Cheese And Olives: A Match Made In Heaven?

Olives and cheese are a classic combination, but with so many varieties of each, it can be tricky to know which flavours go well together. The ancient Greeks considered the olive tree a gift from the gods, and while olives are now used in thousands of dishes worldwide, they remain a key part of Mediterranean cuisine. Olives can be salty, sweet, sour, or fruity, and their flavour depends on where they are grown, how they are harvested and cured, and how they are seasoned or stuffed. Similarly, the flavour of cheese can vary depending on its age, texture, and production methods. So, which types of cheese go well with olives?

Feta and Kalamata olives

One simple yet tasty way to serve Feta and Kalamata olives is to marinate them with herbs and balsamic vinegar. This method enhances the flavours of the ingredients and creates a robust appetizer. The feta is cubed rather than crumbled to ensure each piece is coated in the dressing. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or homemade pita for dipping. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it an excellent option for gift-giving during the holidays.

For a heartier meal, Feta and Kalamata olives can be combined with other ingredients to make a variety of dishes. One option is to sauté diced tomatoes in butter, add beaten eggs and oregano, and then mix in the feta and chopped Kalamata olives. This mixture can be served with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Another idea is to stuff chicken breasts with a tapenade made from the Kalamata olives and feta, creating a flavourful main course.

Chevre and Brie with Sicilian green olives

Chevre and Sicilian green olives make for a great pairing. Chevre, or goat cheese, is a mild, fresh cheese that goes well with the fruity and buttery notes of Sicilian green olives. The saltiness of the olives also emphasises the sweetness of Chevre.

Brie and Sicilian green olives is another classic combination. The creamy texture of Brie, a cow's milk cheese, complements the mild, buttery flavour of Sicilian green olives. The saltiness of the olives also brings out the richness of the Brie.

Combining Chevre and Brie with Sicilian green olives on a cheese board offers a well-rounded sensory experience. The mild, fresh, and creamy flavours of the cheeses enhance the fruity and buttery notes of the olives, creating a harmonious taste profile. The saltiness of the olives adds a savoury touch that balances the sweetness of the cheeses, resulting in a delightful interplay of flavours.

To elevate this pairing, consider serving the cheeses and olives with complementary accompaniments. Fresh crackers, breads, and crisp toasts provide a textural contrast, while nuts and salami add variety and depth to the platter. For a touch of sweetness, include apple slices or a drizzle of honey. Additionally, a glass of prosecco pairs well with the salty and briny notes of the olives, creating a refreshing combination.

When presenting Chevre and Brie with Sicilian green olives, arrange them artfully on a board, allowing each element to shine. The visual appeal of the platter enhances the overall experience, making it a delightful treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Sharp cheddar with Mt. Athenos stuffed with garlic

Sharp cheddar is a popular cheese to pair with olives, especially green olives. The sharpness of the cheddar is a good complement to the saltiness of the olives.

Mt. Athenos is a brand of cheese that offers stuffed olives as part of its product range. Mt. Athenos stuffed with garlic is a good pairing with sharp cheddar. The sweetness of the garlic in the olives matches the nuttiness of the sharp cheddar.

Garlic and herb feta cheese is another product offered by the Athenos brand. Feta is also a popular cheese to pair with olives, especially Kalamata olives, as they both originate from Greece and are a natural pairing for a Mediterranean mezze board.

For a more creative option, you could try making cheese-stuffed mushrooms, using sharp cheddar as the cheese filling. This is a tasty vegetarian option that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

Emmenthal with Mt. Athenos stuffed with citrus

When it comes to cheese and olive pairings, a good place to start is with Mt. Athenos olives. Mt. Athenos offers a variety of stuffed olives that go well with different types of cheese. One such combination is Emmenthal cheese with Mt. Athenos olives stuffed with citrus.

Emmenthal, also known as Emmentaler or Emmental, is a medium-hard, yellow cheese that originated in the Emme valley in Switzerland. It is considered a "true" Swiss cheese and is known for its savoury but mild taste. Emmenthal is usually consumed cold in chunks or slices, and it is also commonly used in gratins and fondue.

Mt. Athenos stuffed with citrus is a type of olive that pairs well with Emmenthal cheese. The citrus-stuffed olives offer a nice balance to the nutty and robust flavour of Emmenthal. The sweetness of the citrus notes complements the savouriness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

When creating a cheese and olive pairing, it's important to consider the flavour profiles of both elements. In this case, the fruitiness or tanginess of olives can be complemented by the nuttiness or sharpness of certain cheeses. The texture of the cheese also plays a role in the pairing, as creamy or crumbly cheeses can provide a different mouthfeel when combined with the briny, juicy olives.

By choosing Emmenthal cheese and pairing it with Mt. Athenos olives stuffed with citrus, you can create a harmonious flavour combination that highlights the unique characteristics of each component. The nutty and robust Emmenthal is balanced and enhanced by the sweet and tangy notes of the citrus-stuffed olives, resulting in a delightful taste experience.

In conclusion, Emmenthal cheese and Mt. Athenos stuffed with citrus is a fantastic pairing that showcases the versatility of both ingredients. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a delightful choice for a cheese and olive platter, adding a touch of sophistication to your antipasti or mezze spread.

Comte with Mt. Athenos stuffed with red peppers

When it comes to cheese and olive pairings, a few classic combinations come to mind. For example, the briny feta and kalamata olives, both hailing from Greece, are a natural pairing for a Mediterranean mezze board. But beyond this well-known duo, there's a whole world of possibilities to explore.

Now, let's talk about Comte with Mt. Athenos stuffed with red peppers. This pairing offers a delightful interplay of flavours. The Mt. Athenos olives, stuffed with sweet and smoky red peppers, find a perfect match in the nutty, complex flavours of Comte cheese. The sweetness of the peppers balances the tanginess of the sheep cheese, while the smokiness enhances its nutty notes.

Comte, a French cheese made from cow's milk, has a rich, savoury flavour profile with hints of hazelnut and butter. Its natural rind is slightly salty and contributes to the cheese's overall complexity. The texture of Comte is smooth and supple, making it a delightful contrast to the stuffed olives.

On the other hand, Mt. Athenos stuffed olives add a burst of flavour to the pairing. The red peppers used in these olives are roasted to peak ripeness, enhancing their natural sweetness and imparting a subtle smoky flavour. The combination of sweet and smoky notes in the peppers creates a delightful contrast to the tangy, nutty flavours of the Comte cheese.

Together, Comte and Mt. Athenos stuffed with red peppers create a harmonious flavour profile. The sweetness and smokiness of the peppers complement the nuttiness of the cheese, while the tanginess of the sheep cheese adds a pleasing contrast. This pairing is a wonderful option for those seeking a unique and flavourful combination to enjoy on a cheese platter or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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