Frederic Melton
Nuts are a great addition to a cheese board, providing a crunchy texture and salty flavour that pairs well with cheese. When creating a cheese board, it's important to consider the different textures and flavours that will complement each other. Nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are popular choices for cheese boards. Toasted coconut almonds and chocolate-covered nuts can add an unexpected twist of flavour. It's also important to be mindful of any nut allergies among guests and to avoid using nuts that may cause allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety | Pecans, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, macadamia, peanuts, mixed nuts |
| Flavors | Sweet, spicy, salted, roasted, candied, raw, flavored |
| Other characteristics | Crunchy, creamy, finger food |
| Other considerations | Nut allergies, use small serving dishes to prevent nuts from rolling |
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What You'll Learn
Raw walnuts, especially with blue cheese and honey
When creating a cheeseboard, nuts are a great addition, providing texture and flavour. One recommended nut to include is raw walnuts, which pair especially well with blue cheese and honey.
Raw walnuts are versatile and can be purchased pre-toasted, or you can toast them yourself at home. Toasting walnuts can bring out their flavour and create a warm, comforting texture. They are a healthy snack, too, as they are high in good fats.
Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese, so it works well with the earthy, nutty flavour of walnuts. The cheese is soft and crumbly, so it can be easily cut or crumbled and baked with the walnuts. The walnuts can also be baked, or left raw, and served alongside the cheese.
Honey is a natural partner for blue cheese and walnuts, as its sweetness cuts through the strong, salty cheese and the earthy walnuts. A drizzle of honey over the cheese and nuts can bring the whole dish together. This combination of flavours and textures is a simple, yet effective, way to create an interesting cheeseboard.
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Roasted, salted Marcona almonds
Marcona almonds are a Spanish variety of almonds known for their unique, rounded shape and sweeter taste compared to conventional almonds. They have a different kind of crunch, often described as similar to macadamia nuts. This distinct texture and flavour make them a perfect choice for your cheeseboard, adding interest and variety.
When preparing Marcona almonds for your cheeseboard, frying or toasting them in rosemary-infused olive oil is a traditional Spanish method that enhances their flavour. Simply coat a skillet with olive oil, add a rosemary sprig, and toast the almonds over medium-low heat until they are golden brown. Remove the almonds with a slotted spoon, and sprinkle with crunchy sea salt to taste. You can also add extra minced rosemary for an even stronger rosemary flavour.
Once prepared, these roasted, salted Marcona almonds will elevate your cheese board, providing a delicious contrast to the cheeses you select. Their sweet and savoury notes pair well with strong, salty cheeses, and their unique texture will add a satisfying crunch to your selection.
Remember to store any leftover rosemary-infused Marcona almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer-term storage. Enjoy creating a delightful and indulgent cheese board experience with these special almonds!
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Pecans
Praline pecans are a great addition to your cheeseboard, as their butter-and-brown-sugar coating makes them sweet, chewy, and crunchy. This helps them pair well with softer cheeses and their sharper counterparts, as well as a variety of wines. You can buy praline pecans from Costco, or Amazon and Walmart for a higher price. If you've got the time, you can always make your own praline pecans. They are a type of candied nut, made by mixing chopped or whole pecans into a creamy sweet batter and letting them set into the shape of a crunchy cookie.
If you want to include mild and aged cheeses like Swiss or cheddar on your cheeseboard, including almonds in your spread is a good idea. Almonds have a slightly sweet flavour that works well with tangy or sharp-tasting cheeses. If you want to include pistachios on a board, make sure to provide a bowl or a way to discard the shells, similar to olive pits.
When arranging your cheeseboard, spread your cured meats, crackers, cheeses, fruits, and nuts across the board so that guests can easily grab them from any angle. You could also use small ramekins or dishes to keep some nuts separate from the others while adding to the overall look.
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Pistachios
Type of Pistachio
You can choose between shelled and unshelled pistachios. In-shell pistachios add a fancy touch to your cheeseboard and can also help with portion control, as the shells provide a visual cue for how many nuts you've consumed. However, be sure to provide a bowl or some other means for your guests to discard the shells.
Flavoured Pistachios
If your cheeseboard features mild cheeses and not too many other accompaniments, consider using flavoured pistachios to add some extra flavour and texture. Spicy, herbal, or sweetened pistachios can complement the other flavours on your board. For example, you could include candied pistachios or a brittle on a dessert cheeseboard.
Cheese Pairings
When it comes to cheese pairings, Mediterranean-inspired choices are a safe bet. Manchego, a hard Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, pairs wonderfully with pistachios. Other Spanish cheeses like Iberico or Azeitao are also excellent options. For a well-rounded cheeseboard, include a mix of hard and semi-soft cheeses.
Other Accompaniments
To enhance the flavours and textures of your cheeseboard, consider adding fresh fruits like pears, figs, and dates. These sweet elements can provide a delightful contrast to the savoury notes of the cheese and pistachios. You can also offer a variety of honeys or jams to complement the flavours. Don't forget to include some crackers or crostini to complete the ensemble!
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Chocolate-covered nuts
There are many options when it comes to choosing chocolate-covered nuts for a cheeseboard. Firstly, it is important to select good-quality chocolate. A mixture of dark and milk chocolate is a popular choice, but you could also opt for something more adventurous, such as sea salt, orange, or caramel chocolate.
Once you have chosen your chocolate, you can select the type of nut to cover. Roasted Marcona almonds are a popular choice, providing a salty contrast to the sweet chocolate. Other nuts that pair well with chocolate include pecans, walnuts, and pistachios. If you are feeling creative, you could even make your own flavoured nuts, such as lavender-spiced almonds or candied pecans.
When assembling your cheeseboard, start with the biggest items, such as the cheese, and fill in the small gaps with the chocolate-covered nuts. Cut each type of cheese into distinct shapes and sizes to make it obvious that they are different. Use a variety of shapes and textures to create a dynamic and interesting board. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to styling your cheeseboard, so feel free to get creative and choose the nuts and chocolates that you enjoy the most!
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Frequently asked questions
Some nuts that pair well with cheese include almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts.
Yes, it's best to avoid peanuts as they are the most common nut that people are allergic to.
Salty, sweet, and savory flavors all pair well with nuts on a cheese board. For example, you could include dried fruit, honey, or chocolate.
Aged, hard cheeses are best for a cheese board. Some examples include Asiago, Gouda, and Manchego.
It's best to use small serving dishes to prevent nuts from rolling around and making a mess. Intersperse the nuts with the other ingredients so that different types of nuts and cheeses are not next to each other.
