Cheese's Perfect Partners: Exploring Topping Combinations

Whether you're making a cheesecake, a pizza, or any other cheesy dish, choosing the right toppings can be tricky. Too many toppings and your cheese might slide off. Too few, and your dish might be lacking in flavour. So, what are the best toppings to go with cheese?

Pizza toppings

When making a pizza, the order in which you assemble the ingredients is important. The general rule is that cheese goes below the toppings. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you build the perfect pizza:

• Dough: Start with your dough as the foundation of the pizza. Stretch and shape it to form the base.
• Sauce: Spread your chosen sauce over the dough. This could be a traditional tomato sauce or something more creative.
• Cheese: Add a layer of cheese over the sauce. This layer will melt and get slightly crispy, creating that delicious, stringy texture.
• Toppings: Now it's time for the toppings! This is where you can get creative and choose your favourite ingredients. Meats, vegetables, herbs, and spices all fall into this category. Remember that traditional toppings like pepperoni, ham, prawns, and onions taste great when they're slightly crisp.
• Extra cheese: If you're adding extra cheese, this is the time to sprinkle it on top of the other toppings. This extra layer of cheese will get nice and crispy.
• Garnishes: After the pizza is baked, add some final touches like fresh basil, pepper, or fresh mozzarella.

It's important to note that there are exceptions to the rule. Some ingredients, such as dried oregano, should go under the cheese to prevent them from burning. Additionally, certain meats like pepperoni and prosciutto might go under the cheese to ensure they stay in place and don't dry out.

When it comes to pizza, feel free to experiment and get creative. You can try different combinations of toppings and cheeses to find your perfect match. Enjoy the process and savour the delicious results!

Cheesecake toppings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to cheesecake toppings. The most popular choice is a strawberry topping, closely followed by blueberry. But why not get creative and experiment with other fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries, or even tropical mango?

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could try a chocolate-based topping. Chocolate whipped cream, chocolate fudge frosting, or a simple chocolate ganache made with dark chocolate and heavy cream are all delicious options. For a nutty twist, you could opt for a pistachio topping, or go for the classic combination of caramel and pecan.

For those who prefer their desserts a little more savoury, a tangy lemon curd or passion fruit coulis could be the perfect pairing. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try a blackberry rum sauce or a peanut butter cup topping?

Of course, you could always stick to the classic route and top your cheesecake with a simple sour cream topping or some fresh whipped cream. Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match to find your perfect combination!

Savoury cheese pairings

When it comes to savoury cheese pairings, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs like basil and spices like pepper can add a burst of flavour to your cheese. These ingredients also provide a beautiful aesthetic contrast to the cheese, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

Meats

Meats such as pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, and chicken are classic pairings with cheese. For a crispy texture, place the meat on top of the cheese. Alternatively, if you're using a meat that dries out easily, such as prosciutto, place it under the cheese to prevent it from burning.

Vegetables

Vegetables are another great option to pair with cheese. Vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes complement the cheese perfectly. To avoid shrivelling, place the vegetables under the cheese. However, if you prefer your veggies with a bit of crisp, feel free to place them on top.

Extra Cheese

For the ultimate cheese lover's experience, don't hold back on the cheese itself! You can add an extra layer of cheese on top of your other toppings to create a crispy, stringy texture that will satisfy any cheese craving.

Sauces

Sauces such as tomato sauce provide a delicious base for your cheese and other toppings. The sauce adds moisture and flavour to the dish, ensuring that every bite is mouthwatering.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and cheeses to find your perfect match!

Sweet cheese pairings

Sweet cheeses are a delightful category of cheeses known for their mild, creamy flavours and slight touch of sweetness. They often have a smooth, soft texture that makes them easy to spread or enjoy on their own. Sweet cheeses can be paired with fruits, honey, and other sweet ingredients to create unforgettable eating experiences. Here are some ideas for sweet cheese pairings:

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a creamy and rich Italian cheese with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It is often used in desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecakes. You can also use mascarpone as a base for dessert pizzas, spreading it on the crust and adding fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries, and drizzling with chocolate or honey.

French Brie

French Brie has a soft, buttery texture. When paired with fig jam, it becomes a delightful sweet treat. The creamy Brie balances the sweetness of the jam perfectly.

Italian Ricotta

Italian Ricotta is light and fluffy. Combining it with honey enhances its mild sweetness. You can use this mix for sweet spreads on toast or in pastries. Ricotta is also commonly used in Italian pies during Easter celebrations and in the famous Italian Ricotta Pie.

Spanish Manchego

Manchego is a unique Spanish cheese. Pairing it with quince paste, called membrillo, adds a sweet and tangy taste. This combination is popular in Spain.

Danish Havarti

Danish Havarti is creamy and smooth. Pair it with fresh or dried fruits like apricots, peaches, and berries for a sweet touch.

Chèvre (French Goat Cheese)

Chèvre, a French goat cheese, has a tangy flavour. Drizzling it with honey creates a sweet and savoury combination. This pairing is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.

Paneer with Fruit Compote

Paneer is a versatile Indian cheese. Pairing it with a fruit compote brings out a sweet, creamy delight and is often used in Indian desserts.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be easily sweetened by mixing it with powdered sugar and vanilla to create a dessert spread. It is commonly used in frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Cream cheese is also a popular choice for dessert pizzas and stuffed French toast.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with both sweet and savoury flavours. For a sweet touch, pair it with fruits like pineapple, peaches, apples, or berries. You can also add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or jam. Cottage cheese can be used in breakfast bowls, smoothies, pancakes, and even ice cream.

Cheese platter aesthetics

When crafting a cheese platter, it's important to consider both taste and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your cheese platter aesthetics:

Choose a Variety of Cheeses

Select an assortment of cheeses with different textures, flavours, and colours. Aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, such as a sharp cheddar, a creamy brie, and a pungent blue cheese. Varying the colours will also make your platter visually appealing.

Add Complementary Toppings

Pair your cheeses with toppings that will enhance their flavours. Here are some ideas:

• Fruits: Try grapes, berries, sliced apples or pears, dried apricots, or fig jam.
• Nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts add crunch and flavour.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over a strong cheese like blue cheese for a delightful sweet and savoury combination.
• Charcuterie: Cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or sopressata can add a savoury contrast to the cheeses.
• Condiments: Include mustards, chutneys, or relishes to provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheeses.

Arrange the Platter Artfully

When assembling the platter, aim for a balanced and harmonious look. Here are some suggestions:

• Use a Variety of Platter Sizes: Varying platter sizes and shapes can add interest and allow for better arrangement of the cheeses and toppings.
• Create Height: Use small bowls or ramekins for dips and stack crackers or breadsticks in small bundles to create visual interest and height on the platter.
• Add Greenery: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a pop of colour and a refreshing aroma.
• Separate Strong Flavours: If including pungent cheeses or toppings, place them in separate areas of the platter to prevent their flavours from overpowering the milder items.
• Provide Labels: Add small labels or signs to indicate the type of cheese or topping, especially if you're serving something unusual or exotic.

Remember, the key to a beautiful cheese platter is variety and balance. Play around with different combinations of cheeses and toppings, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions