Delicious Pairings: Cheese And Fruit Combos To Try

Whether you're creating a grazing board or experimenting with new flavours, pairing fruit and cheese is a great way to impress your guests. It's all about complementary flavours and textures – think crisp apples with mature cheddar, buttery Brie with red grapes, or juicy watermelon with salty feta.

The best fruit and cheese pairings create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For example, the crispness of apples complements the sharpness of cheddar cheese, creating a classic and satisfying combination. Sweet and juicy grapes pair beautifully with the creamy and slightly tangy flavour of Brie cheese. And the refreshing and juicy nature of watermelon pairs unexpectedly well with the salty and slightly squeaky texture of grilled halloumi cheese.

Apples and grapes

Apples

Apples are a versatile fruit when it comes to cheese pairings. The different varieties of apple offer a range of flavours, from sweet to tart, crisp to juicy, and mild to sharp. The variety of apple you choose will affect the overall flavour combination.

Some popular pairings include:

• Gala apples with extra sharp cheddar
• Granny Smith apples with pepper jack cheese
• Honey Crisp apples with Alpine cheddar
• Red Delicious apples with provolone
• Golden Delicious apples with blue cheese
• Braeburn apples with habanero cheddar
• Fuji apples with Vermont sharp cheddar
• McIntosh apples with seriously sharp cheddar
• Cameo apples with goat cheese

Grapes

Grapes are another classic fruit to serve with cheese. They are a popular choice as they are sweet, juicy, and easy to eat. The most common type of grape to serve with cheese is the red grape, but green grapes are also used.

Some cheeses that go well with grapes include:

• Red Wax Gouda
• Cheddar
• Gorgonzola

Figs and honey

For a more complex flavour, you can try stuffing the figs with the cheese and honey, or even adding nuts and a balsamic glaze. To stuff the figs, gently wash and wipe them, then remove the stems with a sharp knife. Cut the figs in quarters, being careful not to cut all the way through, and gently stuff each fig with a teaspoon of soft goat cheese. Drizzle with honey and serve on a small plate with a fork.

For a nuttier variation, you can add maple-glazed walnuts or hazelnuts. To make maple walnuts, toss a small handful of chopped walnuts in a heated skillet with two teaspoons of maple syrup and cook for a few minutes until caramelized. Then, simply add a pinch of sea salt and top each fig with a walnut before drizzling with honey.

For a tangier option, you can substitute blue cheese for the goat cheese and add a balsamic glaze. Top each fig half with a teaspoon of creamy blue cheese and some finely chopped, toasted maple-glazed hazelnuts. Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve as finger food with napkins.

If you're looking for a warm option, try caramelized figs with honey and cheese. Heat honey and fennel seeds in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the halved figs, cut-side down, and sprinkle with almonds. Cook the figs for about 10 minutes until caramelized, then serve warm, topped with shaved sheep's-milk cheese and drizzled with more honey.

Blueberries and feta

You can make a simple salad with blueberries and feta. To make this salad, you can add some greens, such as spinach, spring greens, or lettuce, and a dressing, such as honey dijon vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette. You can also add some nuts or seeds, like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds, and other fruits, like mango, strawberry, or apple. This salad can be served as a side dish or a light lunch.

Another way to enjoy blueberries and feta is to bake them together. This combination can be served as a dip with crackers, toasted bread, graham crackers, or shortbread. To make this dish, you can toss blueberries with lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt, and then bake them with feta in the centre until the feta is soft and the blueberries have burst.

Cherries and Asiago

When creating a cheese board, it is important to bring the cheese to room temperature to allow for optimal flavour. You should also provide small cheese knives and spoons to make it easy for your guests to spread the cheese on crackers or bread. For a dynamic duo, pair sweet or tart flavours with something salty, and don't forget to add a glass of wine!

To elevate your cheese board, consider adding other fruits that pair well with Asiago cheese. Fresh or dried apricots will add a touch of sweetness, while apples, especially Granny Smith, will provide a crisp and semi-sour contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unique like dates or figs, which are also known to pair well with Asiago.

For a well-rounded cheese board, a variety of textures is key. Include some crackers or bread, such as French bread or crostinis, and perhaps some cured meats like salami or prosciutto. A drizzle of honey will add a touch of sweetness to balance out the sharpness of the Asiago, and if you want to impress your guests even more, add some honeycomb. Finally, don't forget the nuts! Pistachios, almonds, or walnuts will provide a satisfying crunch to your cheese board.

Peaches and grilled halloumi

Grilled peaches and halloumi is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The saltiness of the halloumi is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the peaches. This pairing is a great addition to a summer salad, especially when served with crusty bread and wine.

To make a delicious grilled peach and halloumi salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ripe peaches
• Halloumi
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs such as basil and mint
• Balsamic vinegar
• Red onions
• Bread (ciabatta or crusty bread)

Start by slicing the peaches and halloumi into thick pieces. Brush them with olive oil and grill until you achieve perfect grill marks. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar on the peaches before grilling. Once grilled, arrange the peaches and halloumi on a platter, adding fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra burst of flavour and freshness.

To turn this into a heartier dish, add grilled ciabatta bread croutons and a simple white balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss all the ingredients together, and your summer salad is ready to be served!

This unique combination of grilled peaches and halloumi is a wonderful way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal.

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