Soft Cheeses: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Platter

Soft cheeses are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. They can be spread, melted, grilled, or fried, and paired with meats, fruits, vegetables, and breads. Some popular soft cheeses include Brie, Burrata, Camembert, Feta, Gorgonzola, and Halloumi. Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavour and texture, and can be used in different ways to enhance a dish. For example, Brie and Camembert are best served at room temperature or melted in a fondue, while Feta can be crumbled over salads or melted on pizzas. In this topic, we will explore the different types of soft cheeses, their characteristics, and the best ways to use them in cooking.

Soft cheese and fruit

For a simple yet elegant option, consider a cheese platter with soft cheeses and fresh fruits. Brie, Camembert, and Chevre are excellent choices, as they pair beautifully with sweet and tangy flavours. Accompany them with slices of ripe pear or apple, some fresh figs, or a handful of juicy grapes. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the crisp, refreshing fruit is simply divine. Don't forget to include some crackers or bread to provide a textural contrast.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, try creating a baked Camembert with a fruity twist. Simply score the top of the cheese, add a drizzle of honey, and top it off with some chopped nuts and dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots. Bake until melted, and serve with crusty bread for dipping. This sweet and savoury combination is sure to impress.

For a refreshing summer treat, whip up a fruit salad and incorporate soft cheese in the form of small balls or crumbles. Feta or Chevre are fantastic options, adding a creamy, salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. Try combining them with watermelon, strawberries, or mango for a vibrant and tasty dish.

Lastly, soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone are perfect for creating fruity desserts. Blend them with some fresh berries, a touch of sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a no-bake cheesecake filling. Or, for a more indulgent option, layer them with crushed cookies and fruit compote to make a parfait. The possibilities are endless!

Soft cheese on toast

Choose Your Cheese

Start by selecting a soft cheese that suits your taste preferences and desired level of indulgence. Brie, Camembert, and Gorgonzola are excellent choices for a classic, creamy texture and strong flavour. For something a little different, try Burrata, a part of the Mozzarella family. Burrata has a thin shell and a creamy mixture of Mozzarella and cream inside, making it perfect for those who want a touch of luxury.

Bread Base

The type of bread you use for your toast is important. A thick-cut, crusty sourdough or a soft, fluffy brioche slice can be a great foundation for your soft cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try a flavoured bread such as olive or walnut loaf for an added layer of texture and taste.

Toppings and Accompaniments

Now for the fun part—adding some extra ingredients to take your soft cheese on toast to the next level:

• Sweet: A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or some sliced fresh figs can complement the savoury notes of the cheese.
• Savoury: Try some sliced tomatoes, a handful of arugula, or a few slices of prosciutto or smoked salmon. If you're feeling indulgent, fry some mushrooms in butter and garlic, or add some crispy bacon bits.

Cooking and Serving

When it comes to preparing your soft cheese on toast, you have a few options:

• Cold: Simply spread the soft cheese on your toast and add your desired toppings. This method is perfect for softer breads and quicker preparation.
• Toasted: If you prefer your bread toasted, pop it in the toaster first, then add the soft cheese while the bread is still warm so it gets slightly melty.
• Grilled: For an extra indulgent treat, assemble your soft cheese and toppings on the bread, then place it under a hot grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Soft cheese in a sandwich

Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of sandwiches. Here are some ideas and tips to elevate your soft cheese sandwich:

Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Cream cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, offering a creamy texture and mild flavour. You can mix cream cheese with herbs, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to create a flavourful spread. This herbed cream cheese pairs well with crunchy vegetables like cucumber, avocado, tomato, lettuce, grilled zucchini, and peppers. For the bread, soft, thinly sliced options like multigrain, white sandwich bread, or rye bread work well. If you're serving a crowd, consider using thicker slices of bread like ciabatta, English muffins, sourdough, or bagels.

Grilled Cheese with Cream Cheese

For a decadent treat, try a grilled cheese sandwich with cream cheese. Spread a mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a pinch of Parmesan on slices of bread. Add cheddar cheese slices, and grill until golden and crispy. Sourdough bread works well for this sandwich as it holds up to the creamy filling. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Swiss cheese.

Classic Cheese Sandwich

If you're a traditionalist, a plain cold cheese sandwich is a classic option. The standard choice is to use Cheddar cheese, either mild or mature, but you can also add Red Leicester for a pop of colour and a slight variation in flavour. Grate or shave the cheese with a vegetable peeler to avoid uneven slices and spilling. Soft white sandwich bread is the typical choice for this sandwich, and don't forget to butter the bread generously!

Creative Combinations

Looking for something more adventurous? Here are some unique combinations to try:

• Seedy bread with cream cheese and apricot jam
• Jewish rye bread with cream cheese, sliced salami, and pickles
• Pumpernickel bread with cream cheese, tomato slices, salt, and pepper
• Whole wheat bread with cream cheese, sliced cucumber, and mint
• Blue cheese with sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, thinly sliced steak, or slices of apple or pear
• Gruyère cheese with shaved ham, fresh herbs, and caramelised onions

Soft cheese with meat

Soft cheese and meat is a classic combination that can be used to create a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to charcuterie boards. Here are some ideas for pairing soft cheese with meat:

Swiss Cheese and Prosciutto

Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that is thinly sliced and pairs well with sharper cheeses like Swiss cheese. Wrap prosciutto around a piece of Swiss cheese for a delicious meat-and-cheese roll-up, or layer them between two slices of bread and grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.

Pepper Jack and Ground Beef

Pepper Jack is a bold and tangy cheese that pairs well with ground beef. Combine them in a skillet with a few other ingredients to make a beef queso dip, perfect for corn chips or vegetable sticks. This combination can also be used as a sauce for roasted vegetables, pasta, or baked potatoes.

Havarti and Soppressata

Havarti is a semi-soft cow's cheese with a buttery aroma and smooth texture. Soppressata is an Italian dry-cured pork salami seasoned with salt, chilli, black peppercorns, and red wine. Pairing Havarti with soppressata creates a tantalising mixture of flavours, as the cheese's butteriness enhances the herbs and spices in the salami.

Monterey Jack and Salami

Monterey Jack is a mild and buttery cheese with a slight tang that melts well, making it perfect for burgers, quesadillas, and nachos. Salami is an Italian cured sausage that is typically dry and hard, with a spiced and herby taste. Together, Monterey Jack and salami make a delicious combination that can be enjoyed on its own, on a cracker, or grilled in a tortilla.

Cream Cheese and Meat

Cream cheese is a versatile soft cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as a binding agent for a paté, such as a kipper paté with spinach, parsley, and horseradish. Cream cheese can also be added to a mince patty or meatball, creating a hidden cheese centre that will impress your diners. For a sandwich, cream cheese pairs well with meats like smoked salmon, ham, chicken, turkey, or tuna.

Soft cheese in a cake

Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. While soft cheese is often used in cheesecakes, it can also be used in cakes. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating soft cheese into a cake:

Using Soft Cheese in Cake Batter

While soft cheese is commonly used in cheesecake batter, it can also be added to other cake batters to create a rich and creamy texture. Cream cheese, in particular, can add tanginess and moisture to the cake. However, it is important to note that soft cheese should be used sparingly in cake batter, as too much can affect the cake's structure and texture. Start by adding a small amount of soft cheese and adjust the quantity according to your preference.

Frosting and Fillings

Soft cheese, especially cream cheese, can be used to make delicious and creamy frosting for cakes. Combining cream cheese with icing sugar and butter creates a silky and smooth frosting that pairs well with carrot cakes, spice cakes, or red velvet cakes. You can also incorporate soft cheese into fillings for layered cakes, such as a cream cheese and fruit filling for a tangy and sweet surprise.

Baking Tips

When baking with soft cheese, it is essential to bring the cheese to room temperature before using it. Cold cheese can affect the texture of the batter and make it difficult to incorporate evenly. Additionally, pay attention to the type of soft cheese you are using. Cream cheese, for example, comes in different varieties, and some are better suited for baking than others. Brick-style cream cheese, for instance, is often recommended for cheesecakes as it provides a creamy texture.

Storage and Serving

Cakes made with soft cheese should be stored properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Soft cheese cakes are typically rich and moist, so they can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. However, if you want to extend their shelf life, it is best to refrigerate them. Soft cheese cakes can also be frozen, but it is important to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best flavour and texture.

Flavour Combinations

Soft cheese pairs well with a variety of flavours, and you can get creative with your cake choices. Here are some flavour combinations to consider:

• Lemon: Lemon zest and juice can be added to the cake batter or frosting for a bright, citrusy note that complements the richness of the soft cheese.
• Fruit: Fresh or cooked fruit, such as berries, cherries, or apples, can be incorporated into the cake batter or used as a topping.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavour of a soft cheese cake, especially during the autumn and winter seasons.
• Chocolate: Soft cheese pairs beautifully with chocolate, and you can create a chocolate soft cheese cake or use chocolate ganache as a topping.

Frequently asked questions