Frederic Melton
Bread and cheese are a classic combination, but choosing the right type of bread to serve with your cheese can elevate the flavours and textures of both. The right bread can bring out the nutty, sour, and sweet notes of your cheese, and vice versa. There are endless combinations of bread and cheese, and the best pairing ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, there are some classic combinations that are foolproof. For example, a baguette is a classic vehicle for cheese, but a crusty French baguette is best paired with a mild cheese like a Triple Cream Brie and a glass of Pinot Noir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Baguette, sourdough, cinnamon raisin bread, focaccia, cornbread, flatbread, white bread, wholemeal bread, rye bread, nut bread, fruited bread |
| Cheese type | Brie, feta, goat cheese, Roquefort, blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Emmental, Gruyere, Comte, Swiss cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Manchego |
| Flavour | Earthy, tangy, salty, sweet, nutty, savoury, zesty, fresh, smooth, spicy |
| Texture | Crunchy, crispy, springy, runny, crumbly, gooey, grainy, chewy, yielding |
| Add-ons | Butter, olive oil, tomatoes, basil, avocado, bacon, mushrooms, honey, cucumber, caramelized onions, herbs, walnuts, jalapeños, garlic |
| Drinks | Wine, beer, cider, port, green tea |
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What You'll Learn
Fruited breads and salty cheeses
Fruited breads are a versatile option for cheese pairings, ranging from fresh ricotta and fromage blanc to pungent cheeses. When paired with a salty cheese, the sweetness of the fruited bread is contrasted, creating an interesting flavour profile.
Firstly, consider the texture of the bread. A light toast will provide a crunch to the soft, salty cheese. A lightly toasted fruited bread, such as a sultana levain, pairs well with a salty blue cheese like Picos Blue or Dolcelatte. The sweetness of the sultanas is a perfect base for a salty, sharp cheese. For a more dramatic contrast, a sharp, crumbly feta can be added on top, with a sprinkle of peashoots for an earthy crunch.
For a more subtle fruity flavour, a cinnamon raisin bread is a great option. This slightly earthy, sweet bread pairs well with a fresh goat cheese, such as Vermont Creamery Goat Log or Laura Chenel Fresh Goat Cheese. The smooth texture of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the springy, crunchy bread.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, a blue cheese and walnut focaccia is a savoury, nutty bread that can be made by incorporating crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts into a focaccia dough. This bread would pair well with a salty, creamy cheese, such as a triple cream brie. The salty, creamy cheese will contrast the sweet, nutty bread.
Finally, for a fruity, nutty option, a cheddar and jalapeño cornbread is a unique choice. The sharp cheddar and diced jalapeños add a spicy, cheesy twist to the cornbread. This bread would pair well with a salty, creamy cheese, such as a Roquefort, to balance the spicy, sweet cornbread.
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Baguettes with runny, yeasty cheeses
When it comes to baguettes with runny, yeasty cheeses, the key is to consider the texture of the baguette and the flavour and texture of the cheese. A baguette with a crisp, flaky crust can be paired with a runny, yeasty cheese like Epoisses or a salty smear of Roquefort. The crispness of the baguette will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, runny cheese.
For a more indulgent option, try using a baguette with a softer crust that will soak up the creamy cheese. This will create a more cohesive texture and flavour profile. The softness of the baguette will complement the creaminess of the cheese, resulting in a decadent and satisfying bite.
When choosing a runny, yeasty cheese, look for options with a strong flavour profile that will stand up to the bold texture of the baguette. Epoisses, for example, has a strong, pungent flavour that will add a depth of taste to your pairing. Alternatively, Roquefort offers a salty, tangy flavour that will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the baguette.
To take your pairing to the next level, consider adding complementary toppings and ingredients. Thinly sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a refreshing touch to your baguette and cheese. You could also try spreading garlic butter on the baguette before adding your cheese to create a savoury base note.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of baguettes and cheeses to find your perfect pairing. The beauty of food is in the exploration and discovery of new flavours and textures, so enjoy the process of creating your ultimate baguette and runny, yeasty cheese combination!
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Sweet and savoury combinations
Fruited Breads with Salty Cheeses:
Lightly toast fruited breads, such as cinnamon raisin bread, and pair them with salty cheeses. Try a combination of toasted sultana bread with Picos Blue or Dolcelatte cheese, or opt for a sharp, crumbly feta with a sprinkle of earthy pea shoots for added crunch and colour. The sweetness of the bread contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful flavour profile.
Honey and Cheese:
Combining honey with cheese on bread is a classic way to achieve a sweet and savoury harmony. Drizzle honey on flatbread topped with thin slices of Manchego cheese before baking, or simply add honey to any cheese toast for a luxurious touch. The sweetness of honey enhances the savoury notes of the cheese, resulting in a decadent treat.
Caramelised Onions with Cheddar:
Add sweetness and depth to sharp cheddar cheese toast by incorporating caramelised onions. The natural tanginess of cheddar is beautifully balanced by the sweet and sticky onions, making for a delicious open sandwich.
Mozzarella with Whole Grain Bread:
The grainy, nutty flavour of wholemeal bread pairs wonderfully with mozzarella cheese. Top it with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a nutritious and flavourful sandwich. The sweetness of the bread complements the mildness of mozzarella, while the added ingredients bring freshness and depth of flavour.
Goat Cheese with Nutty Bread:
Fresh, tangy goat cheese works exceptionally well with nutty loaves of bread. The sharpness of the cheese is mellowed by the nuttiness of the bread, creating a delightful contrast. Try pairing it with a bread that has visible nuts, such as walnut bread, for a more pronounced nutty flavour.
When creating sweet and savoury combinations, feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, and additional toppings to find the pairings that suit your taste preferences. The beauty of cheese and bread pairings lies in their endless possibilities and the enjoyment of discovering new flavour profiles.
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Bread and cheese toast toppings
When it comes to bread and cheese, the possibilities are endless. Here are some mouth-watering bread and cheese toast toppings combinations to try:
Classic Combinations
For a classic take on cheese toast, opt for a sharp cheddar cheese on white sandwich bread. To elevate this classic, try adding thinly sliced tomatoes and basil on top of your mozzarella cheese toast for a Caprese-style treat. If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the mozzarella for creamy avocado and sprinkle with crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Sweet and Savory
For a sweet and savory experience, honey is a perfect pairing with cheese and bread. Try drizzling honey on top of ricotta cheese spread on toasted sourdough, with sliced figs for an extra special treat. Alternatively, spread goat cheese on brioche, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with dried lavender for an elegant twist.
Hearty Options
For a more filling option, try a hearty multigrain bread with gooey mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil. If you're a blue cheese enthusiast, pair it with sweet fig jam on multigrain bread for a flavor explosion.
Grilled Cheese Goodness
When it comes to grilled cheese, there are endless possibilities. Sourdough is a versatile option, pairing well with a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar. For a truly indulgent experience, opt for airy, buttery brioche with mild gouda or thin slices of brie and raspberry jam. If you're feeling adventurous, try croissant bread with smoked gouda, prosciutto, and fontina cheese for a unique take on grilled cheese.
Baguette Bliss
Don't forget the humble baguette! Slice a baguette horizontally, griddle the cut side, and fill it with melted Camembert and jam or Alpine cheese with caramelized onions for a simple yet delicious option.
Remember, the key to perfect cheese toast is to use quality bread, evenly grate or slice the cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden brown. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
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Wine and bread pairings with cheese
When it comes to wine and bread pairings with cheese, there are some classic combinations to consider, as well as room for creativity. The key is to choose pairings that bring out the best in each component, elevating the overall experience. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for inspirational pairings:
Complementary Pairings
A complementary pairing involves matching the cheese and bread based on their textures and flavours. For instance, a zesty marinated feta pairs well with tangy sourdough as the smooth texture of the feta contrasts with the crunchy crust of the sourdough. Brie, a soft cheese, is better suited to the earthiness of a pain de campagne than a baguette. However, a baguette with a proper snap to its crust can be delightful with a runny, yeasty cheese like Epoisses or a salty Roquefort.
Contrasting Pairings
Contrasting pairings create an interesting dynamic between the cheese and bread. For example, sweet and earthy cinnamon raisin bread is delicious with fresh goat cheese, which has a zippy flavour. Bread with seeds and nuts, such as a nutty wholemeal bread, pairs well with a smooth Alpine cheese like Comte or Gruyere, or mozzarella with tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
Wine's Role in the Pairing
Wine can play a crucial role in enhancing the cheese and bread experience. A classic approach is to pair red wines with aged cheeses and white wines with softer cheeses. For a bold combination, try a buttery Vienna loaf with a light blue cheese like Humboldt Fog, accompanied by a full-bodied oaky Chardonnay. If you're feeling adventurous, a Jalapeno Cheddar Loaf with an aged Cheddar and a light-bodied White Zinfandel will awaken your senses with its spicy and creamy flavours. For those who prefer a stronger flavour profile, the Three Cheese Semolina Loaf, with its robust Italian cheeses (Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano), pairs beautifully with a Cabernet Sauvignon and Gruyere.
Additional Tips
When creating your cheese and bread pairings, remember that the best pairing is the one that suits your taste buds. Be imaginative, experiment with different combinations, and trust your instincts. If you're serving a variety of cheeses and breads, cut them into manageable pieces, provide labels, and offer various accompaniments like fruits, nuts, honey, and jams to further enhance the tasting experience.
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