Cheese And Apple Pairing: A Perfect Match

Apples and cheese are a classic combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The variety of textures and flavours in both apples and cheese means that there are endless pairing possibilities. The balance of tart, light and sweet that apples bring can help to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavours of the cheese. While there are no strict rules when it comes to pairing apples and cheese, there are some popular combinations that are worth trying.

Gala apples with cheddar

Gala apples and cheddar cheese is a classic combination of sweet and savoury. Gala apples are heart-shaped with yellow-orange skin and red striping. They are mild, sweet, and juicy, and they ripen from mid-August to early September. Their crisp, fragrant flavour pairs beautifully with the naturally-aged bite of extra sharp cheddar.

For a simple afternoon snack, try slices of Gala apple with crackers and extra sharp cheddar. If you're looking for something more substantial, Gala apples, Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, and whole wheat crackers make a delicious and balanced combination. You can also try making caramelized apples with cheddar: simply melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, stir in brown sugar, and then add diced Gala apples and raisins. Cook until the apples are lightly browned and tender, and then serve them with slices of cheddar and whole wheat crackers.

If you're feeling creative, try making apple-cheddar crisps or apple and cheddar quesadillas. For a classic fall treat, enjoy a slice of apple pie with a side of cheddar cheese. Gala apples can also be used as a topping on a salad, paired with extra sharp cheddar.

No matter which variety of apple or cheddar you choose, the combination of these two ingredients is always a win-win.

Granny Smith apples with gorgonzola

Granny Smith apples are known for their distinctive green colour and their tart flavour. This makes them a great pairing with the strong flavour of gorgonzola cheese. The sharpness of the cheese is balanced by the sweet and juicy apple, creating a delicious combination.

One way to enjoy this pairing is on a pizza. Top a pizza base with gorgonzola cheese, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, red onion, walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Bake in a hot oven until golden brown. The gooey melted tangy gorgonzola works really well with the tart apples and the walnuts add a great contrasting texture.

Another way to enjoy this combination is in a salad. Combine baby spinach, butter toffee pecans, sliced Granny Smith apples, crumbled gorgonzola cheese and dried cranberries. Toss with a homemade dried herb vinaigrette and serve. The sweet and salty flavours and the crunchy texture of this salad make it an impressive dish to serve to guests.

If you're looking for a simpler way to enjoy this pairing, try a classic cheese and apple snack plate. The Granny Smith's tart flavour is a great match for the strong gorgonzola and the sweetness of the apple creates a delicious contrast.

Honeycrisp apples with gouda

Honeycrisp apples and gouda cheese is a classic example of the perfect marriage between sweet and savoury flavours. Honeycrisp apples are known for their juicy and sweet taste, with crisp and fragrant honey notes. Gouda, on the other hand, is a popular Dutch cheese with buttery and caramelly notes. When paired together, the result is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavours.

For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use smoked gouda cheese, which has a slightly smoky flavour and melts beautifully. Honeycrisp apples should be thinly sliced to ensure they fit neatly into the sandwich and release their juices when bitten into. To enhance the sweetness of the apples, you can also drizzle honey over the sandwich.

When preparing a Honeycrisp and Gouda grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to cook it on medium-low heat to ensure that the cheese melts fully without burning the bread. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its chewy and golden crust. However, whole wheat bread or any variety of sandwich bread can also be used, as long as the slices are not too thick.

To elevate this sandwich even further, you can add crispy bacon and a sprinkle of thyme. This addition brings a salty, savoury element to the sandwich, creating a complex and satisfying flavour profile.

So, the next time you're looking for a gourmet grilled cheese experience, try the Honeycrisp apple and Gouda combination. It's a delightful duo that will tantalise your taste buds and keep you craving more!

Golden Delicious apples with brie

Golden Delicious apples and brie are a fantastic pairing. The creamy, buttery texture of the brie is complemented by the crisp, juicy sweetness of the Golden Delicious apple variety.

This combination is a great addition to a charcuterie board, offering a counterpoint of flavours and textures. For a simple pairing, just slice the apple and serve it with a hunk of brie. Alternatively, try baking the brie with sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon, wrapping it in crescent rolls, and serving it as a snack or appetiser.

For a more complex dish, try an apple-veggie tian with brie and gruyere cheese. This involves slicing apples, delicata squash, and zucchini to an equal thickness, layering them, and baking them with the cheese.

Another option is to bake the brie with apples and honey. This can be done by topping a wheel of brie with sautéed apples and honey, wrapping it in butter-brushed phyllo, and baking it until golden brown. This dish can be served with crackers and crusty bread for scooping.

When pairing apples and brie, it is best to avoid flavoured cheeses, which can have overpowering flavours.

Red Delicious apples with provolone

Red Delicious apples and provolone cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The crisp, sweet, and mildly tart flavour of Red Delicious apples is the perfect complement to the rich, savoury, and slightly nutty taste of provolone. The apple's sweetness is a beautiful counterpoint to the cheese's salty notes, creating a delightful balance of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

When creating this pairing, it's important to consider the texture as well as the flavour. Red Delicious apples are known for their crisp, juicy flesh, which provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy mouthfeel of provolone. This combination of crisp and creamy textures adds another layer of enjoyment to your tasting experience.

To elevate this pairing even further, consider serving it with a few simple accompaniments. Tangy pickles, sweet jams, and fresh crackers can enhance the flavours and provide a delightful contrast. For instance, a tangy pickle can cut through the richness of the provolone, while a drizzle of honey accentuates the sweetness of the apple.

Additionally, the right beverage can also enhance this pairing. A crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing cider can complement the flavours beautifully. The crisp acidity of the wine or cider will refresh your palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the complex interplay of flavours.

Whether you're creating a charcuterie board for a gathering or simply indulging in a personal snack, pairing Red Delicious apples with provolone cheese is a delightful choice. The combination of sweet and savoury, crisp and creamy, makes for a truly indulgent tasting experience that showcases the best of both worlds.

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