Grilled Cheese's Fruity Friends: Exploring Perfect Pairings

Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, but what happens when you add fruit to the mix? It might seem like an unusual combination, but fruit can add a sweet and tangy twist to the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. From the sound of it, this combination might be considered a culinary abomination by some, but others swear by the addition of fruit to their grilled cheese, whether it's in the form of whole fruit, jams, or spreads. So, what fruits go well with grilled cheese?

Cherries with gouda or sharp cheddar

Cherries are a fantastic addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, and they go well with most cheeses. When considering cherries for grilled cheese, opt for tart cherries to prevent the sandwich from becoming overly sweet. The Amarella and Morello varieties are ideal, with their notes of tart sugars and layers of flavour. Morello cherries, in particular, have a deep red colour that contrasts beautifully with the light cheese and bread.

When it comes to cheese, you can pair tart cherries with gouda to bring out the caramel flavours of the cheese. Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a sweet, creamy, and nutty flavour. Young gouda is mild and creamy, while aged gouda becomes harder and crumbly with more intense flavours.

Alternatively, you can pair cherries with sharp cheddar to match the tangy notes of the fruit. Cheddar cheese, a classic English cheese, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavour that becomes more complex as it matures. Cheddar ranges from mild to extra sharp and can be aged for several years.

For a delightful summertime snack, try pairing cherries with gouda or sharp cheddar on a gourmet cracker. The combination of cherries and cheese creates a delightful interplay of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

Apples with brie or cheddar

The classic combination of apples and cheese is a well-loved one, and it's no surprise that it works incredibly well in a grilled cheese sandwich. The sweetness of the apples is a perfect match for the savoury, salty cheese.

Apples with brie

The creamy, buttery, nuttiness of brie is a great complement to the sweetness of apples. The addition of honey to this combination is also a popular choice, as it adds a new dimension of flavour to the sandwich. Honey can be added in different forms, such as honey butter or chilli-spiced honey.

When making an apple and brie grilled cheese, it is important to slice the apples thinly so that they soften slightly when grilled. You can also add other ingredients such as caramelised onions to enhance the flavour.

Apples with cheddar

Apples can also be paired with cheddar in a grilled cheese sandwich. The sharpness of the cheddar provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples, creating a tasty combination of salty and sweet.

For this sandwich, it is recommended to use a heartier bread such as multigrain or raisin walnut bread to balance the powerful flavours of the apple and cheddar. The apple should be thinly sliced and layered with the cheese to ensure the sandwich holds together well.

Bread options

A variety of breads can be used for apple and cheese grilled cheese sandwiches, including hearty white country loaf, French bread, sourdough, rye, cinnamon raisin bread, and brioche.

Serving suggestions

These sandwiches can be served on their own or with a simple salad or light vegetable soup. They also go well with a cup of hot tomato soup, especially when dipped.

Figs with ricotta, burrata, or chevre

Fresh figs are a great addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. They have a pleasing crunch and notes of currants, strawberries, and dates, making them incredibly sweet without too many tart undertones. Their honey-like sweetness makes them a perfect candidate for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.

When using figs, it is best to keep things mellow by using milky, mellow cheeses like ricotta or burrata, which allow the fruit to shine. Burrata is a type of mozzarella cheese that is buttery and creamy. It is an Italian creation made from a mix of mozzarella curds and cream stuffed into a sturdier shell of mozzarella.

However, if you want to play up the smooth sweetness of the figs, you can use a tart cheese such as chevre. Whichever cheese you decide to pair with the figs, be sure to add a small amount of Parmesan Reggiano for a kick of salt and umami. This will give you that salty-sweet grilled cheese upgrade.

Ingredients:

• Fresh figs (look for the Black Mission variety if possible)
• Bread (Italian or sourdough work well)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Ricotta or burrata cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat a grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cut the figs in half lengthwise and brush with olive oil.
• Place the figs on the grill, skin-side down, and cook until they start to swell and bubble, about 2-4 minutes.
• Whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
• Toast the bread.
• Spread the ricotta or burrata cheese on the toast.
• Place the grilled figs on the bread and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar mixture.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Peaches with mozzarella, smoked gouda, or blue cheese

Mozzarella

Grilled peaches with mozzarella is a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. This pairing is a great way to elevate a classic Caprese salad. The best peaches for grilling are ripe but firm, as softer peaches can become too messy. To prepare, simply slice the peaches in half, remove the pits, and brush with olive oil. Place the peach halves face down on a preheated grill for 3-5 minutes, then use tongs to turn them over and grill for another 3-5 minutes. For a Caprese-style grilled peach, place fresh mozzarella into the pit and grill for another 3 minutes. Transfer the peach halves to a serving dish and sprinkle with basil and sliced almonds. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve warm.

Smoked Gouda

The combination of roasted peaches and smoked gouda grilled cheese is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury notes. The key to this pairing is the caramelization of the peaches, which brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious contrast with the rich, creamy, and nutty gouda cheese. To make this sandwich, start by roasting peach slices and purple onion drizzled with olive oil and honey. Meanwhile, toast slices of seedy bread or sourdough. Assemble the sandwich by topping the toasted bread with the roasted peaches and grated gouda, then broil for one minute to melt the cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and top with another slice of toasted bread.

Blue Cheese

Grilled peaches with blue cheese is an elegant and simple way to serve peaches, especially during the summer. The sweetness of the grilled peaches is complemented by the tanginess of the blue cheese, creating a unique flavour profile. To prepare, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Stir together vinegar, sugar, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the liquid has thickened. Place peach halves cut-side down on the grill and cook until the flesh is caramelized, about 5 minutes. Turn the peaches over, brush with the balsamic glaze, and grill for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the peach halves to serving dishes, drizzle with the remaining glaze, and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.

Blueberries with cheddar, brie, or gruyere

Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese

This sweet and salty sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese. Start by simmering fresh blueberries with sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and lemon thyme until thickened. Alternatively, you can use store-bought blueberry jam. Spread this mixture on sourdough bread slices, then layer on generous amounts of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Grill the sandwiches in a hot skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and gooey. This sandwich is perfect for a fun and refreshing spring or summer lunch.

Gruyere Grilled Cheese with Blueberries

For another intriguing grilled cheese creation, try combining blueberries with gruyere cheese. Toss fresh blueberries with granulated sugar and cook them in a saucepan until slightly thickened. Spread this blueberry sauce on sourdough bread, add slices of gruyere, and grill to perfection. The combination of sweet blueberry sauce and savoury, melted gruyere is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Blueberry Baked Brie

If you're looking for an elegant and easy appetizer, look no further than Blueberry Baked Brie. Simply top a round of brie with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey, then bake until warm and gooey. Serve this sweet and savoury treat with sliced apples, pears, bread, or crackers. It's a simple yet impressive dish that your guests are sure to love.

So, the next time you're craving something sweet and savoury, be sure to give blueberries with cheddar, brie, or gruyere a try. Whether it's in a grilled cheese sandwich or a baked brie appetizer, this combination is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.

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