Kamil Perry
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of fruits to create delicious snacks, appetisers, or desserts. The type of fruit that pairs well with goat cheese depends on the season, the flavour of the cheese, and personal preference. In spring, when the goat cheese is at its richest, a Pink Lady apple is a good choice to balance sweetness and acidity, while contrasting with the soft texture of the cheese. In summer, goat cheese can be paired with stone fruits like peaches, apricots, or nectarines, or berries like cherries or redcurrants. In autumn, apples, pears, figs, or grapes are a better choice for aged goat cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits that pair well with goat cheese | Apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, red berries, plums, pears, figs, grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, clementines |
| Fruits that can be cooked and paired with goat cheese | Apples, pears |
| Fruit products that pair well with goat cheese | Honey, jam, confit, syrup, coulis |
| Breads that pair well with goat cheese | Multigrain bread, nutty bread, walnut bread, raisin bread |
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What You'll Learn
Apples: McIntosh, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith varieties
Apples and goat's cheese is a classic pairing, but not all apples are created equal when it comes to this combination. The McIntosh, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith varieties, in particular, offer distinct flavour profiles that either complement or contrast with goat cheese in interesting ways.
McIntosh apples, known for their balance of sweetness and tartness, can be an excellent match for goat cheese. This variety helps prevent the cheese from tasting sour, as can happen when paired with a super-sweet apple.
The Pink Lady apple, bred for its balance of sweetness and acidity, also pairs well with goat cheese. The hard crunch of this apple variety provides a pleasing textural contrast to the softness of the cheese.
Granny Smith apples, on the other hand, may be too tart for some goat cheeses, overwhelming their delicate flavour. However, in certain contexts, this sharp contrast between the sharp apple and creamy cheese might be desirable.
When pairing apples with goat cheese, it's essential to consider the seasonality and flavour profiles of both ingredients. The balance of acid and butterfat in the cheese should be matched by the apple, creating a harmonious combination that elevates both elements.
In addition to these three varieties, other types of apples can also be explored in combination with different goat cheeses, creating a range of flavour experiences that showcase the versatility of this fruit and cheese pairing.
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Peaches, apricots, and nectarines
When choosing a goat cheese to pair with these fruits, consider a mild and fresh variety, such as chèvre, which is a French term for "goat". The lemony acidity and rich butterfat of the cheese will be enhanced by the sweetness of the fruit. Look for a goat cheese made with milk from goats that have fed on the sweet, juicy grass of spring to capture these flavour notes.
For a contrasting texture, opt for a soft goat cheese to go with the firm bite of the peaches, apricots, or nectarines. However, if you prefer a more uniform mouthfeel, a semi-hard goat cheese that has been aged for a few months can provide a similar texture to the fruit while still offering a complementary flavour profile.
To elevate your pairing, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts. A mild honey, such as acacia, can add a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavour of the cheese without overwhelming the fruit. Alternatively, a nutty bread, such as walnut bread, can provide a crunchy texture and a savoury note to balance the sweetness of the fruit and the tanginess of the cheese.
Whether served as a simple snack, a cheese board item, or incorporated into a recipe, the combination of goat cheese with peaches, apricots, or nectarines is a delightful way to enjoy the flavours of summer. The sweetness of the fruit and the tang of the cheese create a harmonious pairing that is sure to please the palate.
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Berries: cherries, redcurrants, black cherries, blueberries, cranberries
Berries are a delicious and nutritious option to pair with goat cheese, offering a range of flavours and textures to elevate your culinary creations. Cherries, in particular, provide a bright, fruity note that complements the tangy, lemony flavour of goat cheese. For a summery treat, combine fresh goat cheese with ripe cherries for a delightful contrast of colours and tastes.
Redcurrants, too, make an excellent pairing with goat cheese. Their tart, tangy flavour creates a beautiful balance with the creamy, rich texture of the cheese. Whether you use them fresh or stewed, redcurrants add a vibrant touch to your dish.
Black cherries, known for their deep, dark colour and sweet flavour, create a delightful contrast when paired with goat cheese. Their sweetness can balance out the tangy notes of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious combination.
Blueberries, with their sweet and juicy nature, also pair well with goat cheese. Whether you use them fresh or in a conserve, blueberries add a burst of flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.
Cranberries, while not technically a true berry, round off our berry exploration as a wonderful pairing partner for goat cheese. Their tart, tangy flavour provides a bright contrast to the creamy, rich nature of the cheese. Whether used fresh or in a conserve, cranberries add a distinctive touch to your culinary creations.
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Figs and plums
In addition to fresh figs, fig jam is a perfect way to elevate warm goat cheese on toast. The sweetness of the jam will complement the tangy, lemony notes of the goat cheese, creating a delightful flavor profile.
Plums also pair well with goat cheese, creating an incredibly balanced bite. This combination is a great choice for those who enjoy a contrast of sweet and savory flavors. The tanginess of the goat cheese will offset the sweetness of the plums, resulting in a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
For a unique twist, try pairing goat cheese with a plum compote or chutney. The addition of spices and herbs in the compote will enhance the flavor of the goat cheese, creating a sophisticated and memorable taste experience.
When selecting figs and plums to pair with goat cheese, it is best to choose ripe, juicy fruits that are in season. This will ensure the best flavor and texture to complement the cheese. Additionally, consider the overall presentation of your dish. Fresh figs and plums can add a burst of color to a cheese platter, making your culinary creation not only delicious but also visually appealing.
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Honey and gingerbread
To create a more indulgent dessert, consider making a gingerbread cheesecake with a goat cheese and honey filling. This combination, as seen in the Ginger Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Honey Roasted Figs and Hazelnuts recipe, adds a sweet and velvety dimension to the traditionally savoury goat cheese and fig pairing. The cheesecake is made with a vanilla hazelnut tart crust, a creamy goat cheese and honey filling, and a topping of honey-roasted figs and hazelnuts. The recipe also includes freshly grated ginger, adding a subtle bite that pairs beautifully with the caramelisation of the fruit and nut topping.
If you're looking for a lighter option, a salad with goat cheese, honey-roasted figs, and gingerbread croutons could be a delightful choice. The sweetness of the honey and the subtle spice of the gingerbread will complement the tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a well-rounded and refreshing dish.
For a festive twist during the holiday season, why not try making gingerbread canapes with a tarragon goat Chantilly? This recipe combines the sweetness of gingerbread with the tangy and creamy goat cheese, resulting in a delightful appetiser that's perfect for Christmas gatherings. Simply arrange the gingerbread slices in a muffin tray, bake until golden and crunchy, and then top with the infused cream and goat cheese mixture, adding a slice of dried fig and a drizzle of balsamic cream for that extra touch of elegance.
Whether you choose to enjoy it as a savoury appetizer, a sweet dessert, or a refreshing salad, the combination of honey, gingerbread, and goat cheese is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits that go well with goat cheese include apples, pears, plums, apricots, peaches, red berries, and grapes.
Granny Smith apples are too tart and can overwhelm the delicate flavor of goat cheese. Similarly, sweet apples like the Honeycrisp can bring out a sour note in the cheese.
Goat cheese also pairs well with honey, gingerbread, multigrain bread, walnut bread, raisin bread, and conserves.
