gives to that pressure even slightly, it is ripe.
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Hard cheeses like aged Cheddar
Hard cheeses, like an aged cheddar, pair well with several different types of pears, including d'Anjou, Bosc, or the Comice variety. Cheddar refers to a family of cheeses made using the cheddaring technique, a traditional cheesemaking process in the United Kingdom. As Cheddar ages, its texture becomes more crumbly and granular, and its rich, nutty flavour sharpens and becomes more complex, taking on nuances of nuts, apples and hay.
D'Anjou pears are sweet, with a citrusy flavour, and a hint of spice. They are also known as winter pears, Danjou pears, and Anjou pears. Comice pears are sweet and succulent, with a soft flesh and a silky finish. They are one of the sweetest and juiciest varieties, and their mild flavour pairs well with a wide range of cheeses. Bosc pears, on the other hand, have a crisp, dense, and slightly grainy texture, with a sweet flavour and subtle hints of fall spices. They are an excellent choice for desserts such as poached pears, and their long neck and distinct colouring make them stand out on a cheese board.
When it comes to specific pairings, a grilled cheese sandwich made with artisanal sourdough, Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and juicy pear slices is a delicious option. The dense, milky white cheddar has a slightly crumbly texture that complements the pear's sweetness. For a lighter option, a pear and goat cheese salad with a peppery arugula base is a refreshing choice. If you're looking for an elegant appetiser, try Cheddar and Roasted Pear Canapes or a 3-Year Cheddar, Pear, and Almond combination.
In terms of presentation, it is recommended to slice the pear lengthwise and lay them out among the cheese pairings. For Bosc pears, consider pairing them with aged Cheddar and a full-bodied, tannic, and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon. The complex flavour of the wine will enhance the sturdy character of the aged Cheddar, creating a delightful sensory experience.
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Blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Stilton
Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Stilton, is a popular choice to pair with pears. These cheeses are known for their strong, pungent flavour and creamy texture, which can be a delightful contrast to the sweetness of pears.
When it comes to specific pear varieties, Concorde pears are an excellent match for blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton. Concorde pears have a dense flesh and a gentle vanilla flavour, which can be beautifully complemented by the sharpness of blue cheese.
For a refreshing option, consider a Pear and Gorgonzola Cheese Salad. This combination showcases the sweetness of the pear and the tanginess of the Gorgonzola, creating a delightful interplay of flavours.
If you're looking for a more indulgent pairing, try roasting or baking pears and enjoying them with blue cheese. The high temperature brings out the juices of the pear, enhancing its natural sweetness. The warmth of the roasted pears can also soften the blue cheese, creating a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
When preparing a cheese board, remember to slice the pears lengthwise and lay them out near the cheeses they pair well with. This enhances the visual appeal and ensures that flavours entwine harmoniously. Don't forget to add some extras like crackers, crostini, or toasted walnuts for added texture and crunch!
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Wine pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Champagne
When it comes to wine, there are a few types that are typically recommended to pair with pears and cheese. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Champagne are three of the most common suggestions.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine grape widely cultivated in France, New Zealand, and America's Pacific Northwest. The wine is typically clean and crisp and can taste of grapefruit, honeydew, pineapple, grass, citrus, or herbs. It is a good match for Anjou pears and fresh and tangy goat cheese.
Riesling
Riesling is a white wine that originated in Germany but is now also produced in Washington. Rieslings can range from bone dry to very sweet and are known for their complex flavor and excellent balance of acidity and sweetness. Dry Rieslings have a crisp, fruity flavor with hints of apricot, peaches, honey, and apples. This wine pairs well with nuttier cheeses such as Forelle and Port Salut, as its dry finish prepares the palate for the next bite of pear and cheese.
Champagne
Champagne, a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of northeast France, is typically suggested as a pairing with pears and cheese when it is a true Brut Champagne, meaning it is dry or less sweet. Demi-Sec Champagne, a sweeter variety, is also recommended as a pairing specifically with Anjou pears and Camembert cheese. The sweetness of the wine matches the sweetness of the pear, and its effervescence cuts through the mouth-coating effect of double- or triple-crème cheeses like Camembert.
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