Cheese And Olives: A Perfect Pairing Guide

what cheese to serve with olives

Olives and cheese are a classic combination, and a great way to impress your guests without breaking the bank. There are many types of olives, from the small to medium-sized Manzanilla olives, which have a smoky flavor, to the Sevillano olives from Seville, Spain, which are large, round, and salt-brine cured with a hint of lemon and bay leaf. When it comes to cheese, the options are endless, from mild and buttery Jarlsberg to Feta or Goat Cheese. For a fancy appetizer, try marinating your favorite cheese cubes in vinegar and oil, or simply grill some sliced green olives with pimentos on your cheese sandwich to let the flavors sink in.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Feta, Goat Cheese, Jarlsberg, Brie
Olive Type Green, Black, Manzanilla, Sevillano, Castelvetrano
Other Ingredients Pimentos, Vinegar, Oil, Pimientos, Almonds, Anchovies, Jalapenos, Onions, Capers
Dish Ideas Salads, Sandwiches, Tapenades, Spreads, Stews, Sauces, Snacks, Appetizers, Martinis
Nutrition 204 kcal, 3g Carbohydrates, 10g Protein, 17g Fat, 9g Saturated Fat, 7g Polyunsaturated Fat, 41mg Cholesterol, 312mg Sodium, 1g Fiber, 1g Sugar, 2g Net Carbs

cycheese

Marinated cheese and olives as a snack

Marinated cheese and olives make a great snack or appetiser. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for serving at a party. The best part is that you can use any type of cheese and olive that you like!

To make marinated cheese and olives, start by cubing your chosen cheese into bite-sized pieces. Almost any type of cheese will work, but some popular options include feta, goat cheese, Jarlsberg, and brie. Once you have your cubed cheese, you can simply pair it with your favourite olives. If you want to get creative, you can even stuff the olives with pimentos, almonds, anchovies, jalapenos, onions, or capers.

When selecting olives, keep in mind that they come in a variety of colours, including black, green, and purple, and can be either mild or tart and juicy, depending on how they are brined. Some specific types of olives to consider include Manzanilla, a small to medium-sized green olive with a smoky flavour, Sevillano, a large, round, salt-brine cured green olive with a hint of lemon and bay leaf, or Nicoise, a brown or black olive cured in brine and packed in olive oil.

To marinate the cheese and olives, you can use a combination of vinegar and oil. White distilled vinegar or red wine vinegar are both great options. Simply combine the cheese, olives, and marinade in a container, and you're done! This snack can be made ahead of time and will last for several days in the refrigerator.

Whether served as a snack or an appetiser, marinated cheese and olives are sure to impress your guests. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of flavours and textures that the cheese and olives create, and feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite pairing.

The Best Ways to Serve Manouri Cheese

You may want to see also

cycheese

Sevillano olives with feta or goat cheese

Sevillano olives, which originate from the Seville region of Spain, are large, round, salt-brine cured green olives with a bit of lemon and bay leaf. They are known for their plump and crisp texture, meaty flesh, and smooth, buttery, briny bite. The Sevillano olive is cured using a natural brine fermentation that is predominantly water and salt. This curing process, known as the Sicilian cure, takes around 24 hours.

Sevillano olives are ideal for stuffing with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, garlic, nuts, and peppers. When it comes to cheese, Feta or goat cheese is recommended as the perfect pairing. The saltiness of the Sevillano olive complements the tanginess of Feta cheese, creating a harmonious combination of flavours. Similarly, the creaminess of goat cheese balances the briny taste of the olive, resulting in a delightful contrast on the palate.

In addition to their flavour profile, Sevillano olives offer health benefits when consumed. They are known to possess antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, contributing to their effectiveness as a skin cleanser. Growing your own Sevillano olive tree not only ensures a supply of delicious and nutritious olives but also adds a touch of elegance to your living space.

When creating a cheese platter or antipasti board featuring Sevillano olives and Feta or goat cheese, consider including other complementary ingredients such as fresh herbs, crackers, or breads. The olives can be pitted or stuffed, providing a versatile base for experimentation. Remember to pay attention to the quality and freshness of the ingredients to elevate the overall tasting experience.

cycheese

Green olives with grilled cheese

Olives and cheese are a classic combination, and green olives with grilled cheese is a match made in heaven. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your next grilled cheese and green olive sandwich.

Cheese Selection

When it comes to cheese selection for your grilled sandwich, there are a few options that pair well with green olives. Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, as mentioned in several sources. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the briny, salty flavour of the green olives. Other cheese options include American cheese, which melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture, as well as Havarti and Munster. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use a combination of these cheeses for an extra indulgent sandwich.

Olive Preparation

To take your sandwich to the next level, try sautéing the green olives before adding them to your sandwich. Simply heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the olives, and sauté until they are lightly browned. This will enhance the flavour of the olives and give your sandwich a unique twist.

Bread Options

The type of bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich can also make a difference. While traditional white bread is always an option, consider using a crispy baguette for a crunchy texture that will contrast nicely with the creamy cheese and briny olives. If you're feeling creative, try using Italian bread or Brownberry Health Nut bread for a heartier sandwich experience.

Additional Ingredients

To add even more flavour to your green olive and grilled cheese sandwich, consider incorporating some additional ingredients. Sliced green peppers or jalapenos can bring a spicy kick to your sandwich. You can also experiment with seasonings like paprika and oregano, or try adding hot peppers and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Manzanilla olives, a type of small to medium-sized green olive with a smoky flavour, can also be a tasty addition.

Assembly and Cooking

Once you've selected your ingredients, it's time to assemble and cook your sandwich. Start by heating a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. If desired, sauté your olives in the pan first, then set them aside temporarily. Place a slice of bread in the pan, cover it with your chosen cheese slices, add the olives, and then top with another slice of bread. Cook the sandwich until the bread is browned and crispy, pressing down with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it is also crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted.

In conclusion, green olives and grilled cheese are a delicious combination that can be elevated with careful ingredient selection and preparation techniques. Experiment with different cheeses, bread options, and additional ingredients to find your perfect green olive grilled cheese sandwich.

cycheese

Black olives with cheese, bread and wine

Olives, cheese, bread, and wine is a classic combination, and with a few simple tips, you can create a delicious and impressive platter. The type of olives you choose will dictate the cheese that will pair best with them. Black olives, for example, have a more bitter taste, so a saltier cheese like Feta or goat's cheese would be a good choice. You could also try marinating your cheese and olives in oil and vinegar to add extra flavour. This is a budget-friendly, keto-friendly, and low-carb option that is perfect for serving at a party.

If you want to stick to black olives, try the Nyon variety, dry-cured and aged in brine, which will complement the brine-cured Feta well. Alternatively, Nicoise olives, packed in olive oil, are another black olive variety that pairs well with cheese, bread, and wine.

For a stronger flavour, you could try Sevillano olives, large, round, and salt-brined with lemon and bay leaf. These strong flavours will stand up to the sharpness of goat's cheese. If you want to branch out from black olives, Sevillanos are a good option, or you could try green olives, which can be sliced and grilled with cheese.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and olives to find your perfect combination. Olives are incredibly versatile, and with so many varieties, you can create a unique and impressive platter to suit any occasion.

cycheese

Cheese and olive antipasti

Olives and cheese are a classic combination, and when paired with other antipasti items, they make for a delicious and impressive appetizer or snack. The best part is that it is easy to put together and can be made on a budget. Here is a guide to creating a mouth-watering cheese and olive antipasti platter.

When selecting olives, you will be spoiled for choice with a variety of colours, sizes, and flavours. Green olives, for example, can be large and round, like Sevillano olives, or long and slender like the ones from Provence, France. Black olives can be small like Manzanilla olives, or tiny like the ones from Southern France. Purple olives are also an option. Olives can be pitted or stuffed with various fillings, such as pimientos, almonds, anchovies, jalapenos, onions, or capers.

As for cheese, the options are endless. You can choose from a wide range of cheeses, such as feta, goat cheese, Jarlsberg, or even grilled cheese with sliced green olives. If you want to elevate your platter, consider marinating the cheese in vinegar and oil. This adds a unique flavour dimension and impresses your guests.

When creating your antipasti platter, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of olives and cheeses. You can also add other antipasti items such as meats, pickled vegetables, dips, mustards, and jams to create a well-rounded and flavourful spread.

Serving Cold Brie: A Simple Guide

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

There are many cheeses that pair well with olives, such as feta, goat cheese, Jarlsberg, and brie.

Cheese and olives are a great combination for appetizers or snacks, such as antipasti or marinated dishes. They can also be tossed into salads, grounded into spreads and tapenades, added to sandwiches, or eaten alone as a snack.

Yes, the type of olive may affect the cheese that pairs best with it. For example, Sevillano olives, which are large, round, green olives, pair well with feta or goat cheese. Manzanilla olives, which are small to medium-sized green olives, are often stuffed with almonds, anchovies, or capers, and would go well with a mild and buttery cheese like Jarlsberg.

Cheese and olives go well with charcuterie, bread, wine, and various herbs.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment