Bushra Griffith
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can serve with cooked cheese, and it largely depends on the type of cheese you're using. For instance, blue cheese pairs well with dates and fresh figs, whereas semi-hard cheeses go well with sliceable pastes like quince, guava, or fig paste. Harder and saltier cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano go well with acidic accompaniments like granny smith apples, tomatoes, and melon. If you're making a Greek-themed dish, feta pairs well with kalamata olives, and if you're serving a crowd, a cheese board with a variety of accompaniments like crackers, bread, nuts, honeycomb, preserves, pickles, and dried fruits is always a good option. For a more indulgent option, you can try a classic dish of layered potatoes and double cream with smoked bacon and melted cheese, or a creamy cheese and potato pie with a cheesy fondue center.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Baguette, sourdough, raisin |
| Crackers | Assorted, bagel chips, artisan |
| Fruits | Apples, apricots, dates, figs, grapes, melon, tomatoes |
| Vegetables | Cornichons, edamame, grilled vegetables |
| Nuts | Hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts |
| Olives | Kalamata, Spanish |
| Condiments | Honey, mustard, olive oil, olive tapenade, jam |
| Drinks | Red wine, white wine, port wine, cider, grape juice, sparkling water, herbal tea |
| Meat | Prosciutto, bacon |
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What You'll Learn
Bread, crackers, and bagels
To enhance the flavour of the cheese, toppings such as olive tapenade, sun-dried tomato paste, or a drizzle of light olive oil (especially with goat cheese) can be spread onto the bread. Alternatively, for a sweeter option, raisin bread can be offered alongside the cheese.
When serving crackers, a variety of textures and flavours can be chosen to accompany the cheese. Artisan crackers, assorted crackers, and bagel chips are all options to consider.
In addition to bread and crackers, dried fruits such as apricots, dates, and raisins can complement the cheese, with their sweetness contrasting nicely with the savoury notes of the cheese.
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Dried fruit, nuts, and honeycomb
When creating a cheese board or platter, it is essential to consider the different textures and flavours that will complement the cheese. Dried fruit, nuts, and honeycomb can be artfully arranged to create a visually appealing display, adding to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience. This can be especially important when entertaining guests, as a well-presented cheese board can be a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.
To further enhance the flavours and textures of the cheese, dried fruit, nuts, and honeycomb can be combined in creative ways. For example, stuffing dates or figs with a creamy blue cheese and walnuts creates a delicious bite-sized treat. The sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts complement the rich, creamy cheese. Similarly, pairing sliced apples or pears with a sharp cheddar and a drizzle of honey can create a delightful contrast of sweet and salty flavours.
In addition to the flavours and textures, the presentation and serving methods can also enhance the enjoyment of the cheese. Providing a variety of crackers or bread, such as sourdough or baguette, allows guests to create their own bite-sized combinations. Adding a small dish of honey or a jar of honeycomb to the cheese board invites guests to experiment with different flavour profiles and creates a delightful sensory experience.
When serving cooked cheese, it is important to consider the type of cheese and its unique characteristics. Harder and saltier cheeses, such as aged Italian cheeses, may benefit from acidic accompaniments like tomatoes or apples. Softer cheeses, on the other hand, might pair well with sweeter accompaniments like honey or dried fruit. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to delightful flavour discoveries and enhance the overall enjoyment of the cheese.
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Salads and grilled vegetables
Salads
A zesty tomato salad is a refreshing option, especially during the summer. Simply chop some ripe tomatoes, drizzle them with good-quality olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves can also be added for an extra burst of flavour. Serve this salad with a crusty bread, such as a baguette, to spoon the tomatoes onto. A soft-rind cheese, like Brie or Brillat Savarin, pairs wonderfully with this dish. Enjoy it with a cold drink on a warm day.
For those who enjoy a sharper, saltier cheese, a salad with granny smith apples and tomatoes is a perfect combination. The acidity of these ingredients helps balance the saltiness of the cheese. You can also add some melon to the mix for a juicy, thirst-quenching element.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and versatile option to serve with cooked cheese. One idea is to stuff dates or fresh figs with blue cheese and add walnuts. The sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the walnuts create a delightful contrast in textures and flavours. Serve this with a glass of red wine for a luxurious dining experience.
If you're looking for a more savoury option, grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers can be paired with semi-hard cheeses. Sliceable pastes like quince paste, guava paste, or fig paste are also a wonderful addition, providing a unique texture and flavour profile.
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Meat, such as prosciutto or bacon
Prosciutto, in particular, is a good pairing with harder, saltier cheeses as its fattiness helps to balance the saltiness of the cheese. It is also a traditional accompaniment to Italian cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. The saltiness of prosciutto can also be balanced with something juicy and thirst-quenching, like melon or tomato.
Bacon, on the other hand, is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes featuring cooked cheese. For example, a classic dish of layered potatoes and double cream can be taken to the next level of indulgence with the addition of smoked bacon and melted cheese. Bacon can also be used in a cheese toastie or grilled cheese sandwich, or as a topping for a cheese-based pizza or flatbread.
When pairing meat with cheese, it's important to consider the flavour and texture profiles of both elements to ensure they complement each other. For example, you might pair a salty, cured meat with a creamy, mild cheese, or a sweeter meat like honey-glazed ham with a sharper, more pungent cheese.
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Pickles, olives, and tapenade
Pickles are a great pairing with cheese, especially with a Gouda. Mustard can also be a good accompaniment to this cheese, but perhaps not with a Parmesan.
Olives, such as Kalamata, add a salty, savoury element to a cheese board. They work particularly well with feta cheese for a Greek-themed board. Spanish olives add a pop of colour, but remember to pit them or warn your guests!
Tapenade, a paste made from olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, is another salty addition to a cheese board. It can be spread on crackers or bread and works well with goat's cheese, especially when paired with a very light olive oil.
For a cheese tasting, it is important to have palate-cleansing foods to balance the strong flavours of the cheese. Something acidic like tomatoes or apples will help to refresh the palate between tastings.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic cheese board pairings include crackers, bread, dried fruit, prosciutto, and nuts.
Granny Smith apples, tomatoes, and melon are good options for acidic accompaniments to cheese, especially harder and saltier cheeses.
Some unique pairings for a cheese board include popcorn, edamame, olive tapenade, and honeycomb.
Red wine, white wine, port wine, and sweet cider are all drinks that pair well with cheese. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water or herbal tea are good choices.
