Randy Chandler
Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a night in, a cheese board with wine and fruit is a great option. While apples and grapes are the usual go-to fruits, there are many other fruits that pair well with cheese. For example, pears and gorgonzola, strawberries and ricotta, and even watermelon and halloumi. When creating a cheese board, it's best to select several different cheeses with a mixture of textures, shapes, and strengths. You can also add something salty like nuts, olives, mustard, or cured meats, and something sweet like honey, glazed nuts, or chocolate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, Grapes, Figs, Peaches, Pears, Strawberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Apricots, Plums, Pineapple, Watermelon, Mangoes, Oranges, Tomatoes |
| Cheeses | Cheddar, Manchego, Brie, Honeycrisp, Gorgonzola, Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Muenster, Baby Swiss Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Red Wax Gouda, Pecorino Romano, Camembert, Burrata, Fontina, Ricotta, Feta, Asiago, Blue Cheese, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Halloumi, Parmesan, Gruyère, Seahive Cheddar, Fiscalini Farms San Joaquin Gold, Beehive Cheese Co. Promontory, Triple Crème Brie, Touvelle, Rogue Creamery Oregonzola, Grafton Village Maple-Smoked Cheddar, St. Pete's Blue Cheese, Jack, Irish-style Cheddar |
What You'll Learn
Apples and grapes with cheddar
Apples and grapes are a classic pairing with cheddar cheese. The crispness of apples and the juicy sweetness of grapes complement the sharpness of cheddar, creating a satisfying combination. Semi-sour apples, such as Granny Smith, are particularly well-matched with cheddar.
When creating a cheese platter, it is recommended to include a mixture of textures, shapes, and strengths. Fresh fruit pairs well with fresh cheese, such as soft, high-moisture cheeses without rinds (e.g. ricotta or chèvre). The sweetness of apples and grapes can balance out the saltiness of cheddar, creating a dynamic duo.
To elevate your cheese and fruit platter, consider adding complementary flavours and textures such as nuts, olives, crackers, or bread. You can also add something sweet like honey or chocolate, although the fruit may provide enough sweetness. Herbs like rosemary or parsley can also be used to fill in any gaps on the platter.
When serving wine with your cheese and fruit platter, it is essential to consider the personality of the wine and how it will complement the cheese and fruit. A medium-bodied Chardonnay, for example, pairs well with creamy cheeses, while a fruit-forward red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can unlock the salty, umami flavours of blue cheese.
The Perfect Wine and Blue Cheese Pairing
You may want to see also
Strawberries and cream
When preparing a fruit and cheese board, it is important to consider a variety of textures, shapes, and strengths. This can include a mix of fresh and dried fruits, as well as sweet and savoury options. For instance, the sweetness of strawberries can be balanced by salty options such as nuts, olives, or cured meats. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can also be used to fill in the board and add colour.
To elevate your strawberries and cream pairing, try drizzling the berries and cream with chocolate sauce. This will add a deeper level of sweetness and a slight bitterness from the cocoa, creating a complex and indulgent flavour profile.
When serving wine with your fruit and cheese board, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. A medium-bodied wine with complementary aromas can enhance the experience. For example, the slight nuttiness of Devonshire cream pairs well with a rosé that has notes of cherry, strawberry, and melon. This combination emphasises the sweetness of the berries while adding depth and complexity.
Best Sandwich Pairings for Broccoli Cheese Soup
You may want to see also
Figs and blue cheese
When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it's important to remember that fresh fruit matches well with fresh cheese, such as soft, high-moisture cheeses without rinds (e.g. ricotta or chèvre). Sugar loves mould, so don't be afraid to pair sweet, succulent fruits with rich and savoury cheeses. The flavour contrast will bring out the best in both. Additionally, fatty flavours can be used to soften dry textures, as with hard cheeses.
When serving figs and blue cheese, consider adding something salty like nuts, olives, mustard, or cured meats to your platter. You can also include bread or crackers, such as crunchy breadsticks, to provide textural variety. Fill in any gaps on your platter with herbs like rosemary or parsley, or dried fruit and nuts.
While wine is not strictly necessary, it can certainly enhance the experience. However, it's important to note that acidic wines should be avoided when pairing with blue cheese, as they can make it taste soapy. Instead, opt for a wine that complements the flavours of both the figs and the blue cheese.
Cheese Knives: Perfect Pairings for Every Cheese Type
You may want to see also
Cherries and Asiago
When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses and fruits. Fresh fruit, for example, pairs well with fresh cheeses like ricotta or chèvre. In contrast, semi-hard cheeses benefit from being paired with complementary flavours and intensities. For hard cheeses, fatty flavours can help to soften dry textures.
For a well-rounded platter, include a variety of textures and shapes, such as soft, creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and harder cheeses like Asiago or cheddar. A mix of fresh and dried fruits, such as cherries, berries, apricots, and grapes, will also add interest and flavour. To enhance the sweetness of the fruit, consider adding honey or glazed nuts. Something salty, like nuts, olives, or cured meats, will also provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and cheese.
When serving a cheese and fruit platter, it is important to fill in any gaps with herbs like rosemary or parsley, or additional dried fruit or nuts. An assortment of crackers, bread, or crunchy breadsticks will also help to round out the platter and provide a base for the other flavours.
While there are many classic combinations of fruit and cheese, don't be afraid to experiment and find your own favourite pairings. The beauty of a cheese and fruit platter is that it can be customised to your own taste preferences and those of your guests. So get creative and enjoy the delicious combination of cherries and Asiago!
Cheese and Sloppy Joes: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Peaches and mozzarella
When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider a mixture of textures, shapes, and strengths. For example, fresh fruit matches well with fresh cheese, such as mozzarella, while fatty flavours can be used to soften dry textures. You can also add something salty, like nuts, olives, or cured meats, and something sweet, like honey, glazed nuts, or chocolate, although the fruit will often provide enough sweetness.
When serving a cheese board, it is also worth considering what wine to pair it with. A medium-bodied wine with stone fruit aromatics and a medium-bodied to fuller mouthfeel, such as a Chardonnay, is a good match for peaches and mozzarella.
How to Identify Spoiled Ricotta Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fruits that go well with wine and cheese include apples, grapes, pears, apricots, strawberries, peaches, and plums.
A medium-bodied Chardonnay is a good choice for apple and cheese, especially if you're pairing it with a creamy sheep's milk Spanish Manchego or a salty, creamy blue cheese.
Red wine is often paired with grapes and cheese, but any wine that complements the specific type of cheese you choose will work.
Some specific fruit and cheese pairings include:
- Watermelon and feta cheese, paired with a Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pineapple and Monterey Jack cheese, paired with a Sauvignon Blanc.
- Plums and brie cheese, paired with a Merlot.
- Cherries and Asiago cheese, paired with a Pinot Noir.
- Pears and gorgonzola cheese, paired with a Chardonnay.
When creating a fruit and cheese board, it's important to consider the different textures, shapes, and strengths of the cheeses you choose. You can also add something salty like nuts, olives, or cured meats, and something sweet like honey or chocolate. Don't forget the bread or crackers!
