How to Pair Cheese & Fruit

How to Pair Cheese and Fruit

Cheese and fruit are a classic combination for a reason. The interplay of sharp, salty cheese with sweet fruit, or tart fruit with creamy cheese, creates some of the most delightful and complementary flavors imaginable. Knowing how to pair cheese and fruit effectively can elevate your meals, snacks, and entertaining to the next level.

The Basics

In the culinary world, pairing fruit and cheese is not just fashionable but also a sophisticated practice in the U.S. This quick guide will help you create show-stopping combos. We’ll move beyond the typical grapes and cheese pairing, exploring more harmonious combinations that culinary experts swear by.

The Philosophy Behind Pairing Fruit and Cheese

When pairing fruit and cheese, the goal is to balance various complementary tastes and textures. For instance, sweet, succulent fruit pairs beautifully with a rich, savory cheese, enhancing the flavors of both. However, with so many possible combinations, figuring out the best pairings can be daunting. Here are some guidelines to help you master this culinary art:

• Fresh fruit matches fresh cheese (e.g., Ricotta or Chèvre)

• Sugar loves mold (e.g., bloomy rind, washed rind, wrinkly rind, blue cheese)

• Balance intensities & seek out complementary flavors (especially for semi-hard cheese)

• Use fatty flavors to soften dry textures (as with hard cheese)

What to Avoid

To ensure your cheese and fruit pairings are a hit, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Combining bitter & fresh flavors (for bloomy rind, washed rind, and wrinkly rind cheeses)

• Mixing high acidity with bitter flavors (for soft, fresh cheeses)

• Matching identical tastes & textures (especially for semi-hard cheeses)

• Pairing acidic wines and fruits with blue cheese (they make it taste soapy)

• Combining dry cheese with fresh produce
  

Peaches and Brie on Sourdough

Perfect Pairings for Your Cheese and Fruit Platter

There are countless cheese and fruit combinations to explore, but here are some tried-and-true pairings to get you started. Using seasonal, locally-sourced fruits will ensure the freshest and most flavorful results.

• Apple — Cheddar, Manchego, Brie, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala

• Blackberries— Cotija or Aged Cheddar

• Blueberries — Feta (think blueberry and feta muffins)

• Cranberries — Mozzarella or Manchego

• Cherries — Goat Cheese (great on toast, bagels, or salads)

• Raspberry — Cream Cheese, or grilled Muenster/Baby Swiss Cheese

• Fig — Blue Cheese or Smoked Gouda

• Grapes — Red Wax Gouda, Cheddar, or Gorgonzola

• Oranges — Brie (especially with blood oranges)

• Pear — Brie, Blue Cheese, Manchego, Pecorino Romano, or Camembert

• Peach — Burrata or Mozzarella

• Grilled Peaches and Blue Cheese — A beautiful balance of sweetness and pungency

• Strawberry — Fontina or Ricotta (perfect for brunch with ricotta on toast topped with macerated strawberries and a pinch of sea salt)

• Watermelon — Feta
  

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Balsamic

Experiment and Enjoy

Pairing cheese with fruit is an experiment in flavors and textures. Some combinations you’ll like, some you won’t, and some you’ll absolutely love. Use these guidelines and suggestions as a starting point to create delicious and memorable pairings.

With these tips, you’ll be able to confidently pair cheese and fruit to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!