Port Salut Partners: Food And Drink Pairings

Port Salut is a semi-soft, pasteurised, cow's milk cheese from France. It has a creamy texture and a tangy yet mild taste. It is produced in the form of disks with a dense, pale yellow interior and an edible, bright orange rind. Port Salut is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways, but what are the best pairings for it?

Wine pairings: Chinon, Bourgueil, and Pinot Noir are recommended

Port Salut is a semi-soft, pasteurised, cow's milk cheese from France. It has a creamy and smooth texture with a tangy and mild taste. It is produced in the form of disks weighing approximately 2 kg (4.4 lb) and has a dense, pale yellow interior and an edible, bright orange rind.

Port Salut is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board. When it comes to wine pairings, Chinon, Bourgueil, and Pinot Noir are recommended. These wines complement the cheese's mild and tangy flavour, enhancing its savoury and slightly sweet notes.

Chinon and Bourgueil wines, produced in the Chinon and Bourgueil regions of France, respectively, are known for their elegant and refined flavours. They often exhibit notes of red berries, black pepper, and earthy tones that pair exceptionally well with the creaminess of Port Salut. The acidity in these wines also helps to balance the cheese's richness.

Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a versatile red wine grape variety grown in many renowned wine-producing regions around the world. It is known for producing wines with delicate flavours of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, along with subtle earthy and spicy notes. The light-to-medium body and smooth tannins of Pinot Noir make it an excellent choice to accompany the mild and creamy characteristics of Port Salut.

When creating a cheese board with Port Salut, it is essential to consider the other cheeses and accompaniments that will be included. Variety is key, and offering a range of flavours, strengths, textures, colours, and shapes will make for a well-rounded and appealing selection. Fresh and plain crackers are often preferred to avoid overpowering the cheeses. Grapes and other fruits are also excellent additions, providing decorative elements and contrasting flavours.

Fruits: Port Salut is a great snacking cheese with fruits

Port Salut is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, tangy taste. It is made from pasteurised cow's milk and was first produced by Trappist monks in the 19th century. The cheese is named after the abbey of Notre Dame du Port du Salut in Entrammes, France. Port Salut is a versatile cheese that is perfect for snacking, especially with fruits.

Dried fruits such as apricots or raisins also go well with Port Salut. The chewy texture and concentrated sweetness of dried fruits can enhance the creaminess and tanginess of the cheese. For a more exotic touch, try pairing Port Salut with fresh mango or pineapple slices. The tropical flavours of these fruits can create an interesting contrast with the cheese's tangy flavour.

When creating a cheese platter, consider combining Port Salut with a variety of fresh and dried fruits to offer a range of flavours and textures. For a well-rounded snacking experience, add some nuts or crackers to the mix. Port Salut's versatility makes it a great choice for experimenting with different fruit combinations to find your favourite pairings.

Bread: Enjoy with rye bread

Port Salut is a semi-soft, smooth, and creamy cheese with a mild, tangy taste. It is a washed-rind cheese, which means it has a strong smell, but its flavour is relatively mild. This French cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk and was first produced by Trappist monks in the 19th century. It is named after the abbey of Notre Dame du Port du Salut in Entrammes.

Rye bread is a popular pairing with Port Salut, especially for breakfast or snacking. The dense, dark rye bread provides a contrast to the creamy, orange-rinded cheese. The slight tang of the cheese is a perfect match for the earthy, nutty flavour of rye bread.

When serving Port Salut with rye bread, consider toasting the bread lightly to enhance its flavour and provide a textural contrast to the soft cheese. You can also experiment with different types of rye bread, such as a marbled rye or a rye bread with added grains or seeds.

For a simple yet delicious snack, spread the Port Salut generously on the rye bread and enjoy as is. You can also add some fresh fruit, such as grapes or sliced apples, on the side to complement the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.

For a heartier meal, try making an open-faced sandwich with the rye bread and Port Salut. Top the cheese with some steamed asparagus or broccoli, or a handful of baby greens drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The combination of the slightly sweet cheese and the crisp, toasted bread creates a satisfying contrast of flavours and textures.

When creating a cheese board that includes Port Salut and rye bread, consider adding some accompaniments such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and honey. These additions will provide a variety of flavours and textures to enhance the enjoyment of the cheese and bread.

Salads: Try with a baby greens salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Port Salut is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, tangy taste. It is a versatile cheese that is perfect for a cheese board, spread, or recipe. The cheese is produced in the form of disks weighing approximately 2 kg (4.4 lb) and has a bright orange rind with a pale yellow interior. It is best consumed within two weeks of opening and should be brought to room temperature before eating.

When creating a salad to pair with Port Salut, the key is to complement the cheese's mild and tangy flavour while also adding a variety of textures and colours. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a delicious baby greens salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil:

Choose Your Greens:

Select a variety of tender, young salad greens such as spinach, arugula (rocket), baby kale, or spring mix. These greens offer a delicate texture and a slightly sweet flavour that will balance the tanginess of the cheese.

Add Some Crunch:

Include a handful of chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Toasting them lightly will enhance their flavour and add a satisfying crunch to your salad.

Fruits and Vegetables:

Port Salut pairs well with fruits, so consider adding some sliced apples, pears, or fresh berries for a touch of sweetness. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also work well. Additionally, you can include some thinly sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or red onions for added colour and texture.

Dressing and Toppings:

For the dressing, use a high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. You can whisk in some Dijon mustard, honey, or herbs like thyme or basil to create a more complex flavour profile. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs such as chopped chives or parsley over the salad for added freshness.

Cheese Presentation:

You can incorporate the Port Salut into the salad in a few ways. Cut the cheese into thin wedges or cubes and scatter them over the salad. Alternatively, you can place a larger slice or chunk of the cheese on top of the bed of greens, allowing each person to cut off a portion as they serve themselves.

Remember to adjust the quantities and ingredients to your taste and feel free to experiment with additional components that complement the cheese. Enjoy creating your Port Salut salad!

Crackers: Best accompanied by plain crackers, like oatcakes

Port Salut is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, tangy taste. It is a washed rind cheese, which means it has a strong smell, but the flavour is relatively mild. The cheese is produced in the form of disks with a dense, pale yellow interior and an edible, bright orange rind.

When it comes to crackers, the general rule of thumb is to keep them plain and simple so as not to overpower the cheese. This allows the flavour of the cheese to shine through and provides a neutral base that complements the tanginess of the Port Salut. Plain crackers, such as oatcakes, are ideal for this purpose. Oatcakes, in particular, are often suggested by experts as the best accompaniment for cheese. They have a subtle flavour and a slightly coarse texture, providing a nice contrast to the smoothness of the cheese without being too overwhelming.

The French, who are known for their expertise in cheese, often serve their cheese course with no accompaniments at all, allowing the cheese to be the star of the show. However, if you're looking to add a little extra crunch and texture to your cheese board, plain crackers like oatcakes are the way to go. They provide a neutral base that won't compete with the flavour of the cheese, while still offering a satisfying bite.

When creating a cheese board, it's important to consider not only the type of cheese but also the quantity. As a general guideline, allow between 30-80 grams of cheese per person, depending on the occasion and what else you are serving. For a cheese course, 30 grams is a good amount, about the size of a matchbox. This will ensure your guests can enjoy a variety of cheeses without feeling overwhelmed.

In addition to crackers, you can also offer a selection of fruits, steamed asparagus or broccoli, and a baby greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to complement the Port Salut cheese. These accompaniments provide a decorative touch and add some contrasting flavours to the cheese board. Remember to take the cheese out of the refrigerator a couple of hours before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and breathe, enhancing its flavour.

Frequently asked questions