The Perfect Pairings For Truffle Cheese

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of the genus Tuber and grow underground intertwined with tree roots. They are highly prized by chefs and foodies alike for their unique, intoxicating flavour. When it comes to truffles, there are a few different varieties to choose from, each with its own distinct flavour profile. Black truffles are known for their subtle and earthy flavour, while white truffles are more pungent and garlicky. No matter the type, truffles make an excellent pairing with cheese. From creamy bries to aged goudas, there are plenty of options to choose from when looking for the perfect truffle cheese pairing.

Wine: a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a full-bodied red

When it comes to wine, there are a few options that go well with truffle cheese: a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a full-bodied red.

For those who prefer their wines sparkling, a crisp, dry variety is the way to go. Look for a medium-bodied sparkling wine that has been aged for a decade or more. This will bring out the earthy flavours of the truffle cheese without overwhelming it. The key is to avoid young, light and fruity wines, as they will clash with the dish. Instead, opt for something with an earthy aroma and low acidity to complement the cheese without overpowering it.

On the other hand, if you're a fan of red wine, a full-bodied variety is the perfect match for truffle cheese. Again, age is important – a well-aged red wine will have developed earthy flavours that complement the truffle perfectly. Before serving, be sure to decant and allow the wine to breathe, as this will bring out its best flavour. Barolo, a classic Italian wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, is an excellent choice for pairing with truffle cheese. Its tannins cut through the richness of truffle-laced dishes, making it a perfect match. Another option is a Grand Cru Burgundy, which will offer a similar experience.

When it comes to white truffles specifically, a red Burgundy is an ideal match. The earthy and elegant Pinot Noir showcases the inviting aroma of wet soil in which white truffles grow. A Marsanne, with its honeyed pear, apricot, acacia and Christmas spice flavours, will also bring out the richer side of white truffles. For something truly luxurious, opt for a Hermitage Blanc.

So, whether you choose a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a full-bodied red, you can't go wrong when pairing wine with truffle cheese. Just remember to look for aged, earthy wines that will complement the unique flavour of truffles without overwhelming them.

Meat: charcuterie, cured meats, or rich, savoury meats

When it comes to meat, charcuterie and cured meats are a great match for truffle cheese. The salty yet subtle flavour of prosciutto di Parma is a delicious pairing, while thin slices of cured ham offer a sensational contrast, boosting the overall taste experience. Cured salami, such as soppressata, can also be a mouth-watering option, resulting in a heavenly symphony of flavours and textures.

In addition to charcuterie and cured meats, rich, savoury meats are a wonderful platform for truffle flavours. Black truffle, for example, perfectly accentuates a marbled cut of beef or a succulent duck breast. For a lighter touch, the garlicky aroma of white truffles delightfully enhances chicken or turkey.

When serving truffle cheese with meat, it's important to keep the presentation simple so that the truffle flavour can shine. Avoid overwhelming the dish with too many strong flavours or ingredients. The key is to complement the truffle without overpowering it.

Experimenting with different combinations is a fun way to discover your personal favourite pairings. However, some pairings may be approached with caution. For example, the delicate earthy and nutty notes of truffle cheese can be overwhelmed by very spicy foods or bold, highly tannic red wines.

Crackers: neutral-flavoured crackers or bread

When it comes to serving truffle cheese, it's best to keep it simple so that the truffle flavour can shine. Neutral-flavoured crackers or bread are ideal accompaniments to truffle cheese, as they enhance the aromatic taste of the cheese without compromising it.

A sliced baguette or plain crackers are classic choices to serve with truffle cheese. A crusty loaf of bread can also be used to make a grilled cheese sandwich with truffle cheese. This is a great way to enjoy the truffle cheese while keeping the dish simple.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, truffle cheese toasties are a perfect treat for your taste buds. For an extra special touch, try sprinkling a little truffle salt on your grilled cheese.

For a more sophisticated presentation, try serving truffle cheese on a cheese board with neutral-flavoured crackers or bread. This allows your guests to enjoy the unique flavour of the truffle cheese without any competing flavours. Remember, when it comes to truffle cheese, less is more, so avoid overwhelming the dish with too many strong flavours or ingredients.

Chutney: rich, deep chutney

Chutney is a great pairing with truffle cheese. A rich, deep chutney is the perfect match for the earthy, nutty notes of the cheese. The sweet and savoury flavours of a chutney will complement the cheese without overwhelming its delicate aroma.

A fig chutney is a classic choice, with its sweet, fruity flavour and sticky texture. The Godminster team recommends their own Sticky Fig Chutney, which they say is the "ultimate truffle cheese companion". Figs are a popular pairing with truffle cheese, as seen in the example of a pizza topped with truffle gouda, black mission figs, fresh sage and asiago cheese.

Other rich, deep chutneys that would work well include a date chutney, with its sweet and tangy flavour, or a cherry chutney, which would add a burst of fruity flavour. A tomato chutney could also be a good choice, with its slightly sharper, tangier flavour.

When serving truffle cheese with chutney, it is important to keep the presentation simple. A plain cracker or sliced baguette is a good choice, so as not to overwhelm the delicate flavour of the cheese.

Other foods: pasta, risotto, eggs, olives, olive oil, or salads

Truffle Cheese with Pasta, Risotto, Eggs, Olives, Olive Oil, or Salads

Truffle cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. Its earthy, nutty, and aromatic flavours can be paired with a range of foods to create indulgent and luxurious meals. Here are some ideas for combining truffle cheese with pasta, risotto, eggs, olives, olive oil, or salads:

Pasta

Truffle cheese can be grated over pasta to add a luxurious touch. Its distinctive flavour and aroma will enhance a simple pasta dish tossed in butter and parmesan. For a more indulgent option, consider making a truffle mac and cheese, combining local mozzarella, cheddar, and black truffles. Alternatively, sprinkle grated truffle cheese over your favourite pasta dish to add a subtle touch of truffle flavour.

Risotto

Risotto is another classic dish that pairs well with truffles. The creamy texture and subtle flavours of risotto provide the perfect backdrop for the earthy notes of black truffles or the heady aroma of white truffles. For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding shaved truffles or truffle cheese to your risotto just before serving.

Eggs

Truffle and eggs are a well-known combination, with the mild, creamy flavour of eggs providing the perfect blank canvas for the intense aroma of truffles. Try a simple truffle-infused scrambled egg or a sophisticated poached egg topped with thin shavings of black truffle. For a heartier option, create a truffle egg toast by sprinkling grated truffle cheese over toasted bread and topping it with a fried or poached egg.

Olives and Olive Oil

The fruity and slightly bitter taste of olives and olive oil complement the umami-rich flavour of truffles. Drizzle truffle-infused olive oil over an olive tapenade or pair robust, ripe black olives with black truffle. If you prefer milder flavours, combine green olives with white truffles. Truffle-infused olive oils can also be used to dress salads or finished dishes to add a subtle truffle aroma.

Salads

Truffle cheese can add a luxurious touch to salads. Shave truffle cheese over a bed of mixed greens, or combine it with other salad ingredients such as roasted vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits. For a more substantial salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp, and dress it with a light vinaigrette. Truffle cheese can also be crumbled over a classic Caesar salad to add a unique flavour.

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