Red Grape And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Grapes and cheese are a popular combination, often served together as an appetizer or party food. While some cheesemongers advise against pairing the two, arguing that the tannins in grapes can make cheese taste bitter, others find that the sweetness of grapes and the saltiness of cheese create a tasty combination. Red grapes, in particular, are crisp and sweet with a mild, neutral flavour. They pair well with rich cheeses that contain tiny crystals, such as Manchego, Red Fox, and Maple Leaf Red Wax Gouda.

Red grapes and brie

Baked Brie with Roasted Grapes

This easy and elegant appetizer combines red wine-roasted grapes and creamy, decadent baked brie. The grapes are roasted with the addition of red wine, honey, and a dash of black pepper. As the grapes roast, their flavour deepens and intensifies as the wine reduces and thickens. The baked brie is then topped with the roasted grapes and toasted walnuts and served with crackers or sliced baguette.

Roasted Grape and Brie Crostini

This delicious grape and brie crostini is the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and sophisticated. It is made by roasting grapes with olive oil and sea salt, and then topping them with creamy brie, honey, toasted walnuts, and fresh rosemary on a French baguette slice. This appetizer is perfect for holidays, parties, date nights, and weekend brunch.

Other Pairings

Red grapes also pair well with blue cheese, red (orange) cheddar, and green hill camembert.

Red grapes and blue cheese

When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the different types of grapes and cheeses that pair well together. Red grapes tend to pair well with red and blue cheeses. In addition to blue cheese, other suitable pairings for red grapes include red cheddar and Asiago cheese. For blue cheese, besides red grapes, dried fruits such as figs, cherries, and apricots are also excellent choices.

The key to successful pairing is to create a balance of flavours and textures. The crispness and sweetness of red grapes make them a good match for the strong and pungent flavour of blue cheese. The grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. Additionally, the natural antioxidants and polyphenols in red grapes make them a healthy addition to any platter.

When serving red grapes and blue cheese, it is recommended to offer a neutral-flavoured cracker or a drink of water alongside, to allow guests to cleanse their palate and fully appreciate the unique combination of flavours. This combination is a popular choice for holiday gatherings and can be a delightful and unexpected addition to any spread.

Red grapes and red/orange cheddar

Red grapes are a very common fruit to accompany cheese. Their crisp texture and sweet taste make them a refreshing snack, and their small size makes them easy to eat. Red grapes are a safe choice to pair with cheese, as they are unlikely to overpower the flavour of the cheese. However, it is important to note that grapes do contain tannins, which can sometimes make the cheese taste bitter. This is more likely to occur when pairing grapes with washed rind or bloomy rind cheeses, and less likely with hard cheeses.

Red/orange cheddar is a great choice of cheese to pair with red grapes. Cheddar is a well-loved, versatile cheese with a rich flavour. Red/orange cheddar in particular often contains tiny crystals, which add an extra depth of flavour and an interesting texture. This type of cheddar is a good pairing for red grapes because its strong flavour stands up to the sweetness of the grapes, creating a delightful contrast.

When creating a cheese plate, it is important to consider the colour and texture of the cheese and fruit, as well as the flavour. Red grapes and red/orange cheddar create an attractive, colourful display, and the smooth, creamy texture of the cheese contrasts nicely with the crispness of the grapes.

If you are looking for a classic, crowd-pleasing combination of cheese and fruit, red grapes and red/orange cheddar is an excellent choice. The sweetness of the grapes and the saltiness of the cheese create a delightful sweet and salty contrast, which is a classic flavour pairing. This combination is also a safe choice if you are unsure about the preferences of your guests, as it is unlikely to be too strong or overpowering for most palates.

Red grapes and hard cheeses

Red grapes and cheese are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Red grapes are crisp and sweet with a mild, neutral flavour. When it comes to pairing cheese with red grapes, hard cheeses are a good option. Hard cheeses are pungent and strong-flavoured. They provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the grapes, creating a tasty combination.

Some examples of hard cheeses that pair well with red grapes include:

• Asiago: This cheese is hard, pungent, and strong-flavoured, with a cross between sharp cheddar and parmesan. Asiago pairs well with red grapes, as well as tart, hard apples like Granny Smiths, and plums.
• Manchego: This is a sheep's milk cheese with a rich, nutty flavour. It has a firm texture and pairs nicely with red grapes, as well as other fruits and crackers.
• Aged Cheddar: Rich and sharp cheddar cheeses complement the sweetness of red grapes.

When creating a cheese platter, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Hard cheeses, such as those mentioned above, offer a nice contrast to the sweetness and juiciness of red grapes. This combination is sure to impress your guests and elevate your appetizer spread.

Additionally, red grapes are a healthy and nutritious option, as they are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols. So, not only does this pairing taste delicious, but it also provides some health benefits.

Red grapes and soft cheeses

Red grapes and cheese are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Red grapes are crisp and sweet with a mild, neutral flavour. When it comes to pairing cheese with red grapes, rich cheeses that contain tiny crystals are a great complement to their flavour.

One source suggests that red and black grapes be paired with red and blue cheeses. From a flavour perspective, rich cheeses that contain tiny crystals complement the flavour of red and black grapes. Another source suggests that grapes, in general, pair well with soft, creamy cheeses.

• Red (orange) Cheddar: Domestic options include Hoop Cheddar (USA) or, for an imported option, try Red Fox from the UK. For an adventurous option, try Maple Leaf Red Wax Gouda, or Red Hawk for a "stinky" option.
• Manchego: This is an adventurous option to pair with red grapes.
• Red Hawk: This is a "stinky" option to pair with red grapes.
• Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie: This is an imported option to pair with red grapes.

Remember, there are no firm rules when it comes to pairings. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your own favourite cheese and red grape pairing!

Frequently asked questions