Pairing Peaches: Which Cheeses Bring The Perfect Balance?

The sweet and juicy flavour of peaches makes them a great pairing with cheese, especially blue cheese, goat's cheese, and brie. Peaches are a stone fruit, and stone fruits are the epitome of summer, so a peach and cheese pairing is a perfect light summer dinner. A stronger cheese goes well with a sweeter peach, and the sweetness of the peach offsets the richness of the cheese. For a simple snack, spread goat's cheese on a piece of toast, top with peach slices and chopped thyme, or drizzle blue cheese and peach slices with honey for a tasty dessert.

Blue cheese and peach

A popular way to enjoy this combination is in a salad. Grilled or oven-warmed peach quarters are tossed with arugula, almonds, blue cheese, and a dressing made from olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. This salad can be served on its own or as a side, and it pairs particularly well with steak.

Another option is to make peach and blue cheese toasts. This dish starts with scoring an X at the bottom of each peach and blanching them in boiling water for a minute. The peaches are then peeled, cut into wedges, and tossed with lemon juice and honey. Toasts are made by brushing slices of country-style bread with olive oil and seasoning them with salt. The toasts are then spread with blue cheese and topped with the prepared peaches and dressed purslane or arugula.

For a simpler snack or lunch, a crusty piece of toast can be spread with soft goat cheese and topped with peach slices and chopped thyme. This combination can also be drizzled with smoky hot honey to round out the flavours.

To elevate this pairing, try marinating peeled peaches in red wine and fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for 6 to 12 hours before serving them with blue cheese. This combination is described as "nothing short of picture-perfect" by Mary Mayer, owner of Cheeses & Mary in Milton, Georgia.

Goat's cheese and peach

A perfect summer treat, goat's cheese and peach is a delightful combination of flavours. The sweetness of the peach is balanced by the tanginess and creaminess of the goat's cheese, creating a refreshing and indulgent experience.

Thyme, Honey, Peach, and Goat Cheese Crostini

For a summery appetizer or light lunch, try this crostini recipe. Start with a loaf of crusty ciabatta bread, grilled to perfection. Spread some creamy goat cheese onto the bread, and top with ripe, sweet peach slices. Add a sprinkle of thyme, walnuts, and fresh basil, then finish with a generous drizzle of honey. This combination is simple yet exquisite and is sure to impress.

Roasted Peaches with Goat Cheese and Honey

For a warm and indulgent dessert, try roasting peach halves in the oven. Place a tablespoon of goat cheese into the centre of each roasted peach, and drizzle with honey. Top with roughly chopped roasted hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and a hint of nuttiness. This dessert is quick and easy to prepare but looks and tastes impressive.

Fresh Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

For a quick and simple summertime salad, combine fresh, juicy peaches with goat cheese and basil. Coat the peaches in honey and a sprinkle of salt, then gently mix in the basil and goat cheese. This salad is a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours, with a unique texture from the creamy cheese and crisp basil.

Goat Cheese and Peach Pairing Tips

When pairing goat cheese with peaches, it is best to use a young, soft goat cheese to complement the sweetness of the peaches. If using a stronger, more pungent cheese, it may overpower the delicate flavour of the fruit. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of honey to enhance the sweetness, or a sprinkle of thyme for a savoury touch.

Whether enjoyed as a crostini, salad, or roasted dessert, the combination of goat's cheese and peach is a delightful way to savour the flavours of summer.

Mozzarella and peach

To make a peach and mozzarella Caprese salad, start by slicing a ripe peach and a vine-ripened tomato into 1/2-inch thick slices. You can also add in some heirloom tomatoes for extra flavour. Then, layer these slices with fresh mozzarella cheese, tearing the cheese into bite-sized pieces if needed. Add in some fresh basil leaves, tearing them into smaller pieces if desired. For an extra indulgent touch, you can use Buratta mozzarella cheese with truffles, which will give your salad a luxurious, country-club feel.

Once you have layered your peach, tomato, mozzarella, and basil, it's time to dress the salad. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the ingredients, or opt for a balsamic reduction for an even more intense flavour. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and your peach and mozzarella Caprese salad is ready to serve! This dish can be assembled on two plates as a light main course or layered on a platter as an appetizer.

If you want to take your peach and mozzarella pairing beyond the Caprese salad, you can also try adding some prosciutto. The salty, savoury flavour of the prosciutto will complement the sweetness of the peaches and the creaminess of the mozzarella. You can tear up the prosciutto and add it to your salad, or serve it on the side for a heartier snack.

Feta and peach

One way to enjoy this pairing is in a salad. Combine peppery arugula and basil with tangy, sweet tomatoes and peaches. Add feta and sliced onion for more depth of flavour, and a sprinkle of za'atar for texture. For a unique twist, try a candied jalapeño dressing or a sweet-spicy vinaigrette.

For a simple snack or lunch, spread some feta on a piece of crusty toast. Top it with sliced peaches and chopped thyme for a refreshing bite. Grilled peaches also go well with feta. Halve and pit the peaches, brush with butter, and grill for 4-5 minutes. Serve warm with a side of feta and enjoy the combination of warm, juicy peaches and cool, creamy cheese.

For a more indulgent treat, try a peach and feta panzanella. This bread salad features sweet peaches, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil and mint, and crunchy ciabatta croutons. The addition of feta brings a savoury element to the dish, creating a delicious contrast with the sweetness of the peaches.

When choosing feta for your peach pairings, opt for a full-fat variety as the low-fat version can sometimes be chalky in texture. To enhance the flavour profile, add a few sprigs of mint and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This combination is perfect for a summer appetizer or light meal, showcasing the versatility of both ingredients.

Brie and peach

Blue cheese is a popular pairing with peaches, but if you're looking for something a little different, why not try Brie? Brie is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a silky texture and a bloomy rind. It's a great choice for a cheese board or fruit and cheese platter, as it can please a range of palates. When pairing Brie with peaches, opt for ripe, sweet, and juicy peaches to balance the mildness of the cheese.

For a simple yet delicious snack or appetizer, try spreading Brie on a thick slice of bakery bread. Top it with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. You can also sprinkle on some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for added crunch and flavour. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to delight your taste buds!

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try grilling your peaches before placing them on the Brie-smeared bread. Grilling stone fruits like peaches enhances their sweetness and gives them a slightly charred flavour that pairs surprisingly well with Brie. Don't forget to brush both sides of the peach halves with butter before placing them on the grill for the best results!

For a more substantial meal, you can incorporate Brie and peach into a salad. Combine fresh peach slices with arugula, basil, and your choice of cheese, such as Brie or burrata. Add some sliced onion and a vinaigrette dressing, and you've got yourself a delicious and elegant summer salad.

So, the next time you're looking for a unique way to enjoy peaches, give Brie a try. Whether it's a simple appetizer or a more elaborate salad, the combination of Brie and peach is sure to impress.

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