Cheese And Strawberries: A Perfect Pairing Guide

While strawberries are commonly combined with dairy products like milk and cream, they are less frequently paired with cheese. However, the sweet and sour taste of strawberries can complement the spicy, salty character of cheese. Some specific strawberry and cheese combinations include strawberry with Chavroux cheese and basil, or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese with strawberries, crackers, and nuts.

Goat's cheese, sharp white cheddar, and ricotta

Goats cheese, sharp white cheddar, and ricotta are all excellent choices when it comes to pairing with strawberries. The sweet and juicy strawberries provide a wonderful contrast to the tangy, salty, and creamy characteristics of these cheeses.

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a soft cheese with a tangy and creamy flavour profile. When paired with strawberries, it creates a delightful combination that enhances the sweetness of the fruit. The tanginess of the cheese also helps to balance the sweetness of the berries, especially when combined with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Sharp white cheddar offers a creamy texture and a more intense flavour compared to mild cheddar. Its sharpness pairs remarkably well with the sweetness of strawberries. The contrast between the salty, nutty notes of the cheddar and the fruity, tangy notes of the berries creates a complex and satisfying taste experience.

Ricotta, on the other hand, brings a creamy and mild flavour to the pairing. When whipped with a touch of honey, it becomes even more indulgent and pairs beautifully with strawberries. The sweetness of the honey complements the berries, while the creamy texture of the ricotta provides a delightful contrast to their juicy freshness.

When creating a cheese and strawberry pairing, it is essential to consider the overall balance of flavours and textures. Adding crackers and nuts, such as marcona almonds, can provide a crunchy element that enhances the experience. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheeses, and crunchy accoutrements makes for a delightful summer berry cheese board that is perfect for entertaining.

In conclusion, goats cheese, sharp white cheddar, and ricotta are all excellent choices for pairing with strawberries. Each cheese brings its own unique characteristics, creating contrasting and complementary flavour profiles that enhance the overall tasting experience.

Brie and Camembert

When creating a cheese and fruit platter, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses and fruits to create a well-balanced dish. Brie and Camembert, being soft and creamy, can add a nice contrast to the sweetness and juiciness of strawberries. Their mild flavour also helps to complement the fruit without overwhelming its more delicate taste.

In addition to strawberries, Brie and Camembert also pair well with other fruits such as apples, cherries, and dates. They can be served with French bread, crackers, or nuts like pistachios. Honey can also be a nice addition to a cheese and fruit platter, as it adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the sharpness of the cheese.

When serving Brie and Camembert, it is recommended to bring them to room temperature to allow for optimal cheese flavour. These cheeses are excellent choices for a summer berry cheese board or a festive holiday platter and can be easily paired with other cheeses and fruits to create a delicious and impressive appetizer for your guests.

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Quality and Preparation:

Start with high-quality ingredients. Use ripe, soft, sweet, and fragrant strawberries. For the cheese, opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, preferably aged for 36 months or more. Wash, dry, and hull the strawberries, cutting them into halves or quarters if they are large. Cut the cheese into small slices or thick slivers.

Presentation and Pairings:

Arrange the strawberries and cheese on individual serving plates. You can also create a summer berry cheese board, combining strawberries with other berries like raspberries and blueberries. Drizzle the dish with good-quality balsamic vinegar, preferably aceto balsamico tradizionale. This adds a tangy and sweet dimension to the dish.

To enhance the experience, pair it with a dessert wine. A Brachetto d'Aqui, a sparkling low-alcohol sweet red wine similar to Moscato d'Asti, is an excellent choice. You can also add a crunchy element to the dish with crackers and nuts, such as marcona almonds, which pair well with berries.

Signature Characteristics:

The signature grainy texture of Parmigiano-Reggiano contributes to its unique mouthfeel. When breaking the cheese into chunks, use a knife to drive into the wedge and then pull the knife like a lever to release a chunk, preserving the crystalized bits that are a signature of this cheese.

Creative Combinations:

For a creative twist, consider combining Parmigiano-Reggiano with other ingredients. Create a savoury choux pastry with strawberries, radishes, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. You can also experiment with chocolate-covered Parmigiano-Reggiano, dipping chunks of the cheese in melted chocolate for a sweet and salty treat.

Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries

When it comes to creating a summer berry cheese board with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, there are endless possibilities for customisation and flavour combinations.

For a well-rounded cheese board, it is recommended to select cheeses with different flavour profiles to balance the sweetness of the berries. Here are some ideal cheese pairings for your summer berry board:

• Goat cheese: Tangy and creamy, goat cheese is a perfect match for strawberries. Drizzling balsamic vinegar over this combination can take it to the next level.
• Sharp White Cheddar: The sharpness of this cheese can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the berries.
• Whipped Honey Ricotta: This sweet and creamy cheese can add a touch of indulgence to your cheese board.

In addition to the cheeses, you can include crackers and nuts to provide a crunchy texture and further enhance the flavour profiles. Marcona almonds are an elegant choice, as they pair exceptionally well with berries.

When assembling your cheese board, start with the cheeses and place them around the board. Then, fill in the spaces with berries, nuts, and crackers. You can also get creative and add other complementary items, such as honey, dark chocolate, or cured meats.

Remember, the beauty of a cheese board is that it can be tailored to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and explore the endless possibilities of flavour pairings.

Nuts and crackers

When creating a cheese and fruit board, it is important to include a variety of nuts and crackers to complement the strawberries and cheese. Here are some suggestions for nuts and crackers that will enhance your tasting experience:

Nuts

Pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are classic choices that go well with both strawberries and cheese. Almonds, in particular, pair very well with berries. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, you could try some candied walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans. These nuts will add a sweet and crunchy element to your board.

Crackers

When selecting crackers, it is recommended to choose plain crackers as strongly flavoured crackers can overpower the taste of the cheese. Crostinis, flatbread crackers, and thinly sliced crackers are all good options. Crackers with a more neutral flavour will allow the taste of the cheese and strawberries to shine through.

When serving your cheese and strawberry board, it is also important to bring the cheese to room temperature to allow for optimal flavour. Additionally, providing small cheese knives and spoons will make it easier for your guests to spread the cheese on their crackers.

Frequently asked questions