Bushra Griffith
Nuts are a popular addition to a cheese board, providing a tasty contrast to the creaminess of the cheese with their crunch. Nuts can be served next to a cheese plate or sprinkled around a platter of cheese. There are many types of nuts that can be paired with cheese, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews. For example, almonds pair well with aged cheddar, while walnuts complement aged cheeses like cheddar and sheep's milk cheeses. Spicy, herbal, and sweetened nuts can also add flavor and texture to a cheese board. In addition to nuts, other common cheese board accompaniments include dried fruit, spreads, crackers, chocolate, and fresh fruit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Nuts | Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Cashews |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Parmesan, Manchego, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Sheep's Milk Cheese, Soft Cheese |
| Flavors | Sweetened, Spicy, Herbal, Salty, Tangy, Earthy |
| Texture | Crunchy, Creamy |
| Other Accompaniments | Fruits (apple, quince, apricot, prunes, dates), Honey, Chocolate, Crackers, Jam |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Spicy, herbal, and sweetened nuts for mild cheeses
Spicy, herbal, and sweetened nuts are a great addition to a cheese board with mild cheeses, as they add flavour, crunch, and texture. If your cheese board already has a lot of different flavours and textures, you may want to be more selective with your choice of nuts. For example, you could include candied nuts or brittle on a dessert cheese board, or make them to order, such as homemade lavender-spiced almonds.
Chai-spiced pecans are a delicious option, sweetened with brown sugar and seasoned with traditional chai spices. Alternatively, you could try slow cooker maple-glazed nuts, coated in maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices, which pair well with mild cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese. Toasting pine nuts is another easy way to bring more flavour to your cheese board.
For something more savoury, rosemary-roasted mixed nuts are coated in a maple syrup glaze, seasoned with warming spices and fresh rosemary, then roasted in the oven. Or, for a unique choice, try Moroccan-inspired spiced nuts, which are sweet, salty, and spicy, and pair well with a light white wine.
Cheese Platter Portion Planning: How Many to Serve?
You may want to see also
Walnuts with aged cheeses
Walnuts are a versatile nut that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. They can be coated and baked with sweet or savoury spices for added flavour. For example, California Walnuts can be made into a dairy-free "cheese" that has a salty, tangy cheese flavour. This walnut "cheese" can be served with raw vegetables and crackers and is a great addition to any cheese board.
Walnuts also pair well with aged cheeses. Aged cheeses tend to have a more intense flavour and a harder texture than younger cheeses, and the walnuts will add a crunchy contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. When serving, you can place the nuts next to the cheese on a plate or sprinkle them around a platter.
Some specific examples of aged cheeses that go well with walnuts include Ardsallagh Hard Goat's Cheese, Cahill's Irish Porter Cheddar, and Vintage White Cheddar. These cheeses are all produced in Ireland and offer a unique flavour profile that will complement the walnuts.
Additionally, walnut-crusted onion rings can be a delicious and elegant addition to a cheese board. The ground walnuts in the batter add a rich, crunchy flavour to every bite, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
The Perfect Pairing: Port Wine and Cheese
You may want to see also
Pistachios with light-coloured cheeses
Pistachios are a great addition to any cheese board, providing texture, flavour, and nutritional benefits. Their distinctive taste and crunch can complement a variety of cheeses, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. When it comes to light-coloured cheeses, there are several options that can create a harmonious flavour profile.
Goat's milk cheeses are known for their pristine white colour, and their mild flavour can be a perfect match for the distinctive taste of pistachios. Goat's milk does not contain the same levels of beta-carotene as cow's milk, resulting in a snow-white hue. While goat's milk cheeses can vary in flavour depending on the diet of the goats, they generally offer a subtle and delicate taste that can complement the nuttiness of pistachios without overwhelming the palate.
Sheep's milk cheeses also tend to be white in colour, as they do not deposit the same amount of beta-carotene as cow's milk. While they may have a slightly creamier hue, they still fall into the category of light-coloured cheeses. Similar to goat's milk cheeses, sheep's milk varieties can offer a range of flavours, from mild to more robust, providing options for different taste preferences when paired with pistachios.
For those who prefer cow's milk cheeses, there are still options for light-coloured varieties. Cheeses made from the milk of grass-fed cows tend to have higher levels of beta-carotene, resulting in a brighter yellow hue. However, some cow's milk cheeses, especially those made without annatto, can have a pale yellow or cream colour. These lighter shades of cow's milk cheese can provide a visually appealing contrast to the vibrant green pistachios, while their flavours can be enhanced by the nutty taste of the pistachios.
When creating a cheese board with pistachios and light-coloured cheeses, consider adding some fresh fruits, such as pears, figs, or dates, to provide a burst of colour and sweetness. A variety of honeys or jams can also be offered, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and adding a touch of sophistication to your spread. Don't forget the crackers, bread, and wines, which will further elevate the tasting experience and bring all the flavours together in harmony.
The Perfect Pairings for Manchego Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Almonds with hard cheeses
Almonds are a versatile nut that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. When considering what type of cheese to serve with almonds, one option is to create a basic almond cheese. This can be made with blanched almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. The almonds are soaked and then blended with the other ingredients to form a creamy cheese that can be spread on crackers or toast. This cheese can also be baked to create a thicker, slightly crumbly texture.
Another option is to pair almonds with hard cheeses such as aged Manchego. The texture and flavour of Manchego complement the crunch and sweetness of almonds. To enhance the flavour profile even further, consider adding dried fruits such as dates or prunes, which provide a contrast in taste and mouthfeel.
When creating a cheese board, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. If your board already has a lot of different flavours and textures, you may opt for plain almonds. However, if your board is more simple, spiced, herbal, or sweetened almonds can add a unique twist and provide a contrast to the hard cheese.
Additionally, consider the season and what fresh fruits or preserves are available to accompany the almonds and cheese. For example, a fig and olive crisp might be the perfect base for your aged Manchego and almonds, providing a sweet and savoury combination.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and create your own perfect pairing. You can play around with different seasonings, such as fresh garlic, herbs, or spices, to create a unique flavour profile that complements your almonds and hard cheese selection.
Ways to Serve Feta: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Cashews with blue cheese
Nuts and cheese are a classic combination, offering both contrast and complement. The smooth creaminess of cheese goes well with the crunchy goodness of nuts. Cashews, in particular, pair well with blue cheese. The buttery and creamy mouthfeel of cashews and their mild sweetness contrast the tense texture of the bold-flavoured blue cheese. The intense sharp taste of cashews also matches the salty, savoury flavour of blue cheese.
When preparing a cheese board, it is important to understand and appreciate the isolated qualities of different nuts and cheeses, and how they combine. If your cheese board features mild cheeses and not many other accompaniments, then spicy, herbal, and sweetened nuts can add flavour and texture. Nuts like walnuts, for example, can be paired with eccentric cheeses like goat cheese. Dried fruit, such as dates, and fresh fruit, like grapes, are also popular additions to cheese boards.
For a vegan option, you can make a cashew blue cheese by blending soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, and various seasonings. This creates a soft, spreadable, and tangy cheese that can be served on crackers with grapes. To achieve the "moldy cheese" look, mix some of the cashew blue cheese with dry herbs and spirulina.
If you are looking for a blue cheese dressing, you can combine soaked cashews, tofu, and tahini in a blender. The cashews bring creaminess, while the tofu provides protein, and the tahini adds a sharp, bitter flavour that mimics traditional blue cheese. This dressing can be drizzled over a Vegan Tempeh Blue Cheese Buffalo Bowl or used as a dip.
White Cheese Dip: A Mexican Restaurant Favorite
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several nuts that go well with cheese, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts.
Almonds pair well with harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, and Spanish cheeses.
Cashews go well with blue cheese.
Pistachios pair well with light-coloured, creamy cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, feta, and triple crème cheeses.
Walnuts have an earthy flavour and dry texture, making them a good garnish for aged cheeses like cheddar, and sheep's milk cheeses like Pecorino Ginepro and Petite Basque.
