Andy Montoya
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks to create a delicious and healthy snack or meal. While there are many possible combinations, the key to successful pairing is finding the right balance of flavours, textures, and intensities. For example, mild cheeses go well with mild accompaniments, while strong cheeses pair well with other strong flavours. Similarly, the texture of the cheese can be considered when choosing a pairing, such as pairing a rich, tongue-coating triple crème with a zesty, fizzy champagne. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, crackers, and drinks like wine or beer can all be paired with cheese, creating a range of different sensory experiences. Ultimately, the correct pairing is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Mild goes with mild, strong goes with strong. Match complementary flavours, e.g. nutty flavours with nuts, fruity cheeses with fruits and jams. |
| Flavour | Salty and sweet, sour and savoury are examples of contrasting flavours that can be paired. |
| Texture | Build a bridge with a third element to bring the cheese and drink or food together. For example, a fig spread or honey can bring together a bold spiced cheese with a tart apple slice. |
| Texture | Crunchy, mild sweet peppers are a safe bet for most pairings as they let the cheese flavours shine. |
| Region | Pair cheese with items from the same region, e.g. wine, fruit, jams, cured meats. |
| Intensity | Pair items with similar intensities, e.g. a light beer with a fresh, light-tasting cheese, or a deep, dark porter with a pungent blue cheese. |
| Type | Fruit, vegetables, nuts, crackers, cured meats, chocolate, honey, eggs, and charcuterie can be paired with cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Pair cheese with fruit
When it comes to creating a delicious cheese platter, pairing cheese with fruit is a fashionable and allegedly fancy culinary practice. The sweetness of fruit, whether fresh or dried, balances out the richness and creaminess of the cheese.
There are some classic combinations, such as apple and cheddar, which complement each other with sharpness and sweetness, and a firm but creamy texture playing well with a crunchy one. Another classic is grapes and brie, where the sweetness and juiciness of grapes are a beautiful match for the creamy and slightly tangy flavour of brie.
Some other interesting combinations to try are:
- Strawberries and ricotta: Ricotta can be sweet or savoury, and strawberries are a combination of sweet and tart, so this pairing is versatile and easy to match.
- Blueberries and feta: The tartness of blueberries pairs well with the salty and tangy taste of feta cheese.
- Cherries and Asiago: The nutty and slightly sharp flavour of Asiago cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet and tart taste of cherries.
- Figs and blue cheese: This is considered a classic combination, with the rich and pungent flavour of blue cheese complementing the sweet, jammy, and earthy taste of figs.
- Peaches and gouda: The smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour of aged gouda cheese goes well with the juicy, sweet, and fragrant nature of peaches.
- Plums and brie: The rich and creamy texture of brie complements the juicy sweetness of plums, creating a delightful combination. The mild and slightly tangy flavour of brie lets the natural flavours of the fruit shine through.
When pairing cheese with fruit, it is best to focus on what doesn't work to avoid bad combinations. Stay away from more citrusy fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons as they tend to overpower the cheese and enhance the stronger flavours in a way that may not be desirable. It is also advised to keep bitter and fresh flavours separate, such as avoiding mixing high acidity with bitter flavours for soft, fresh cheeses.
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Pair cheese with vegetables
When pairing cheese with vegetables, it's essential to consider both flavour and texture to create a harmonious culinary experience. Here are some tips and classic combinations to guide you:
Classic Combinations
- Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese: The earthy sweetness of roasted beets complements the tanginess of goat cheese.
- Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese: The mild flavour of grilled zucchini allows the tanginess of goat cheese to shine through.
- Roasted Red Peppers and Cheddar: The sweetness of roasted red peppers balances the tanginess of cheddar cheese.
- Caramelised Onions and Cheddar: The sweetness of caramelised onions contrasts nicely with the sharpness of cheddar cheese.
- Fresh Tomatoes and Creamy Cheese: The acidity of fresh tomatoes pairs well with creamy cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.
- Broccoli and Cheddar: The sharpness of cheddar complements the mild bitterness of broccoli.
- Brussels Sprouts and Cheddar: The strong flavour of cheddar balances the strong flavour of Brussels sprouts.
- Carrots and Creamy Cheese: The sweetness of carrots contrasts nicely with the creaminess of cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta.
- Potatoes and Cheddar: A classic combination, especially when baked or mashed, with the starchiness of potatoes complementing the sharpness of cheddar.
- Cucumbers and Smooth Cheese: The crispness of cucumbers contrasts with the smoothness of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Bell Peppers and Mild Cheese: The sweetness of bell peppers complements the mildness of cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.
- Celery and Mild Cheese: The crunch of celery provides a nice texture contrast to mild cheeses.
- Radishes and Mild Cheese: The peppery flavour of radishes adds a kick to the mildness of cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.
Tips for Pairing Cheese with Vegetables
- Match Flavours: Create a harmony of flavours by pairing like flavours. For example, mild cheeses go well with mild-flavoured vegetables, while strong cheeses pair well with strongly-flavoured vegetables.
- Contrast Flavours: Opposites attract, so pair sharp cheeses with sweet vegetables or fruits.
- Texture Contrast: Combine creamy cheeses with crunchy vegetables, such as raw carrots or bell peppers, for a delightful textural contrast.
- Add Acidity: Include pickled vegetables like pickles, onions, or olives to cut through rich cheeses.
- Include Palate Cleansers: Fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumbers or celery can refresh the palate between different cheese tastings.
- Regional Pairing: Choose items that hail from the same region, as they often pair well together.
- Intensity Progression: Create an intensity journey, just like with wine or beer tasting. Start with mild cheeses and work your way to stronger, sharper flavours.
- Visual Appeal: Include a variety of colourful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to make your cheese and vegetable platter visually appealing.
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Pair cheese with crackers
When it comes to pairing cheese with crackers, there are endless possibilities. Here are some tips and suggestions to get you started:
Choosing the Right Crackers
Select crackers that will complement the cheese. Consider having at least two types of crackers: one that is plainer to go with stronger cheeses, and another that is more robust and flavorful to pair with milder cheeses. Crackers come in various shapes and flavors, so feel free to experiment. For instance, you can include breadsticks, crostini, or themed crackers like stars, trees, or hearts for a festive touch. Don't be afraid to offer gluten-free or low-carb options as well, such as rice crackers or homemade Parmesan crisps.
Classic Cheese and Cracker Combinations
Some classic combinations that are sure to impress include:
- Boar's Head Gouda with Everything Crackers: The buttery Gouda pairs beautifully with crackers made with caraway, poppy, and sesame seeds, garlic, and onion.
- Blue Cheese with Honey Made Graham Crackers: The rich and complex flavor of blue cheese, with its nuttiness and hint of caramel sweetness, is a perfect match for the equally indulgent dark chocolate-covered graham crackers.
- Boursin Garlic, Parsley, and Chive Cheese with Plain Crispy Crackers: Boursin's boldly flavored cheese shines when spread on plain crackers, adding a textural contrast.
- Pimento Cheese with Flat Rice Crackers: Pimento cheese has a strong flavor, so pairing it with bland rice crackers lets the cheese take center stage.
- Chevre Noir (Canadian goat milk cheddar) with White Cheddar Cheez-Its: The tanginess of goat's milk cheddars is accentuated by the familiar tang of Cheez-Its.
- Taleggio (a beginner-friendly stinky cheese) with Peanut Butter and Cheese Crackers: Peanut butter enhances the nuttiness of Taleggio, while the flaky cracker complements its supple texture.
- Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese with Rustic Bakery Blue Cheese Walnut Coins: The creamy and slightly piquant blue cheese is a delightful contrast to the rich shortbread-like crackers dotted with walnuts.
- Goat Cheese with Carr's Rosemary Crackers: The mild, smooth goat cheese is expertly balanced by the savory, well-seasoned rosemary crackers.
- Cabot Pepper Jack with Ritz Crackers: The smooth, spicy, and thinly sliced Pepper Jack cheese is a perfect match for the buttery Ritz crackers.
Getting Creative with Cheese and Crackers
Don't be afraid to get creative with your pairings. Consider adding more cheese to your crackers, like spreading a layer of creamy cheese over a semi-soft or firm cheese, or even going for a triple-decker cracker, cheese, and cheese stack. You can also experiment with different textures and flavors, such as pairing a salty cheese with a sweet cracker or a mild cheese with a robust cracker. Play with complementary flavors—match mild with mild and strong with strong. Use your sense of smell to guide you, pairing nutty cheeses with crackers that echo those notes or fruity cheeses with crackers that bring out their sweetness.
Remember, the ultimate goal of pairing cheese with crackers is to create a delightful tasting experience. So, feel free to experiment, trust your taste buds, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovering your favorite combinations!
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Pair cheese with cured meats
When pairing cheese with cured meats, it's important to consider the salt, protein, and fat content of both foods. Cured meats fall into two main categories: whole muscle, such as prosciutto, which tends to be dry-cured, salted, hung to dry, and sometimes smoked; and encased meats, like salami, which are usually fermented in a humid environment. Whole muscle meats are typically sweeter, nuttier, and more savoury, while encased meats have a distinct tang and intense notes of spices.
When pairing flavours, there are two main approaches: pairing like flavours or pairing opposites. For like flavours, similar flavours may cancel each other out, allowing other qualities to stand out. For example, the sweetness of whole muscle meats like prosciutto can be balanced by the sweetness of Parmigiano Reggiano, while the savoury notes of the meat complement the savoury, nutty flavours of the cheese.
On the other hand, opposites attract, and pairing contrasting flavours can create an interesting dynamic. For instance, the heat of a spicy chorizo can be cooled down when paired with La Serena, a sheep's milk cheese with tart, vegetal, and sour notes. Fresh ricotta or goat cheese also work well with spicy meats like chorizo.
When in doubt, consider the regional pairing principle: "what grows together, goes together". This can be applied not only to wine and food but also to meat and cheese. For example, Speck, a lightly smoked whole muscle meat from Italy's Alto Adige, pairs well with Piave, a cheese with pineapple and tropical fruit notes.
Finally, texture is important. A floppy or semi-soft cheese paired with thin slices of meat may lack the contrast needed for a successful pairing. Instead, opt for a cheese with a texture similar to Parmigiano Reggiano, which has a coarse and craggy texture, providing a nice contrast to the thin sheets of prosciutto.
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Pair cheese with nuts
Nuts are a great option to pair with cheese. The crunch of nuts is a tasty contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. The two have rich aromas, texture, and flavours but also have significant contrasting elements like creaminess versus crunch. When pairing nuts and cheese, you can either go for a contrast or complement.
For a quick and easy pairing, walnuts, almonds, and pecans typically go well with almost every type of cheese. Almonds, especially, pair well with harder, aged cheeses like cheddar. The robust flavour of cheddar enhances the natural nuttiness of almonds, creating a bold and satisfying combination. To add a kick, sprinkle almonds with smoked paprika. Walnuts have an earthy flavour and a drier texture when compared to other nuts, making them a great garnish for aged cheeses like cheddar. The flavour of walnuts also complements sheep's milk cheeses like Petite Basque and Pecorino Ginepro.
If you're looking for a contrasting crunch, almonds reign supreme. Their toasty and nutty character complements both milder and aged cheeses. This popular snack nut is perfect with any Swiss cheese, which is why they appear together in some cheese spreads. For a quick snack, try raw or roasted almonds with most cheeses or sprinkle slivered almonds on top of a soft cheese.
Pecans also have a natural sweetness and rich, buttery flavour that is the perfect foil for the saltiness of cheese. They complement the smooth and slightly sweet flavour of gouda cheese. The creamy texture of gouda, combined with the crunch of pecans, creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall experience. Blue cheese and walnut pairing go to another level when they're drizzled with honey.
Pistachios lend their lovely greenish-purple colour and delicious flavour to cheese plates. They are best paired with creamy, light-coloured cheeses. Serve pistachios with ricotta, fresh goat cheese, feta, and triple crème cheeses. Cashew nuts have an intense sharp taste that matches blue cheese's salty, savoury flavour. The buttery and creamy mouthfeel of cashews and their mild sweetness also contrast the tense texture of bold-flavoured blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Some healthy foods to pair with cheese include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meats. When pairing cheese with fruit, it is best to avoid citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons as they tend to overpower the cheese. Instead, opt for berries, apples, and pears. Vegetables such as crunchy, mild sweet peppers and tomatoes can also be paired with cheese. Nuts such as pistachios, pecans, almonds, and cashews can be added to a cheese selection to create a gorgeous and mouthwatering spread. Meats such as cured meats or charcuterie can also be paired with cheese for a protein-filled combo.
When choosing a food to pair with cheese, consider the flavor intensity of the cheese and try to match it with a similar flavor intensity in the food. For example, mild cheeses go well with mild foods, while strong cheeses pair well with stronger-flavored foods. You can also contrast flavors by pairing opposites, such as salty and sweet, or sour and savory. Another tip is to choose foods that are from the same region as the cheese, as these pairings often work well together.
Some healthy drinks that can be paired with cheese include wine, beer, and spirits. When pairing cheese with wine, consider the intensity of the flavors. For example, a light and refreshing beer would pair well with a fresh, light-tasting cheese, while a deep, dark porter would be better suited to a more intense cheese.
