Cheese And Balsamic Vinegar: Perfect Pairing Partners

Balsamic vinegar is a versatile condiment that has gained popularity over the last decade. It is commonly used in salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and even as a glaze for meat and seafood. But one pairing that often goes overlooked is its combination with cheese. In Emilia Romagna, Italy, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, it is customary to pair this condiment with cheese, specifically Parmigiano Reggiano. This pairing is a result of the perfect balance of acidity and richness, as the vinegar offsets the heaviness of the cheese with its slight sweetness. While Parmigiano Reggiano is the most traditional pairing, other cheeses such as Pecorino Romana, Grana Padano, blue cheese, goat cheese, and burrata also complement the unique flavours of balsamic vinegar.

Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar

When serving Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic vinegar, it is best to break the cheese into bite-size chunks and transfer them to a plate. Drizzle the cheese with a small amount of vinegar and let it stand for 15 minutes before drizzling with the remaining vinegar.

While most cheeses go well with balsamic vinegar, it is important not to overpower the cheese with too much vinegar. The best balsamic vinegar to use is the authentic IGP Modena balsamic vinegar, rather than commercial-grade or condiment-grade varieties. The most traditional cheese to pair with balsamic vinegar is Parmigiano Reggiano, but other hard cheeses that also pair well include Pecorino Romana and Grana Padano.

Balsamic vinegar has become a popular condiment in the last decade, often used in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. It is produced under strict guidelines in the region of Modena and is made from a pressed grape reduction, aged for at least 12 years in wooden barrels. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is a thick, dark syrup with a rich sweetness and notes of fig, molasses, cherry, chocolate, and prune.

Blue cheese and balsamic vinegar

Blue cheese is a pungent, sharp cheese with a creamy texture. It has a strong, salty flavour that can be overwhelming to some palates. However, when paired with the right condiment, it can be a delicious treat. Balsamic vinegar, with its complex, nuanced flavours, is an ideal match for blue cheese. The sweetness of the vinegar balances the saltiness of the cheese, while the acidity cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances both elements.

When choosing a blue cheese for this pairing, consider a variety such as Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, Italian Gorgonzola, French Roquefort, or Spanish Cabrales. These cheeses have the robust flavour profile needed to stand up to the balsamic vinegar. Spread the cheese onto crusty bread or crackers, and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a burst of flavour. You can also use this combination to make a delicious salad dressing. Try tossing it with crisp lettuce greens, or drizzling it over sliced tomatoes and onions.

For a real treat, opt for a high-quality balsamic vinegar. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, aged for at least 12 years, has a thick, dark syrup-like consistency and rich, nuanced flavours that will perfectly complement the blue cheese. However, these vinegars can be quite expensive. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider an IGP vinegar aged for three or more years, which will still provide a delicious pairing at a lower price point.

Soft cheeses and balsamic vinegar

Soft cheeses like mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, Chevre goat cheese, and Robiola can be paired with balsamic vinegar. However, it is important to be mindful of the quantity of balsamic vinegar used, as soft cheeses can be easily overwhelmed. A slight drizzle of balsamic vinegar can accentuate the flavours of soft cheeses, especially when combined with other ingredients such as fruits, mushrooms, or cured meats.

Fresh mozzarella pairs well with balsamic vinegar. Adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar to slices of fresh mozzarella, garnished with fresh basil leaves, creates a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. Similarly, burrata, a soft cheese with a creamy texture, is elevated when paired with a balsamic glaze. Serving burrata on a bed of fresh arugula or heirloom tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze, results in a burst of sweet and savoury flavours.

Goat cheese, another soft cheese, forms an exquisite pairing with balsamic vinegar. Crumbling goat cheese and drizzling it with balsamic vinegar makes for a tasty treat that will keep people coming back for more. Additionally, soft cheeses like ricotta and Robiola can also be paired with balsamic vinegar. Spreading ricotta on grilled baguette slices and adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar creates an elevated snack. Robiola, similar to French brie or camembert, can be baked and paired with a sweet and thick balsamic vinegar and spicy pepper jam for a rich, buttery, and fruity taste experience.

When combining soft cheeses with balsamic vinegar, it is important to remember that less is more. A small amount of high-quality balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavours of the cheese without overwhelming it. Additionally, incorporating other ingredients, such as fruits or cured meats, can create a well-rounded and flavourful dish.

Balsamic vinegar and mozzarella

Mozzarella and balsamic vinegar are both key ingredients in a classic Caprese salad, which also includes tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The balsamic vinegar is usually drizzled over the salad as part of the dressing, and the longer the salad sits, the better it gets as the flavours develop.

You can also use balsamic vinegar and mozzarella in a marinated salad with onion, garlic, and basil. This salad is also best served after being chilled for a few hours, as the flavours will have time to develop.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can try drizzling balsamic vinegar over a prosciutto, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano pizza. The vinegar will add a touch of sweetness to the savoury flavours of the prosciutto and mozzarella.

When choosing balsamic vinegar to pair with mozzarella, opt for a high-quality, aged variety. The older the balsamic vinegar, the more nuanced and rich the flavours will be, and the better it will pair with the cheese.

Goat cheese and balsamic vinegar

Appetisers

Goat cheese logs drizzled with balsamic vinegar and garnished with chopped dill and nuts make for a simple yet tasty appetiser. You can also try marinating goat cheese rounds with balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, pepper, and olives, and serving them with crostini.

Salads

Balsamic vinegar and goat cheese are a great addition to salads. You can make a salad with crostini, slow-roasted tomatoes, whipped goat cheese, and a balsamic syrup. Alternatively, try a salad with baguette slices grilled in olive oil, ricotta cheese, fresh strawberries, and a balsamic vinegar drizzle.

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