Cheese And Fruit Pairing: Perfect Combos To Try

Cheese and fruit is a classic combination for a reason. The sharpness of a salty cheese complements the sweetness of fruit, while a creamy cheese goes well with tart fruit. When pairing cheese and fruit, it is important to highlight the flavours of each item, rather than letting one overpower the other. It is also important to have contrasting but complementary textures. For example, the crispnest of apples goes well with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the sweetness of ripe strawberries balances well with the mild and creamy nature of ricotta cheese.

Fresh fruit and fresh cheese

Some classic combinations include:

• Strawberries and ricotta. The mild and creamy ricotta balances the sweetness of the strawberries. This pairing works well for brunch, with a schmear of ricotta on toast topped with macerated strawberries and a pinch of sea salt.
• Goat cheese and cherries. The sharpness and creaminess of the goat cheese are a great match for the sweetness and crunch of cherries. Try this pairing on toast, a bagel, or crumbled on a salad.
• Blue cheese and grilled peaches. The sweetness of grilled peaches foils the mild or pungent notes of blue cheese.
• Cranberries and mozzarella. The smoothness and creaminess of mozzarella complement the tartness and crunch of cranberries.

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's best to use fruits that are in season and at their peak freshness. This will ensure the most dynamic flavours and textures.

Sweet and salty

• Watermelon and feta cheese: The light, juicy sweetness of watermelon is a perfect match for the salty chunks of mild feta. The saltiness of the feta elevates the sweetness of the watermelon, creating a delicious contrast.
• Strawberries and ricotta cheese: The sweetness of ripe strawberries is balanced by the mild and creamy nature of ricotta. This pairing is a classic, often enjoyed at brunch with a schmear of ricotta on toast topped with macerated strawberries and a pinch of sea salt.
• Oranges and brie cheese: The saltiness and creaminess of brie complement the slightly tangy, almost savoury taste of blood oranges. This pairing is not only interesting in terms of flavour but also visually appealing.
• Pineapple and Monterey Jack cheese: Pineapple can be tricky to pair with cheese due to its high acidity. However, the mild and buttery Monterey Jack, with its creamy texture, allows the tropical flavour of pineapple to shine without overpowering it.
• Apples and cheddar cheese: The crispness of apples goes well with the sharpness of cheddar, especially semi-sour varieties like Granny Smith apples. This pairing is a classic, satisfying combination.
• Grapes and brie cheese: Sweet and juicy grapes pair beautifully with the creamy and slightly tangy flavour of brie.
• Pears and gorgonzola cheese: The sweet and slightly grainy texture of pears contrasts nicely with the pungent and creamy gorgonzola.
• Apricots and goat cheese: The sweetness and delicate flavour of fresh or dried apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese.

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it is important to highlight the flavours of each component and ensure that one does not overpower the other. Contrasting yet complementary textures are also key to a successful pairing. Experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun, and there are endless possibilities to explore beyond the suggestions above.

Apples and cheddar

When selecting apples, it is best to judge them by their firmness rather than their colour. Some of the most popular varieties for pairing with cheddar include Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, McIntosh, Braeburn, and Fuji. Each of these apples offers a unique blend of sweetness and tartness that complements the savoury, nutty notes of cheddar cheese.

For a simple yet indulgent snack, try sliced apples with a sharp cheddar. You can also add some honey or walnuts for extra flavour and texture. This combination works well in a grilled cheese sandwich, with the addition of grainy Dijon mustard. For a more substantial meal, Apple Bacon Mac and Cheese is a comforting option.

If you're looking for something healthier, an Apples and Cheddar Chicken Salad is a great option. This salad features grilled chicken breast, apples, cheddar, walnuts, and a homemade honey yoghurt dressing. For a fun twist, you can even add apples and cheddar to a burger or pizza.

So, whether you're looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a delicious dessert, the combination of apples and cheddar is a versatile and tasty choice.

Sweet and creamy

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, it's important to strike a balance between complementary tastes and textures. Sweet and creamy cheeses work wonderfully with rich and savoury assortments of fruit, and the flavour contrast brings out the best in both. Here are some specific examples of sweet and creamy cheeses that go well with fruit:

Brie

A soft cheese with a creamy and slightly tangy flavour, Brie is a popular choice for a cheese platter and pairs well with sweet and juicy fruits like grapes, as well as apples, cherries, dates, figs, and strawberries.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is sharp and creamy, making it a great match for sweet and crunchy fruits like cherries. It also goes well with apricots, green apples, figs, honey, grapes, and strawberries.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese can be mild or pungent, but sweet grilled peaches can balance out its strong flavour. This pairing is considered a classic and creates a wonderful balance of flavours.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a mild and creamy cheese that goes well with the sweetness of ripe strawberries. It can also be paired with savoury foods, making it a versatile choice for a cheese platter.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour. It pairs well with sweet and juicy fruits like peaches, as well as tomatoes.

Gouda

Aged Gouda has a smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour that complements the sweetness of fruits like peaches. It also goes well with apples, apricots, cherries, and pears.

Blue cheese and fruit

Blue cheese is one of the best cheeses to pair with fruit. It is a great addition to a mixed cheese platter, especially if you are serving a variety of cheeses. When creating a single mixed blue cheese platter, it is best to pick a variety in terms of hardness, creaminess, type of milk, and country of origin.

Blue cheese pairs well with sweet, succulent fruits, creating a flavour contrast that brings out the best in both. It goes well with honey, dried fruit, apple or pear slices, and walnuts. For something special, try serving blue cheese with a cranberry and dried cherry sauce.

Blue cheese also pairs beautifully with figs. A grilled stone fruit salad with blue cheese and honey is a great option when you can't decide between a dessert and a cheese course. It is a little savory, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced.

When serving a blue cheese platter, it is best to set the cheeses out around three hours before serving. It is also recommended to allow for at least three ounces of cheese per person, depending on their appetites.

Frequently asked questions