Patrick Oconnell
There are many fruits that go well with cheese, and the best pairings create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For example, apples and cheddar is a classic combination, with the crispness of apples complementing the sharpness of cheddar. Other popular pairings include strawberries and ricotta, apricots and goat's cheese, and peaches and gouda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Apples | Cheddar |
| Grapes | Brie |
| Pears | Gorgonzola |
| Apricots | Goat Cheese |
| Cherries | Asiago |
| Figs | Blue Cheese |
| Peaches | Gouda |
| Plums | Brie |
| Strawberries | Ricotta |
| Cherries | Goat Cheese |
| Summer stone fruits | Peaches, plums, cherries |
| Pome fruits | Apples, pears |
| Tropical fruits | Mangoes, pineapples |
| Winter citrus fruits | Grapefruit-tangerine hybrids, mandarins |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Apples and Cheddar
When it comes to choosing the right apple, a semi-sour variety like Granny Smith is an especially good match. The tartness of these apples helps to balance the richness of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious pairing.
This combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The bright red or green hues of the apple slices provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy yellow or white cheddar, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
To elevate this pairing even further, consider adding some complementary ingredients. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts can enhance the sweetness of the apples, while a touch of mustard or cured meat can bring out the savoury notes of the cheddar.
Whether served as a simple snack, an elegant appetiser, or as part of a larger cheese board, apples and cheddar is a timeless duo that never fails to impress.
The Good Bacteria in Cheese
You may want to see also
Grapes and Brie
When putting together a fruit and cheese board, it's important to consider the different flavours and textures of the produce. The best pairings create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For example, the crispness of apples goes well with the sharpness of cheddar, creating a classic and satisfying combination. Similarly, the sweetness and delicate flavour of apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat cheese.
In the summer months, fresh cherries, berries and stone fruits are a good option. During fall and winter, pears, apples, pomegranate and dried fruits are a better choice. You can also add something salty like nuts, olives, mustard or cured meats to your board. If you want to add more sweetness, you can include honey, glazed nuts or chocolate.
Some other classic fruit and cheese combinations include strawberries and ricotta, peaches and gouda, and cherries and asiago.
Chicken Quesadilla: Which Cheeses Melt and Stretch the Best?
You may want to see also
Cherries and Asiago
Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are particularly well-suited to Asiago cheese, a nutty and slightly sharp-flavoured Italian cheese. The sweetness and tartness of the cherries contrast nicely with the nutty flavour of the Asiago, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures. This pairing is especially good in the summer months when cherries are in season.
When creating a cheese board, consider adding some fresh cherries to complement the Asiago. You could also include other fruits such as berries and stone fruits, which are also in season during the summer. For a more savoury option, try pairing the Asiago with some cured meats, olives, or mustard.
If you're looking for a more indulgent treat, why not try dipping the cherries in chocolate? The sweetness of the chocolate will balance out the sharpness of the Asiago, creating a delicious and satisfying dessert. You could also add some glazed nuts or honey to the cheese board for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a refreshing summer drink, try making a cherry and Asiago cheese smoothie. Simply blend together some fresh cherries, a small amount of Asiago cheese, and a liquid of your choice (such as milk or yoghurt). This unique smoothie will surprise and delight your taste buds with its combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavours.
Cheese and Personality: A Buzzfeed Quiz
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Apricots and Goat Cheese
Apricots and goat's cheese is a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The sweetness and delicate flavour of fresh or dried apricots are enhanced by the creamy and tangy taste of goat's cheese.
Apricots are a stone fruit, and they are at their best during the summer months. They are sweet and fragrant, with a delicate flavour and soft texture. When dried, they become even sweeter and their texture becomes chewy. Fresh apricots are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like goat's cheese.
Goat's cheese is known for its tangy, creamy flavour and slightly crumbly texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to tarts. When paired with apricots, the cheese becomes the perfect canvas for the fruit's sweetness to shine.
Together, apricots and goat's cheese create a harmonious combination. The sweetness of the apricots balances the tanginess of the cheese, while the creamy texture of the cheese complements the soft, chewy texture of the fruit. This pairing is perfect for a summer cheese board or as an ingredient in a salad or tart.
To take this pairing to the next level, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a drizzle of honey. These additional ingredients will enhance the flavours of both the apricots and the cheese, creating an even more delightful culinary experience.
Cheese and Salad: Perfect Pairing Ideas
You may want to see also
Strawberries and Ricotta
Strawberries are a great fruit to pair with cheese because they are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which can help to balance out the richness of cheese.
Ricotta is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that is often used in Italian cuisine. It is made from whey, the liquid that is left over after milk has been curdled and strained. This gives it a unique, slightly grainy texture that pairs well with the smooth, juicy flesh of strawberries.
When pairing strawberries and ricotta, it is important to consider the other ingredients that will be used in the dish. For example, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of black pepper can enhance the flavours of both the fruit and the cheese. Honey or maple syrup can also be added for a touch of sweetness.
In addition to fresh strawberries, strawberry jam or preserves can also be used to pair with ricotta. This can be a good option for dishes that require a thicker consistency, such as stuffed French toast or cheesecake.
Cheese Options for Your Next Stuffed Crust Pizza
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many fruits that go well with cheese, including apples, apricots, berries, cherries, figs, grapes, mangoes, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums and strawberries.
A sharp cheddar is a good match for the crispness of apples.
The sweetness and delicate flavour of apricots is enhanced by goat cheese.
Brie is a good match for the sweetness and juiciness of grapes.
Asiago is a good match for cherries, as its nutty and slightly sharp flavour can contrast nicely with the sweet and tart taste of cherries.
