Cheese And Pineapple: A Tropical Twist On A Classic

Pineapple is a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. While some people may find the idea of combining tropical fruit and cheese unusual, it can be a delicious and healthy snack. The key to pairing cheese with pineapple is balance. A mild-flavoured cheese can complement the sweetness of the pineapple, while a stronger, tangier cheese can hold its own against the fruit's intense sweetness. For example, Monterey Jack, a mild and buttery cheese with a creamy texture, can be a good match for pineapple, allowing its tropical flavour to shine without being overpowering. On the other hand, a salty and tangy cheese like feta can also pair well with pineapple, creating a delicious contrast.

Monterey Jack

When creating a cheese platter with pineapple, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Pineapple is a tropical fruit with a distinct sweet and tangy taste. Its acidity can be tricky to pair with cheese, but Monterey Jack's mild and buttery characteristics make it a good match. The cheese's creamy texture and subtle flavour allow the pineapple's tropical notes to shine through without being overpowering.

To elevate the pairing, consider adding complementary ingredients to your platter. Macadamias, for example, would add a crunchy and salty element, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Fresh herbs such as basil or mint could also be included to provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the cheese. Additionally, a drizzle of honey over the cheese can further enhance the sweetness of the pairing, creating a delightful indulgent treat.

In conclusion, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice to pair with pineapple due to its mild flavour and creamy texture. Its versatility allows for different serving options, and its buttery notes complement the tropical fruit. By adding complementary ingredients, you can create a well-rounded and indulgent cheese and fruit platter that is perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying as a delicious snack.

Parmigiano-Reggiano

When it comes to pairing Parmigiano-Reggiano with pineapple, the cheese's strong savoury flavour and sharp, fruity-nutty taste can complement the sweetness of the pineapple. Grating Parmigiano-Reggiano atop pineapple slivers can create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The cheese's gritty texture and savoury notes can balance the tropical sweetness of the pineapple, resulting in a unique and indulgent culinary experience.

In addition to pineapple, Parmigiano-Reggiano also pairs well with other fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes. It can be enjoyed as part of a cheese platter, drizzled with honey, or paired with wines such as Chianti, Prosecco, or Chardonnay. When it comes to beverages, Parmigiano-Reggiano is versatile and can be paired with both red and white wines, as well as cocktails and spirits.

Goat's cheese

Another recipe featuring goat's cheese and pineapple is for roasted pineapple with balsamic glaze, honey, and fresh goat's cheese. This dish, created by Toronto chef Massimo Capra, involves baking pineapple slices with butter and balsamic vinegar, then filling the centres with fresh goat's cheese and pouring the cooking liquid over the top before drizzling with honey. The sweetness of the pineapple and honey is balanced by the tangy goat's cheese and the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, creating a flavourful and interesting dish.

Pineapple, goat's cheese, and prosciutto wraps are another tasty treat. This recipe combines cubed pineapple, sliced prosciutto, and small pieces of goat's cheese, which are then wrapped together. A honey lime mint glaze is drizzled over the wraps to add a fresh, light, summery flavour. The salty prosciutto and tangy goat's cheese complement the sweetness of the pineapple, while the glaze adds a refreshing touch.

In conclusion, goat's cheese is a versatile pairing with pineapple, lending itself to both sweet and savoury dishes. The tangy, creamy nature of goat's cheese balances the sweetness of pineapple, while its smooth texture contrasts the fruit's fibrous consistency. Whether served as an appetizer, dessert, or savoury dish, the combination of goat's cheese and pineapple offers a unique and delightful culinary experience.

Cream cheese

Pineapple cream cheese spreads are simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients: cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. The cream cheese and pineapple are combined and chilled, resulting in a spread that can be used on bagels or as a dip for crackers and fruit. For a more decorative presentation, the spread can be shaped into a pineapple using plastic wrap before chilling. This makes it a creative and tasty addition to any party, especially those with an island or tropical theme.

Pineapple cream cheese can also be used as an ingredient in various dishes. For example, it can be spread on a ham sandwich for Hawaiian pizza flavours or used as a filling for cheesecakes or cream cheese bread pudding. The addition of whipped topping and a graham cracker crust transforms the spread into a luscious no-bake pineapple cheesecake.

When choosing cream cheese for pineapple pairings, any variety will work. However, it's important to use softened cream cheese and well-drained pineapple to ensure the best texture and flavour. Grilled pineapple or the addition of other fruits like mango, passionfruit, or kiwi can also enhance the flavour and create interesting variations.

Overall, cream cheese and pineapple make a delightful duo, offering a unique blend of sweet, tangy, creamy, and salty flavours that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from appetizers to desserts.

Blue cheese

One recipe for pineapple and blue cheese coleslaw combines mayonnaise, wine vinegar, pineapple bits, pineapple juice, crumbled blue cheese, and shredded cabbage. The sweet pineapple and tangy blue cheese complement each other, with the crunch of the cabbage adding texture.

Another recipe for a pineapple and blue cheese dip includes cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, and is served with potato chips. This dip is best when refrigerated for at least two hours before serving.

A more complex recipe for roasted pears with blue cheese includes Anjou pears, lemon juice, baby arugula, apple cider, brown sugar, cranberries, walnuts, olive oil, and port wine. The pears are roasted and topped with the blue cheese and other ingredients, creating a sweet and salty combination.

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