If you like cheese and fruits, why not combine them for the ultimate taste sensation? The balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and creamy can make an innovative culinary treat that's great for entertaining or snacking. With the many types of cheeses and fruits available, the right combination can make any meal or snack great. From the bold flavours of aged Gouda with pineapple to the creamy indulgence of ricotta with mango, there's something for every taste bud. Let's now look at some of the best cheese and fruit pairings you really need to try.
Aged Gouda with Pineapple
Aged Gouda has an incredibly rich, nutty flavour-slightly caramel-like-which stands out against the bright sweetness of the pineapple. It is that acidity within the fruit that cuts through richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite. The textures of firm and crumbly against the juicy freshness add another level of delight to this combination. Serve this pairing on a cheese board or as a refreshing appetizer for a truly unique experience.
Fresh Mozzarella with Peaches
Fresh mozzarella has such a delicate, milky flavour and goes so well with sweet, succulent the creaminess will play out nicely against the juiciness and the aromas of the peaches for a light, refreshing pairing. Drizzle it with a little honey or balsamic glaze and the flavours get even better-this combination works great in a salad as a light summer snack, or even on top of crostini for a sure-to-wow appetizer.
Halloumi with Watermelon
The salty, squeaky texture of halloumi goes amazingly well with the refreshing, hydrating crunch of watermelon. Halloumi is golden and crispy on the outside when it's grilled, chewy inside, and should give a wonderful textural contrast to watermelon's sweet, juicy nature. This would be an excellent Mediterranean-inspired combination served for either a summer barbecue or even a light lunch. Sprinkle some fresh mint over and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Cheddar with Apple
This is a classic that never fails. The cheddar cuts through the sweetness in a crisp apple, creating a delightful harmony of flavours. Whether you have mild or sharp cheddar, the tartness and crunch of the apple cut through nicely against the richness of the cheese. This will make for an easy and satisfying snack or a tasty addition to a cheese platter. For a little oomph, try caramelized apple slices for an added indulgent layer.
Sheep Cheese with Cherries
The flavour profile of sheep cheese- tangy, slightly gamey-gains a perfect balance with cherries, which have just the right sweet-tart profile. Sheep cheese creaminess lays up very nicely against the juicy but firm texture of cherries, making this an unexpected but divine combination. Think Manchego, one of the popular sheep cheeses, paired with fresh cherries or even a cherry compote for that refined, flavorful bite that works perfectly on a cheese board or as a pre-dinner snack.
Gruyere with Blueberries
Gruyere is a creamy cheese with a lightly nutty taste that surprisingly pairs nicely with the bold sweetness of blueberries. The juiciness added by the blueberries balances out complex, savory flavours with earthy and fruity tones. In fact, you can enjoy this combination as part of a cheese board or integrate them into a salad with toasted nuts to achieve an impressive, urbane result.
Ricotta with Mango
Those who like something light and creamy may enjoy ricotta and mango as a fine combination. The mild and slightly sweet flavour of ricotta amplifies the tropical sweetness of ripe mango. This can be perfect for breakfast, a light dessert, or a snack. Drizzle some honey and add a few mint leaves to give this combination the works or use it to top toast or pancakes for a luxurious treat.
Parmigiano with Strawberries
Salty, and full of umami, Parmigiano-Reggiano will contrast with the sweetness and juiciness of strawberries in one perfect, sweet burst. Firm and crumbly, Parmigiano meets the soft luscious strawberries and presents a great texture bite after every delicious bite. Goes well with a dessert cheese board or as an extremely unexpected twist in a summer salad. A drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar might bring it all together, making it great as an appetizer or a light course.
Triple Cream with Grapes
Triple creme cheese is ultra-creamy and buttery, while grapes have a sweet, crisp juiciness. This makes it an absolutely luxurious flavour combination. The cheesiness of it coats the palate, while the grapes cool off and clean it every time. The mixture pairs just right for those who enjoy indulging yet love that light and refreshing touch. Enjoy it with crackers for an appetizer, or just by itself, simple and classy, as a snack.