Cheese And Fig Pairing: The Perfect Match

Figs and cheese are a delightful combination, offering a range of flavour profiles to explore. The sweetness of the fig pairs well with both sharp and mild cheeses, with fresh figs working beautifully with hard and soft cheeses, and dried figs adding a different dimension to baked goods and holiday dishes. The type of cheese you choose to pair with figs can vary depending on your preference, but some popular options include creamy goat's cheese, blue cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, and brie.

Fresh figs and creamy cheeses

If you're feeling adventurous, stuff your fresh figs with creamy, flavorful cheeses like blue cheese or goat cheese. Drizzling balsamic vinegar on top will add a tangy twist to the sweetness of the figs. For a more indulgent treat, wrap your figs in bacon or pancetta and grill them to perfection.

When it comes to cheese and fruit platters, fresh cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese are excellent choices. Sprinkle on some chopped herbs for an extra kick of flavour. Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, also shine when paired with fresh figs. Their creamy textures and mild flavours create a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the fruit.

To elevate your cheese and fruit platter, consider adding a blue cheese like Gorgonzola. Its salty, pungent flavour will beautifully offset the sweetness of the figs. For a well-rounded platter, include a firm cheese like cheddar or Spanish Manchego to provide a satisfying bite and a more complex flavour profile.

Dried figs and salty cheeses

Dried figs are a delicious snack, but they can be even better when paired with the right cheese. When it comes to dried figs, it's important to choose a cheese that can stand up to their full-bodied taste and chewy texture. Here are some perfect salty cheeses to pair with dried figs:

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a popular choice for pairing with dried figs. Its sharp, pungent, and salty flavour creates a complex and intriguing taste experience when contrasted with the sweetness of the figs. This pairing is excellent on a cheese board or as part of a more elaborate dish like a fig and blue cheese tart.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as Chevre, is another fantastic option for dried figs. Its tangy flavour and crumbly texture provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the figs. This pairing is perfect for spreading on crackers or toast, or even as a topping for salads.

Manchego

Manchego is a firm Spanish cheese with a nutty flavour that beautifully complements the sweetness of dried figs. The firm texture of Manchego also provides a satisfying contrast to the chewy nature of dried figs, making this pairing a delightful choice for a cheese board or tapas spread.

Parmesan

Parmesan, with its sharp and salty flavour, is an excellent companion for dried figs. The intense saltiness of Parmesan enhances the rich sweetness of the dried figs, resulting in a well-balanced bite. Grate Parmesan over a fig and cheese salad, or enjoy it alongside dried figs on its own.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs remarkably well with dried figs. The sharpness of aged cheddar adds a nice kick to the sweetness of the figs, while the creamy texture of the cheese complements the chewy figs. This pairing is perfect as a snack or in dishes such as a fig and cheddar sandwich or pizza.

When creating a cheese board with dried figs, it's important to offer a variety of soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses to provide different textures and flavours. Remember to consider the taste and texture of both the cheese and figs to create a harmonious pairing. Additionally, accompaniments such as nuts, honey, and crackers can further enhance the overall flavour and presentation of the dish.

Figs and blue cheese

For a simple appetizer, try halving fresh figs and stuffing them with blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. For a more complex flavour, you could add orange zest to the blue cheese, or top with toasted pecans and a balsamic glaze.

For a quick and easy snack, layer fig preserves, blue cheese, and a thin slice of green apple on a crisp cracker. Or, for a more substantial meal, try making a fig, blue cheese, and pancetta toastie.

If you're looking for a wine to pair with your figs and blue cheese, a bold, intensely-flavoured red like Zinfandel is a good choice.

Figs and Italian cheeses

Figs and cheese are a match made in heaven, and Italian cheeses are no exception. The sweet, sticky, and squishy fig has been a gastronomic pleasure since ancient times, and its pairing with cheese is a classic combination. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious pairings with figs and Italian cheeses:

Types of Figs

Firstly, it's important to know that not all figs taste the same. The two most common varieties are Black Mission and Brown Turkey. Black Mission figs have purplish-brown or bronze-colored skin and a milder flavor, while Brown Turkey figs have purple-black skin and a supersweet flavor. Other varieties include the pale yellow Calimyrna, amber-skinned Kadota, light green Sierra, and the dramatic Panaché or Tiger with yellow skin and green stripes. Each variety has its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite.

Italian Cheeses for Pairing

When it comes to Italian cheeses, there are several options that pair beautifully with figs. Here are some suggestions:

• Ricotta: Fresh ricotta, especially sheep's milk ricotta (ricotta di pecora), is a wonderful choice. Try it on toast topped with slices of ripe fig and a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast or dessert.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: This famous Italian cheese pairs well with figs, especially if you're looking for a salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
• Gorgonzola: A classic pairing, the salty and sweet combination of gorgonzola and figs is hard to beat. Try stuffing a dried fig with gorgonzola and topping it with a walnut and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
• Burrata: Creamy burrata and figs are a winning combination. Serve them together for a simple yet elegant dish.
• Blue Cheese: Blue cheese and figs are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the figs mellows the piquancy of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
• Goat Cheese: Fresh goat cheese (chevré) is another excellent choice for pairing with figs. Try stuffing figs with goat cheese and drizzling them with balsamic vinegar for a simple and crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can also wrap goat cheese in fig leaves to impart hints of coconut and vanilla.

Presentation Ideas

Now that you know some great Italian cheeses to pair with figs, here are some ideas for presenting and serving these delicious combinations:

• Cheese and Fruit Platter: Arrange a variety of cheeses on a platter, starting with the mildest or sweetest cheese and ending with the strongest-flavored cheese. Include fresh cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese, soft or semi-soft cheeses like ricotta or burrata, blue cheese, and firm cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano. Don't forget to let the cheeses come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Fig and Cheese Toast: Try ricotta on toast topped with slices of fig and honey, or fig and gorgonzola toasts for a delicious appetizer.
• Salads: Add dried figs and blue cheese crumbles or shavings of ricotta salata to a tossed salad. The sweetness of the figs will contrast beautifully with the bitterness of the greens.
• Baked Goods: Incorporate dried figs into sweet tarts or savory pizzas, or bake a Spanish fig cake to serve with slices of salty Manchego or Parmigiano Reggiano.
• Stuffed Figs: For a simple yet elegant appetizer, stuff fresh figs with creamy goat cheese or blue cheese and drizzle them with balsamic vinegar. You can also add a small mint leaf and a blueberry on top for a colorful and flavorful garnish.
• Grilled or Baked Figs: Cut a slit in a fig and stuff it with honey-sweetened mascarpone, topped with toasted pine nuts, cinnamon, and Amaretto. Alternatively, fill a fig with goat cheese and wrap it in bacon or pancetta before grilling. Drizzle each bite with a balsamic vinegar reduction for a sweet and savory treat.

Wine Pairings

If you want to take your fig and Italian cheese experience to the next level, consider adding a glass of wine to the mix. Figs and Italian cheeses pair well with both red and white wines:

• Red Wines: A bold, intensely flavored red wine like Zinfandel or Chianti can complement the sweetness of the figs and the richness of the cheese.
• White Wines: For a lighter option, choose a white wine like Chardonnay, which will pair well with the creaminess of cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

So, there you have it! Figs and Italian cheeses are a perfect match, offering endless combinations of flavors and textures to explore. Whether you're creating a simple appetizer or an elegant dessert, these pairings are sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

Figs and American cheeses

Figs and cheese are a delightful combination, and there are many American cheeses that can be paired with this sweet, sticky fruit. Here are some ideas for creating delicious flavour profiles with figs and American cheeses:

Fresh Figs and American Cheeses

Fresh figs have a very short shelf life, making them a delicacy. They have a unique texture thanks to their tiny, edible seeds. When pairing fresh figs with cheese, consider a creamy cheese like goat's cheese or mascarpone, which can be drizzled with honey or balsamic vinegar. You could also try grilling or baking the figs and stuffing them with a creamy cheese, or topping them with nuts like pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans. Fresh figs also go well with salty, sharp flavours, so consider pairing them with an aged, sharp cheese like sharp cheddar or Fontina. The saltiness of the cheese will be toned down a little, and the sweetness of the figs will be accentuated. Another option is to pair fresh figs with a soft cheese like ricotta on toast, drizzled with honey.

Dried Figs and American Cheeses

Dried figs are a great addition to cheese platters, especially during the holidays. They pair well with a variety of American cheeses, such as blue cheese, ricotta, or goat's cheese. For a simple yet stunning dessert, try baking brie with a layer of fig preserves or orange-fig jam on top. Dried figs can also be stuffed with gorgonzola and topped with a walnut, or paired with a salty cheese like Manchego or Parmigiano Reggiano.

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