Frederic Melton
Pâté is a decadent food, ideal for celebrations and special occasions. When serving pâté, it is customary to offer a variety of cheeses to complement the rich and complex flavours of the dish. The type of cheese served with pâté depends on its texture and flavour. Coarse-cut pâtés pair well with soft cheeses such as brie, burrata, and camembert, while milder cheeses are recommended for bolder-flavoured pâtés. On the other hand, softer-flavoured pâtés like chicken liver pâté go well with stronger-flavoured cheeses. Smoked cheeses such as smoked provolone, gouda, and gruyere are also popular choices, as their smoky, nutty flavours complement the pâté without overwhelming it. Sharp cheeses like cheddar provide a delightful contrast to the gaminess of country-style pâtés.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Smoked, sharp, soft |
| Smoked cheese examples | Smoked provolone, gouda, gruyere |
| Sharp cheese examples | Cheddar |
| Soft cheese examples | Brie, burrata, camembert, chevre |
| Other cheese examples | Humboldt Fog goat cheese, Tomino |
| Condiments | Mustard, pickled vegetables, chutneys, fruit spreads, dried fruits, nuts |
| Bread | Crusty bread, crackers, breadsticks |
| Other foods | Cornichons, green salad, fresh fruit, honey |
| Drinks | Beer, wine, port, cider, fortified wine |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses like brie, burrata, or Camembert
When creating a pâté board, variety is key. Offering different combinations allows your guests to experiment and discover their preferred pairings. In addition to soft cheeses, consider including smoked cheeses like smoked provolone, gouda, and gruyere, as well as sharp cheeses such as cheddar. The sharp, salty flavours of cheddar, for example, can beautifully contrast the gaminess of country-style pâtés.
To enhance the experience, provide your guests with an assortment of breads, crackers, and breadsticks to accompany the cheeses and pâté. This adds texture and makes it easier for guests to enjoy their preferred combinations. Don't forget to include condiments and accompaniments such as mustard, cornichons, chutneys, fruit spreads, dried fruits, nuts, and fresh fruits. A glass of wine or beer can also elevate the flavours of the pâté and cheese.
When serving soft cheeses like brie, burrata, or Camembert with pâté, aim for a balance of flavours and textures. The creaminess of these cheeses pairs well with the richness of the pâté, creating a harmonious culinary experience. Remember, when it comes to portion sizes, consider the pâté board as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread, adjusting the amount of cheese per person accordingly.
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Smoked cheeses like smoked provolone, gouda, or gruyere
When creating a pâté board, variety is key. Smoked cheeses like smoked provolone, gouda, or gruyere are a great option to include. The smoky, nutty taste of these cheeses pairs well with pâté, creating a complementary combination that enhances the flavour of both.
Smoked provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a slightly sharp and nutty flavour. It is often used as a melting cheese and can add a nice creamy texture to a pâté board. Gouda, on the other hand, is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy and smooth texture. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavour, making it a good option for those who prefer a less intense cheese. Gruyere is another semi-soft cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It has a slightly grainy texture and is known for its melting properties, making it a good choice for adding a creamy element to the board.
When serving smoked cheeses with pâté, consider including some accompaniments to enhance the flavours and provide a contrast in textures. For example, providing a variety of breads, crackers, and breadsticks can offer a range of textures for your guests to enjoy. Some condiments and accompaniments to consider include mustard, cornichons, chutneys, fruit spreads, dried fruits, and nuts. These additions can provide a nice contrast to the smoky cheeses and add some crunch to the plate.
Additionally, consider the type of pâté you are serving. Smoked cheeses pair particularly well with country-style pâtés, as the sharp, salty flavours of the cheese can cut through the gaminess of the pâté. If you are serving a softer, milder pâté, you may want to include some softer cheeses as well, such as brie or camembert, to create a creamy and indulgent pairing.
Overall, smoked cheeses like smoked provolone, gouda, or gruyere are excellent choices to serve with pâté. They offer a unique flavour profile that complements the pâté while adding a creamy and indulgent element to the dining experience. With a few carefully selected accompaniments, you can create a well-rounded and delicious pâté board for your guests to enjoy.
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Sharp cheeses like cheddar
Sharp cheeses, such as cheddar, are an excellent choice to serve with pâté, particularly country-style pâtés. The sharp, salty flavours of cheddar cut through the gaminess of the pâté, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. When serving a variety of pâtés, it is recommended to also offer a range of cheeses to your guests, allowing them to experiment with different combinations.
When creating a pâté board, it is important to consider the texture and flavour of the pâté and choose a cheese that will complement or contrast with it. For example, a soft and creamy pâté may pair well with a sharper, more pungent cheese like cheddar, adding a new dimension to the dish. The salty notes of cheddar can also help to balance out the richness of certain pâtés.
In addition to the type of cheese, the amount of cheese served is also a consideration. As a general guideline, if the pâté board is the main appetiser, it is suggested to provide around three to four ounces of cheese per person. However, if the pâté board is part of a larger pre-meal spread, two ounces of cheese per person should suffice.
To enhance the experience, it is recommended to offer a variety of breads, crackers, and breadsticks alongside the pâté and cheese. These provide a range of texture options for your guests to create their ideal bite. Don't forget to include appropriate utensils, such as knives or spoons, for soft cheeses and pâtés, and labels for each item on the board, so your guests can easily identify and pair their selections.
Lastly, when serving sharp cheeses like cheddar with pâté, consider adding condiments and accompaniments such as mustard, dried fruits, nuts, cornichons, and fresh fruits. These additions can further enhance the flavour profile and provide a well-rounded sensory experience.
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Goat cheese
When serving pate, it is essential to consider the contrast or complementarity of flavours and textures. Pate is a rich and creamy mousse-like dish, so a tangy and creamy goat cheese can be an excellent pairing. For instance, Humboldt Fog goat cheese, with its creamy edges and cake-like centre, can beautifully cut through the richness of a duck rillette.
When creating a charcuterie board with pate and goat cheese, opt for a classic pate, prosciutto, or bresaola to pair with the mildness of goat cheese. Goat cheese can also be served in various ways, such as crumbled over pizza, salads, or roasted vegetables, or paired with puff pastry for festive canapes. Remember to choose pairings that enhance the flavours of both the pate and the goat cheese without overwhelming the dish.
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Condiments, like mustard, chutney, or honey
When serving pâté, it is important to select complementary condiments to elevate the dish. Condiments like mustard, chutney, or honey offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance the pâté experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
Mustard
Mustard is a versatile condiment that can add a savoury kick to your pâté. A whole grain mustard, such as a Southern-style rustic mustard, provides a hearty texture and a vinegary tang. It pairs exceptionally well with alpine cheeses, such as Gruyère or Comté, as well as Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. The sharpness of the mustard complements the creaminess of these cheeses, making them ideal accompaniments to a pâté course.
Chutney
Chutney is a bold and bright condiment that can bring a burst of flavour to your pâté. A tamarind chutney, with its thick yet saucy texture, is perfect for drizzling over pâté or spreading on bread. The deep flavours of chutney and pâté complement each other, creating a harmonious combination. For a springtime twist, a cherry tomato chutney or a spiced plum chutney can add a seasonal touch to your dish.
Honey
Honey provides a sweet and sticky contrast to the savoury notes of pâté. Its viscosity adds a unique texture to the dish. When pairing honey with pâté, consider serving it with a strong cheese, such as Blue Cheese, or a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert. The sweetness of the honey will balance the saltiness of the pâté, creating a delightful flavour profile.
These condiment suggestions offer a range of options to customise your pâté serving experience. Whether you choose the sharpness of mustard, the fruity notes of chutney, or the sweetness of honey, each condiment will bring its unique characteristics to enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of cheeses that go well with pâté, including smoked cheeses, sharp cheeses, and soft cheeses. Smoked gouda, smoked provolone, and smoked gruyere are some examples of smoked cheeses that pair well with pâté. Cheddar is a sharp cheese that can cut through the gaminess of country-style pâtés. Soft cheeses like brie, burrata, and Camembert are good choices to add a creamy component to pâtés.
Duck rillette is fatty and coats the tongue, so a goat cheese that is slightly tangy and chalky can help cut through the richness. Humboldt Fog goat cheese has a distinctive layer of vegetable ash and a tangy, creamy edge that pairs well with duck rillette.
Pâté en croute is a baked pastry typically filled with a country-style pâté. Since country-style pâtés are gamier in flavor, a sharp cheese like cheddar can help balance the gaminess.
Chicken liver pâté is a softer-flavored pâté, so a strong-flavored cheese would pair well with it. A fig, apple, and walnut jam recipe can also go well with soft cheeses.
A vegetable terrine is a vegetarian option that can be served with a variety of cheeses. Fresh vegetables and cheeses can be paired with vegetarian pâtés.
