Cheese And Fruit: Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Snack

Fruit and cheese is a classic combination that can be endlessly remixed. The right pairing can bring out unexpected flavours in both, and it's hard to go wrong. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Apples and gouda or cheddar

Apples and cheese is a classic combination, and there are a few different types of cheese that pair well with apples. Two of the most popular options are gouda and cheddar.

Apples and Gouda

Gouda is a sharp, salty cheese that pairs well with the sweetness of apples. The combination of these two ingredients can create a sweet and savoury flavour profile that is sure to impress. To make a delicious apple and gouda crostini, start by thinly slicing a baguette and spreading the slices with a layer of honey. Top the baguette slices with gouda cheese and melt the cheese in the oven. Finally, add thinly sliced apples and fresh thyme leaves. This easy appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or other special occasions.

For a more substantial dish, you can also make a gouda and apple grilled cheese sandwich. To make this sandwich, thinly slice a Granny Smith apple and coarsely grate the gouda. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of cinnamon-raisin bread and arrange the bread, mayonnaise-side down. Add arugula and apple slices to two pieces of bread, then top with gouda and the remaining bread slices. Cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Apples and Cheddar

Cheddar is another cheese that goes well with apples. The sharpness of cheddar perfectly complements the sweetness of apples, making this combination ideal for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or paninis. You can also add meat, such as chicken or ham, to these sandwiches for a more savoury option.

In addition to sandwiches, apples and cheddar can be used in a variety of recipes, such as apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust, apple cheddar quiche, or apple cheddar meatballs. For a sweet treat, try making apple cream cheese danishes or apple and cheddar croissants.

When pairing apples and cheddar, it is important to consider the type of apple and cheddar you are using. Different varieties of apples and cheddars can have slightly different flavours, so you may want to experiment to find your favourite combination. For example, a Granny Smith apple, which is known for its tartness, can be paired with a creamy and slightly spicy Pepper Jack cheese. On the other hand, a sweeter apple, such as the Honey Crisp, can be paired with a nutty and sharp Alpine cheddar.

Peaches and mozzarella

Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese with a higher moisture content and a mild taste. It pairs well with peaches, especially in a salad.

To make a peach and mozzarella salad, start by grilling half a peach. Then, lay a thin slice of cold mozzarella directly on it. Alternatively, cut a peach into slices and add small chunks of mozzarella, basil, pepper, a pinch of salt, and oil in a large bowl. You can also add balsamic vinegar to the mix. If you want to get fancy, use burrata, which is a type of mozzarella filled with cream and soft cheese curds. It will give your salad a buttery, creamy texture.

If you're making a fruit and cheese board, fresh mozzarella and peaches are a great pairing.

Strawberries and fontina

Strawberry and Fontina Pizza

A unique twist on the classic pizza, this combination of strawberries and fontina cheese on a pizza dough base is a tasty and not-too-sweet treat. Simply add some olive oil, thinly sliced strawberries, and grated fontina cheese to your favourite pizza dough, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. For an extra flavour boost, garnish with arugula leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert!

Strawberry Fontina Toast

For a quick and easy snack, try this mouth-watering combination. Layer sliced strawberries and fontina cheese on a piece of buttered bread, preferably a baguette. If you're feeling adventurous, try using freshly made strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries. This simple yet satisfying combination is perfect for a light meal or snack.

Pairing Tips

When pairing strawberries with fontina cheese, look for ripe, bright red strawberries that are juicy and sweet. Fontina cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture. It pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

Other Fruit and Cheese Combinations

If you're looking to explore more unique fruit and cheese combinations, here are some ideas:

• Watermelon and Feta: The freshness of watermelon pairs perfectly with the saltiness of feta cheese.
• Peach and Burrata: Grilled or fresh peaches with burrata, a type of fresh mozzarella, is an unexpected yet delicious combination.
• Pear and Brie: A classic pairing that works well in grilled cheese sandwiches, crostini, tarts, or salads. Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Mango and Goat Cheese: The creamy goat cheese complements the juicy mango, making them a perfect pair for salads or crostini.

Mango and goat cheese

For a simple yet impressive salad, combine fresh mango slices with crunchy greens like arugula and watercress, and top with crumbled goat cheese. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of black pepper will perfectly finish off this dish. This salad is a wonderful option for a healthy and refreshing summer lunch.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, try a mango and goat cheese crostini. Start by coating slices of herbed goat cheese with breadcrumbs, dipping them in egg, and coating them again with breadcrumbs. Broil these until lightly browned, and then place them on a serving platter with watercress and mango slices. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as an appetiser.

You can also get creative with your pairings by adding other complementary ingredients. For a sweet and savoury experience, try a combination of mango, goat cheese, and honey or pepper jam. For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to your salad, or serve your crostini with a side of cured meats and crackers.

The versatility of mango and goat cheese pairings knows no bounds, and with their unique flavours, they are sure to impress and satisfy.

Pineapple and gouda

Gouda, a Dutch cheese, offers a nuanced pairing for pineapple thanks to its subtle sweetness and caramel-like undertones. Its smooth, creamy texture and caramel notes complement the pineapple's tropical taste and juicy, fibrous texture. Together, they create a mouthfeel that feels both refreshing and indulgent.

When pairing pineapple with gouda, consider using aged gouda, which enhances the pineapple's tropical flavour while adding a savory complexity. For a creamier, more buttery experience, opt for a younger, softer gouda. Experiment with smoked gouda to add a subtle, savoury dimension to the pairing.

To elevate your pineapple and gouda pairing, consider adding complementary ingredients such as honey or toasted nuts. These additions will enhance the flavour and texture of the pairing, creating an even more memorable culinary experience.

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