The Perfect Pairings For Dubliner Cheese

Dubliner cheese is a sweet, granular cheese, aged over a year, and produced by Carbery in County Cork, Republic of Ireland. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to macaroni and cheese, and even grilled cheese. Its unique, sweet, and nutty flavour makes it a great addition to many recipes, and it can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Crackers and bread

When it comes to crackers and bread, there are endless possibilities to pair with Dubliner cheese. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Crackers

• Wheat Thins: The slight sweetness of Wheat Thins crackers complements the salty savouriness of Dubliner cheese.
• Pretzel Crisps: These provide a sturdy base for dipping and their flat structure is perfect for holding the cheese.
• Crostini: Slice a baguette into ½ inch pieces, brush with olive oil, and place under the oven broiler until browned. These crunchy, oily bites are a perfect match for Dubliner cheese.
• Pita Chips: Cut pita bread into wedges and serve with a spreader to allow the cheese to be easily spread onto the bread.

Bread

• Sourdough: Try spreading Dubliner cheese on toasted homemade sourdough bread for a delicious combination of textures and flavours.
• Rye: The robust flavour of rye bread can stand up to the strong taste of Dubliner cheese.
• Irish Soda Bread: For a traditional Irish combination, spread Dubliner cheese on top of Irish soda bread, or bake it into the dough for a cheesy treat.
• Baguette: Whether sliced or left whole, a baguette is a classic choice for cheese. The crisp exterior and soft interior provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy cheese.

Chicken

Dubliner cheese is a sweet, granular cheese, aged over a year, and produced by Carbery in County Cork, Ireland. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those featuring chicken. Here are some ideas for chicken dishes that incorporate Dubliner cheese:

You can stuff chicken breasts with Dubliner cheese to create a delicious and indulgent dish. Simply pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, layer on some sliced Dubliner cheese, and roll them up securely. You can secure the chicken rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine before baking or grilling them. This dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or an impressive dinner party entree.

Hasselback Chicken with Dubliner Cheese

Hasselback chicken is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. To make it, you can slice slits into the chicken breasts, stuff them with Dubliner cheese, and bake them until cooked through. You can also add some breadcrumbs or herbs to the cheese for extra flavour and texture. Serve it with some steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Dubliner Cheese Chicken Cordon Bleu

For a decadent and indulgent dish, you can try making a chicken cordon bleu with Dubliner cheese. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, layer on some sliced Dubliner cheese and your choice of cured meat (such as ham or prosciutto), and roll them up. You can then coat the rolls in breadcrumbs and bake or fry them until cooked through. This dish is sure to impress and can be served with a side of your choice, such as a salad or roasted vegetables.

Sauteed Chicken with Dubliner Cheese Sauce

You can also use Dubliner cheese to make a creamy and indulgent sauce to serve with sauteed chicken. Simply cook your chicken breasts as you normally would, and then create a cheese sauce by melting some Dubliner cheese with milk or cream, stirring until smooth. You can also add some herbs or spices to the sauce for extra flavour. Serve the chicken breasts topped with the Dubliner cheese sauce, along with some vegetables or rice.

Dubliner Cheese Chicken Nachos

For a fun and casual dish, you can make chicken nachos using Dubliner cheese. Simply cook and shred some chicken breasts, and layer them on a baking sheet with tortilla chips, beans, salsa, and shredded Dubliner cheese. Bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and then top with your choice of nacho toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or chopped onions and peppers.

These are just a few ideas for chicken dishes that incorporate Dubliner cheese. With its unique flavour and melting texture, Dubliner cheese can enhance and elevate a variety of chicken recipes.

Salumi and apples

Selecting the Salumi

The beauty of salumi lies in its variety. When building your platter, consider including a mix of salumi types, such as prosciutto, mortadella, salami, coppa, pancetta, speck, and bresaola. Each of these brings something different to the table. For instance, prosciutto is known for its mild, sweet taste and delicate texture, while salami can be spicy or mild, and bresaola, made from beef, offers a mildly flavoured, lean option. By providing a range of options, your guests can explore and discover their favourites.

Choosing the Apples

When it comes to apples, there are numerous varieties to choose from, each with its own distinct flavour and texture. For a classic pairing, go for crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. If you want to add a touch of tartness, consider Granny Smith apples, which have a bright, tangy flavour. You can also opt for a mix of red and green apples to add a pop of colour to your platter.

Presentation Tips

The visual appeal of a platter is just as important as the flavours. Arrange the salumi and apple slices in an attractive pattern, alternating colours and textures. You can roll or fold the salumi slices or drape them loosely for added interest. As for the apples, try slicing them thinly and fanning them out, or cut them into wedges for a heartier bite. Don't forget to include some crusty bread, such as a sourdough baguette, and perhaps some mixed olives or pickled vegetables on the side.

Enhancing the Flavours

To elevate the flavours even further, consider adding some complementary ingredients. A drizzle of honey or a spread of apple butter can enhance the sweetness of the apples, while a sprinkling of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, adds a crunchy contrast. Additionally, a selection of mustards or a side of cornichons can provide a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the salumi.

A Perfect Pairing

When it comes to creating a salumi and apple platter, the key is to offer a well-rounded selection that caters to different tastes. By combining the savoury, salty notes of the cured meats with the sweetness and crispness of apples, you'll create a delightful harmony of flavours that will leave your guests wanting more. Remember to let the salumi come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its nuanced flavours.

Sandwiches

The Classic Grilled Cheese

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you can pair Dubliner with mushrooms and butter on white bread. For a more indulgent option, try making a grilled cheese with Dubliner, berry jam, and artisan bread.

The Savoury Sandwich

If you're looking for something more savoury, try a beef tenderloin sandwich or a club sandwich with Dubliner cheese. You could also make a sandwich with Dubliner, prosciutto, arugula, and tomato on rye bread.

The Sweet Tooth

For those with a sweet tooth, there's the Irish Apple Pie Twice-Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This sandwich combines cinnamon swirl bread, Granny Smith apples, butter, apple butter, and, of course, Dubliner cheese.

The Brunch Option

If you're looking for a brunch option, you could try a savoury waffle sandwich with Dubliner cheese, rosemary, ham, and butter.

The Irish Breakfast

For a traditional Irish breakfast, pair Dubliner with eggs, tomatoes, and Irish bacon (rashers). This combination is a favourite for many and is a great way to enjoy Dubliner cheese.

Waffles

Savoury Waffles

For a savoury take on waffles, you could try a recipe featuring rosemary, ham, and Dubliner cheese. The sharpness of the cheese will complement the herbal rosemary and the savoury ham. You could also experiment with adding some chopped walnuts to this combination, to echo the nutty notes in the cheese.

Waffle Sandwiches

For a hearty brunch option, you could create a waffle sandwich with Dubliner cheese. Try using waffles as the bread in a grilled cheese sandwich, or make a full Irish breakfast sandwich with waffles, cheese, eggs, tomatoes, and Irish bacon (rashers). The sweetness of the waffles will contrast nicely with the savoury fillings, and the cheese will help bring all the elements together.

Sweet Waffles

If you're looking for a sweeter option, you could pair waffles with fresh fruit and Dubliner cheese. Sliced apples or pears will go well with the slight sweetness of the cheese, and the crispness of the fruit will provide a nice textural contrast to the waffles. You could also try a fruit compote or jam on your waffles, with a slice of Dubliner cheese melted on top.

Waffle Toppings

For a more indulgent option, you could use waffles as a base for various toppings, including Dubliner cheese. Try a combination of sliced potatoes, bacon, and cheese, or get creative with your own favourite toppings. The sturdiness of the waffles will hold up to hearty toppings, and the cheese will help bring all the flavours together.

With its unique, slightly sweet flavour, Dubliner cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance both savoury and sweet waffle creations. So get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite waffle and Dubliner cheese pairing!

Frequently asked questions