The Perfect Pairing: Cheese And Apple Slices

Apples and cheese are a classic combination, offering the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury flavours. The multitude of varieties of both apples and cheese allow for endless flavour combinations, but some pairings are more popular than others. For example, a sweet apple like a Gala or Red Delicious goes well with cheddar, while a tart apple like a Granny Smith pairs nicely with Swiss cheese or gouda. When it comes to cheese, cheddar is a crowd favourite, but other options include brie, blue cheese, and goat cheese.

Cheese types: cheddar, brie, blue cheese, Swiss, and gouda

Apples and cheese are a classic combination, offering the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury. Here are some ideas for cheese types to pair with apple slices:

Cheddar

Red Delicious and Gala apples are recommended pairings for cheddar cheese. You could also try a Pink Lady apple, which pairs well with Swiss cheese, or a Braeburn apple, which pairs well with Gouda.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, from macaroni and cheese to sandwiches. It can also be used in soups, biscuits, and burgers. For example, you could try making cheddar-scallion biscuits, where grated sharp cheddar is mixed into the dough and the biscuits are baked on top of a pile of cheddar, resulting in crispy, lacy "feet" that form around the edges and add a beautiful caramelized flavour.

Brie

Ambrosia and Golden Delicious apples are recommended pairings for brie. You could also try a Braeburn apple, which pairs well with Camembert, or a Honeycrisp apple, which pairs well with blue cheese.

Brie is a soft cheese that is often eaten on crackers or slices of baguette. It can also be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, or baked in puff pastry. For example, you could try baking brie in puff pastry with a layer of jam and chopped nuts, drizzled with maple syrup.

Blue Cheese

Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp apples are recommended pairings for blue cheese. You could also try a Cameo or Piñata apple, or a Red Delicious apple, which pairs well with cheddar.

Blue cheese crumbles add an undeniable punch of flavour to salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. It can also be used in dressings, or baked into a flatbread with grapes and honey. For example, you could try making an autumn salad with figs, apples, and grapes, with acidic and spicy flavours from apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard.

Swiss

Gala and Pink Lady apples are recommended pairings for Swiss cheese. You could also try a Golden Delicious apple, which pairs well with brie, or a Piñata apple, which pairs well with blue cheese.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, such as the classic ham and Swiss, or Reubens. It can also be used in burgers, dips, and soups. For example, you could try making mushroom Swiss burgers, which are a family favourite.

Gouda

Braeburn and SweeTango apples are recommended pairings for Gouda. You could also try a Fuji apple, which pairs well with blue cheese, or a Red Delicious apple, which pairs well with cheddar.

Gouda is a Dutch cheese that can be used in many dishes, from pigs in a blanket to soups and sandwiches. It can also be used in potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes or pot stickers. For example, you could try making gouda and roasted potato bread, which makes a great base for a roast beef sandwich.

Apple types: Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp

Apples and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are many apple types to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. Here is a guide to some popular apple varieties and their perfect cheese pairings:

Red Delicious Apples

Red Delicious apples are vibrant, crisp, and have a sweet-tart flavour. They pair well with sharp Cheddar, creamy Camembert, and Provolone cheeses. You can also try them with caramel or peanut butter for a sweet treat. In terms of recipes, Red Delicious apples are great for apple crisps, apple-cabbage coleslaw, and shredded apple pie.

Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are versatile and work well in both sweet and savoury dishes. They have a sweet yet tart nature and a sturdy composition, making them perfect for desserts like apple crisp. When it comes to cheese, Fuji apples are a good match for Gorgonzola, Blue Cheese, Fontina, and Havarti.

Gala Apples

Gala apples are another versatile variety, suitable for both sweet and savoury recipes. They are a popular choice for apple pie, apple crisp, and apple muffins. For cheese pairings, Gala apples go well with Cheddar, goat cheese such as Chevre, and Swiss or Emmental cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try them in a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar.

Granny Smith Apples

Granny Smith apples are a favourite for baking due to their sweet-tart flavour and crisp texture. They hold their shape well, making them ideal for tarts, pies, and apple desserts like tarte tatin. Granny Smith apples pair deliciously with Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese. You can also try them in savoury dishes like apple potato pancakes or apple-stuffed acorn squash.

Honeycrisp Apples

Honeycrisp apples are sweet, tart, and have a crisp texture, making them a tasty snack on their own. They are also excellent for desserts like apple crisp and pair beautifully with Blue Cheese, Brie, Provolone, and Gruyere.

Salads: apples, cheese, and walnuts

Apples, cheese, and walnuts are a classic combination that can be enjoyed in many different ways, but one of the most popular is as a salad. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the apples adding a touch of sweetness and the cheese and walnuts providing a savory contrast.

When it comes to choosing the right apple for this salad, there are a few different varieties that work well. Granny Smith apples, with their tart sweetness, can add a nice contrast to the other ingredients. Gala apples, which are sweet and crisp, are also a good option, especially if you're looking for a more subtle apple flavor. Other apple varieties that you could consider include Red Delicious, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.

For the cheese, a sharp cheddar is often considered the best choice to pair with apples. The sharpness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a delicious savory contrast. Other cheese options that work well with apples include Brie, Gouda, Blue Cheese, and Swiss Cheese.

To assemble the salad, start by slicing your chosen apple variety into thin slices or cubes. You can leave the peel on or remove it, depending on your preference. Next, crumble or shred your chosen cheese variety and chop the walnuts into small pieces. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl with mixed greens or other salad vegetables of your choice. You can also add extra ingredients like cranberries, chicken, or bacon to give the salad a more complex flavor profile.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar can help to tie all the flavors together. Alternatively, a creamy ranch dressing or a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing can also work well with the apple, cheese, and walnut combination.

• Apple, Cheddar, and Walnut Salad: Combine mixed greens, sliced Granny Smith apples, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Toss with an apple cider vinaigrette and top with grilled chicken.
• Fall Harvest Salad: Toss together baby spinach, cubed Fuji apples, crumbled Blue Cheese, chopped walnuts, and diced avocado. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette and add some crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch.
• Apple, Brie, and Walnut Salad: Combine mixed greens, sliced Red Delicious apples, cubed Brie cheese, chopped walnuts, and halved grapes. Toss with a simple honey mustard dressing and serve alongside some crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.

Sandwiches: grilled cheese, Swiss, and apple

The classic combination of grilled cheese and apple sandwiches is a quick, easy, and delicious meal. This sandwich brings together the sweet and savoury flavours of crisp apple slices and melted cheese, creating an irresistible bite. Here are some tips and variations to elevate your grilled cheese, Swiss, and apple sandwich experience:

Ingredients and Preparation:

• Bread: The type of bread you use can enhance the flavour and texture of your sandwich. Crunchy seed bread, whole wheat bread, or sourdough bread are excellent choices for adding a nutty, grainy taste and a crunchy texture. You can also try using other types of bread, such as fruit and grain bread or homemade sourdough.
• Cheese: For the perfect grilled cheese, Swiss, and apple sandwich, it is recommended to use Swiss cheese, specifically shredded or sliced. Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with apples. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone or cheddar, to add a sharper taste.
• Apples: Granny Smith apples are the variety of choice for this sandwich due to their tart sweetness, which complements the Swiss cheese perfectly. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples to ensure even cooking and a delicate texture. You can also try other apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, to find your preferred flavour combination.
• Butter or Oil: To achieve the perfect golden-brown toast, lightly brush butter or olive oil onto the bread slices before placing them in the skillet. This step ensures that your sandwich has a crispy exterior and a creamy, melted interior.
• Optional Add-ons: For an extra flavour boost, consider adding a dollop of apple butter to your sandwich. You can also sprinkle thyme or cinnamon on top of the apple slices for a savoury or sweet twist. Additionally, cooking the apple slices in the skillet before assembling the sandwich can help soften them and bring out their natural sweetness.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• Lightly brush butter or olive oil onto one side of each bread slice.
• Place one slice of bread, buttered or oiled-side down, into the preheated skillet.
• Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the bread, creating an even layer.
• Top the apples with Swiss cheese, adding enough to your preference.
• Place the remaining bread slice on top, with the buttered or oiled-side facing up.
• Cook the sandwich until the bread is dark golden brown and the cheese is melted, typically 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Enjoy your grilled cheese, Swiss, and apple sandwich!

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and apple varieties to find your favourite combination. You can also add extra ingredients, such as ham, cranberry relish, or fig jam, to create a heartier sandwich. Enjoy the sweet and savoury flavours of your grilled cheese, Swiss, and apple creation!

Dips: caramel, nut butter, and ranch dressing

Dips are a great way to elevate the classic combination of cheese and apple slices. Here are some dip options to explore:

Caramel

The sweet and sticky nature of caramel makes it an excellent pairing with the crispness of apple slices and the creaminess of cheese. For a more indulgent option, consider a caramel-tinged gouda cheese to amplify the caramel flavour. This combination offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavours.

Nut Butter

Nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter, provides a savoury and protein-rich contrast to the sweetness of apple slices. For an extra indulgent twist, try drizzling honey over the apple slices before dipping them into the nut butter. This combination is not only delicious but also offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a tangy and creamy dip that pairs surprisingly well with apple slices and cheese. The dressing's savoury notes complement the sweetness of the apples, while its creamy texture enhances the overall flavour profile. For an extra kick, sprinkle some sea salt on the cheese to bring out its savoury characteristics.

When it comes to specific cheese and apple combinations to enjoy with these dips, consider the following:

• Granny Smith apples with sharp cheddar cheese
• Red Delicious apples with Irish Whisky cheese
• Gala apples with Irish Whisky cheese or a tangy New York State Yellow Cheddar
• Honeycrisp apples with Red Wax Gouda or Cloth Bandaged Cheddar

Frequently asked questions