Randy Chandler
Nuts and cheese are a classic combination, with the crunchy texture of nuts providing a contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. There are several types of nuts that pair well with cheese, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and more. For instance, almonds are a great pairing with harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, while cashews go well with blue cheese. Pistachios, on the other hand, are perfect with light, creamy cheeses like chèvre, feta, or goat cheese. Walnuts are a good match for sheep's milk cheeses, and if served with honey, they complement blue cheese as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nuts with blue cheese | Walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, candied nuts, chocolate-coated nuts |
| Nuts with goat cheese | Walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts |
| Nuts with Swiss cheese | Almonds |
| Nuts with cheddar | Almonds, pecans |
| Nuts with Parmesan | Pistachios |
| Nuts with Brie | Almonds, pistachios, chocolate-coated nuts |
| Nuts with Camembert | Cashews, pistachios, chocolate-coated nuts |
| Nuts with Feta | Pistachios |
| Nuts with Gruyere | Chocolate-coated nuts |
| Nuts with soft cheese | Walnuts with honey, almonds |
| Nuts with hard cheese | Almonds, Marcona almonds, pecans |
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What You'll Learn
Walnuts and honey with goat cheese
Walnuts and honey are a perfect match for goat cheese. The crunch of the nuts and the creaminess of the cheese create a tasty contrast. Walnuts also complement sheep's milk cheeses like Pecorino Ginepro and Petite Basque.
For a simple appetizer, try drizzling honey over a log of goat cheese rolled in toasted, chopped walnuts. You can cook the honey with thyme and allow it to cool before coating the cheese. This pairs well with crackers and grapes or another fruit of your choice.
For a more elaborate option, try making honey goat cheese crostini. Slice a baguette into 1/4 to 1/2 inch-thick pieces and lightly coat both sides with olive oil. Toast the slices and the walnuts in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese onto each slice, then top with the toasted walnuts, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of honey. This appetizer can be served warm or cold and can be made ahead of time.
If you're looking for a more creative option, try making goat cheese toasts with walnuts, honey, and thyme. This recipe also includes peach, plum, and apricot galette made with phyllo pastry.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, cheeses, and toppings. There is no wrong way to pair these two delicious foods.
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Brazil nuts with blue cheese
Brazil nuts and blue cheese are a perfect match. The creamy, almost buttery flavour of Brazil nuts complements the sharpness of blue cheese. This combination of creamy and crunchy textures is a delight for the palate.
Brazil nuts are a unique nut with a rich, buttery flavour and a creamy texture. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to any cheese plate. Blue cheese, with its strong, sharp flavour and creamy texture, is a classic cheese variety that pairs well with the sweetness of the nuts.
When creating a cheese plate, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours that will complement each other. The crunch of nuts provides a tasty contrast to the creaminess of cheese. Brazil nuts, with their distinct flavour and texture, can be served raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, to suit your preference.
To enhance the flavour experience further, consider adding some honey. Drizzling honey over Brazil nuts and blue cheese creates a delightful combination of sweet and savoury. The sticky honey will also add a fun, casual element to the cheese plate, providing a messy yet enjoyable experience for your guests.
Finally, remember that there is no right or wrong way to pair cheese and nuts. Feel free to experiment with different varieties and flavours to discover your favourite combinations. Brazil nuts and blue cheese is a pairing that has gained popularity in recent years, so why not give it a try and explore the wonderful world of cheese and nuts!
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Macadamia nuts with goat cheese
Macadamia nuts and goat cheese are a perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. The creamy texture of macadamia nuts complements the smooth, creamy texture of goat cheese. The crunch of the nuts provides a tasty contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.
Macadamia nuts can be served raw or roasted, salted or unsalted, alongside goat cheese. For a more elaborate dish, you can make macadamia nut-crusted goat cheese. To make this, you will need to melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add macadamia nuts, panko, white pepper, and a pinch of salt to the skillet and cook until the nuts are lightly toasted. Roll goat cheese logs in the mixture, making sure they are completely coated. You can serve this with Melba toasts drizzled in garlic-pepper oil.
If you are vegan, you can make a Macadamia 'Goat' Cheese by blending macadamia nuts with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, sea salt, and water. This can be served with a toasted baguette, sliced celery, carrot, cucumber, or crackers.
You can also experiment with different flavours of macadamia nuts. For example, macadamia nuts coated in sweet or savoury spices can be paired with goat cheese.
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Cashews with blue cheese and sparkling wine
Cashews are a great nut to pair with any cheese and wine. The rich creaminess of cashews, whether flavored or unflavored, complements blue cheese well. The creamy tanginess of the blue cheese and the fatty crunch of the cashew create an excellent experience. Cashews can also be paired with a Gorgonzola. If you prefer a less salty cheese, make sure you roast and chop your cashews to go on top of a creamy brie-style cheese.
When it comes to wine, the richness and creaminess of both the flavored cashews and the creamy, potentially salty cheeses mean you'll want something crisp to cut through the decadence. A sparkling wine is a great choice to pair with blue cheese, as the cheese softens the wine, making it less dry, and the wine makes the cheese creamier. A sparkling shiraz and blue cheese is a well-received pairing, with the wine's deep and heavy sparkling red notes balancing the full-bodied dark stone fruit flavors of the shiraz.
There are many types of cashew cheese that pair well with wine. Cashew cheese is dairy-free, containing zero cholesterol and high levels of copper, minerals, fiber, and protein. It is also simple to make, blending raw soaked cashews with seasonings, lemon, and vinegar to create a creamy cheese spread. The nutritional yeast added to the mix gives it a strong flavor, similar to a rich sharp cheese. Some flavor variations include basil and garlic, sweet and salty olive, savory porcini mushroom, and bold horseradish and dill, all of which pair nicely with wine.
When serving cheese, it is important to remember that there is no specific right or wrong way to do it, and it often comes down to personal preference. You can also serve fresh or dried fruits alongside a cheese plate, and crackers are usually included with a cheese platter.
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Almonds with Swiss or Cheddar cheese and fruit
Almonds are a popular snack nut that pairs well with Swiss cheese and harder aged cheeses, especially Cheddar. The sharp flavour and crumbly texture of aged cheddars are a perfect match for the toasted almonds. The robust flavour of cheddar enhances the natural nuttiness of almonds, creating a bold and satisfying combination. To add some extra colour and spice, sprinkle the almonds with smoked paprika or chilli powder.
When serving almonds with Swiss or Cheddar cheese, it is recommended to include some dried fruits like raisins or apricots to cut through the strong flavours of the cheese and provide some moisture. Fresh or dried fruits are often included in cheese and nut platters for this reason. However, it is advised to avoid apples, pears, and grapes, as these do not pair well with cheese.
For a more indulgent pairing, almonds can be roasted with spices such as rosemary or curry powder, or coated in honey. Honey is a popular addition to cheese platters, providing a sweet contrast to the savoury cheeses. However, it is important to have napkins on hand for sticky fingers!
Finally, to make the pairing even more enjoyable, consider serving a glass of wine on the side. Almonds and Swiss cheese pair well with a Gewürztraminer or Riesling, while almonds and Cheddar are best accompanied by a big dry red, mineral Sauvignon Blanc, or fortified Sherry or Port.
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Frequently asked questions
Brazil nuts and cashews go well with blue cheese. Honey-covered walnuts are also a good option for those feeling adventurous.
Goat cheese is a unique-tasting cheese, so walnuts are often used to mask the cheese's earthy taste. Pistachios are another nut option that pairs well with goat cheese.
Almonds are a great option to serve with harder aged cheeses, especially Cheddar. The robust flavor of Cheddar enhances the natural nuttiness of almonds.
