Cheese And Apple Pairing: The Perfect Match

Apples and cheese are a match made in heaven. The variety of both apples and cheese allows for endless flavour combinations, with the sweetness of apples balancing out the savouriness of cheese. While there are no strict rules, and personal preference will always be a factor, there are some apple and cheese combinations that are particularly mouth-watering.

Gala apples and cheddar

Gala apples are heart-shaped, with yellow-orange skin and red striping. They are mild, sweet, and juicy, and usually ripen between mid-August and early September. Their crisp, fragrant flavour is best enjoyed with the naturally-aged bite of an extra sharp cheddar. This combination is balanced and perfect for an afternoon snack.

For a quick snack, try some cheddar cracker cuts with slices of Gala apple. You could also try wrapping the apple and cheese in bacon and roasting it with a maple glaze, or adding some rosemary for a more complex flavour.

Gala apples also pair well with goat cheese and Swiss or Emmental cheese.

Honeycrisp apples and gruyere

When paired with gruyere, a type of Swiss cheese, the result is a flavourful duo that complements each other perfectly. Gruyere is a creamy, nutty, and slightly salty cheese that melts beautifully. Its smooth texture and savoury notes create a delightful contrast with the sweet and juicy Honeycrisp apples.

For a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner option, try making Honeycrisp apple and gruyere toasts. Start by brushing slices of whole-grain bread with olive oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Toast the bread until lightly browned, then top with shredded gruyere cheese, thin slices of Honeycrisp apple, and, if desired, salty ham for an extra savoury kick. Broil the toasts until the cheese starts to melt, then finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

This combination of flavours and textures creates a satisfying and indulgent eating experience. The crispness and sweetness of the Honeycrisp apples pair harmoniously with the salty, creamy gruyere, making it a perfect choice for a savoury snack or a sophisticated addition to a charcuterie board.

For a fun twist, you could also try incorporating Honeycrisp apples and gruyere into other dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or even grilled cheese. The versatility of this pairing allows for endless creative possibilities.

Red Delicious apples and cheddar

When creating a cheese board or a snack platter, consider adding some Red Delicious apples to pair with your cheddar. This combination can elevate your tasting experience and impress your guests. You can also get creative and experiment with different varieties of cheddar, such as extra sharp cheddar or Vermont sharp cheddar, to find your preferred flavour profile.

Additionally, you can explore various textures by including other ingredients. For a creamy touch, add some caramelised onions or a drizzle of honey. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped walnuts can provide a crunchy element to your pairing.

For a complete sensory experience, involve your senses of sight and smell as well. Red Delicious apples have a vibrant red colour that can add a pop of brightness to your platter. Rubbing the apple slices with lemon before serving will not only prevent them from darkening but also enhance their refreshing fragrance.

Remember, when it comes to cheese and apple pairings, there is room for creativity and personal preference. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that delight your taste buds the most!

Granny Smith apples and blue cheese

A creative way to serve this combination is in a salad. One recipe includes red wine-poached Granny Smith apples, candied walnuts, and blue cheese, with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. The apples are poached in a mixture of red wine, water, lemon zest, sugar, and lemon juice, and the candied walnuts are made by coating walnut halves in powdered sugar and frying them in canola oil. The salad is assembled with mesclun greens, Belgian endive, and sliced apples, and is dressed with the apple cider vinaigrette, which is made by whisking together mustard, honey, and cider vinegar, and then drizzling in canola oil. The salad is then topped with crumbled blue cheese and the candied walnuts, and drizzled with the reserved red wine reduction from the poached apple recipe.

Another salad recipe with Granny Smith apples and blue cheese includes romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and candied pecans, with a balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing. This salad is best served fresh, as it doesn't keep well and will get soggy if made ahead of time.

If you're looking for a more substantial dish, you could try a grilled cheese sandwich with Granny Smith apples and blue cheese. One recipe suggests using a bagel, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, and brie, with a sprinkle of salt and honey. The sandwich is then grilled until the brie is melted.

For a wine pairing, a medium-bodied, fruity red wine like Merlot goes well with Granny Smith apples and blue cheese.

Fuji apples and gorgonzola

A popular way to enjoy this pairing is in a salad. A refreshing combination of flavours and textures can be achieved by adding greens such as kale, spinach, or romaine, along with other ingredients like dried cherries, red onions, sunflower seeds, and vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken and toasted nuts can be included, making it a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

Another way to savour the combination is by creating a cheese plate or charcuterie board. Sliced Fuji apples and gorgonzola, along with other complementary cheeses and fruits, can make for an elegant and tasty appetiser or snack. The sweetness of the Fuji apples will help balance the sharpness of the gorgonzola, creating a delightful contrast on your palate.

For a more indulgent treat, you can try making a grilled cheese sandwich with Fuji apples and gorgonzola. The crisp, sweet apple slices and the creamy, pungent cheese will create a delightful flavour profile, especially when paired with a crusty bread and grilled to perfection.

Whether enjoyed in a salad, on a cheese plate, or in a sandwich, the combination of Fuji apples and gorgonzola is a delightful pairing that showcases the best of both sweet and savoury flavours.

Frequently asked questions