Cheese, that glorious dairy product, has captivated palates for millennia. From the tangy sharpness of aged cheddar to the creamy decadence of brie, its versatility knows no bounds. But beyond simply enjoying a slice on its own, the question remains: What do you put cheese on? The answer, deliciously, is almost anything. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to explore the countless pairings that elevate cheese from a simple food to a star ingredient.
The Foundation: Breads, Crackers, and Beyond
The most classic answer to “what do you put cheese on?” undoubtedly lies with bread and crackers. These provide a neutral canvas for the cheese to shine, offering textural contrast and complementary flavors.
Bread: A World of Possibilities
From crusty baguettes to soft, pillowy brioche, the type of bread you choose profoundly impacts the overall experience. A sturdy sourdough, for example, stands up beautifully to strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged gouda. Its tangy flavor profile complements the cheese’s intensity, creating a balanced bite.
Conversely, a delicate baguette, with its crisp crust and airy interior, is ideal for softer cheeses like brie or camembert. The lightness of the bread allows the cheese’s creamy texture and subtle flavors to take center stage.
Beyond the standard loaves, consider exploring artisan breads infused with herbs, spices, or even fruits. A fig and walnut bread, for instance, pairs exquisitely with goat cheese, the sweetness of the figs and the earthy notes of the walnuts enhancing the cheese’s tang.
Don’t overlook the toasted option. Toasting bread adds a delightful crunch and warms the bread, further releasing its aromas. This is especially effective with cheeses that soften when heated, such as havarti or muenster.
Crackers: Crispy Companions
Crackers offer a different kind of textural experience – a satisfying snap that contrasts with the smoothness of the cheese. Similar to bread, the variety is vast, ranging from simple water crackers to those studded with seeds, herbs, or even dried fruits.
Water crackers, with their neutral flavor, are a safe bet for almost any cheese. They don’t compete with the cheese’s flavors, allowing it to be the star of the show.
For a more robust pairing, opt for crackers with added ingredients. Whole wheat crackers offer a nutty flavor that complements cheddar or Gruyère. Seeded crackers add a delightful crunch and earthy notes that pair well with goat cheese or feta.
Sweet crackers, such as those with cinnamon or honey, can create a delightful contrast with salty cheeses like blue cheese or parmesan. The sweet-salty combination is a classic for a reason.
Beyond Bread and Crackers: Unexpected Bases
While bread and crackers are the traditional choices, don’t be afraid to venture beyond. Consider using vegetables as a base, such as cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or even roasted sweet potato rounds. These offer a healthy and flavorful alternative, adding a refreshing element to the cheese.
Fruits can also provide an intriguing base. Apple slices, pear wedges, or even grapes can be used to create a sweet and savory combination that is both refreshing and satisfying. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
Sweet and Savory: Fruit, Jams, and Honey
The marriage of sweet and savory is a culinary classic, and cheese is no exception. Pairing cheese with fruits, jams, and honey adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Fruits: A Natural Complement
Fruits and cheeses have a natural affinity for each other. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit complement the richness and saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance.
Apples and pears are classic pairings with cheddar, Gruyère, and brie. Their crisp texture and slightly tart flavor cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.
Grapes, both red and green, are another versatile option. They pair well with a wide range of cheeses, from soft and creamy to hard and aged. The sweetness of the grapes complements the cheese’s savory notes, creating a delightful balance.
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, add a burst of sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with goat cheese, brie, and mascarpone. Their bright flavors and vibrant colors make them a visually appealing addition to any cheese board.
Dried fruits, such as figs, dates, and apricots, offer a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that pairs well with stronger cheeses like blue cheese, parmesan, and aged gouda. Their intense flavors can stand up to the cheese’s boldness, creating a complex and satisfying pairing.
Jams and Chutneys: Concentrated Flavors
Jams and chutneys offer a more concentrated way to add sweetness and acidity to cheese. Their intense flavors and smooth textures create a delightful contrast with the cheese’s richness and saltiness.
Fig jam is a classic pairing with goat cheese, brie, and blue cheese. Its sweet and slightly earthy flavor complements the cheese’s tangy or pungent notes, creating a harmonious balance.
Quince paste, a traditional Spanish accompaniment to manchego cheese, offers a unique combination of sweetness and tartness. Its firm texture and delicate flavor enhance the cheese’s nutty and slightly salty notes.
Onion jam or marmalade adds a savory sweetness that pairs well with cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan. Its caramelized onions provide a depth of flavor that complements the cheese’s richness.
Honey: Liquid Gold
Honey, with its natural sweetness and floral notes, is a versatile accompaniment to cheese. Its smooth texture and delicate flavor enhance the cheese’s richness and complexity.
Acacia honey, with its light and delicate flavor, pairs well with mild cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and havarti. Its subtle sweetness enhances the cheese’s creamy texture.
Wildflower honey, with its more robust and complex flavor, complements stronger cheeses like blue cheese, goat cheese, and aged cheddar. Its earthy notes and subtle bitterness balance the cheese’s intensity.
Truffle honey, a luxurious addition, adds an earthy and savory note that pairs well with brie, parmesan, and pecorino. Its unique flavor elevates the cheese to a whole new level.
Savory Sensations: Meats, Vegetables, and Nuts
Cheese isn’t just for sweet pairings. Savory accompaniments can create equally delicious and satisfying combinations. Meats, vegetables, and nuts offer a range of flavors and textures that complement cheese’s richness and complexity.
Meats: A Protein-Packed Pairing
Cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo, are classic pairings with cheese. Their salty, savory flavors and slightly chewy textures create a delightful contrast with the cheese’s richness and smoothness.
Prosciutto, with its delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, pairs well with mozzarella, brie, and parmesan. Its subtle saltiness enhances the cheese’s creamy or nutty notes.
Salami, with its more robust and spicy flavor, complements cheddar, Gruyère, and provolone. Its bold flavors stand up to the cheese’s intensity, creating a satisfying pairing.
Chorizo, with its smoky and spicy flavor, pairs well with manchego, queso fresco, and pepper jack. Its intense flavors add a kick of heat that balances the cheese’s richness.
Vegetables: A Refreshing Crunch
Vegetables offer a refreshing crunch and a variety of flavors that complement cheese. Raw or cooked, they add a healthy and flavorful element to the cheese plate.
Tomatoes, with their acidity and sweetness, pair well with mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese. Their bright flavors cut through the cheese’s richness, creating a refreshing balance.
Roasted red peppers, with their smoky sweetness, complement provolone, parmesan, and manchego. Their intense flavors enhance the cheese’s savory notes.
Olives, with their salty and briny flavor, pair well with feta, halloumi, and goat cheese. Their intense flavor adds a Mediterranean flair to the cheese plate.
Pickled vegetables, such as cornichons or pickled onions, offer a tangy and acidic contrast to the cheese’s richness. They pair well with cheddar, Gruyère, and brie, adding a refreshing bite.
Nuts: A Textural Delight
Nuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that complements cheese. Roasted or raw, they provide a textural contrast and enhance the cheese’s complexity.
Walnuts, with their slightly bitter and earthy flavor, pair well with blue cheese, goat cheese, and aged cheddar. Their intense flavor stands up to the cheese’s boldness.
Almonds, with their mild and slightly sweet flavor, complement brie, havarti, and Gruyère. Their subtle flavor enhances the cheese’s creamy or nutty notes.
Pecans, with their buttery and sweet flavor, pair well with cheddar, gouda, and parmesan. Their rich flavor adds a touch of decadence to the cheese plate.
Cheese in Cooking: Melting into Deliciousness
Beyond enjoying cheese on its own, it’s an indispensable ingredient in countless cooked dishes. Its ability to melt, stretch, and add flavor makes it a culinary workhorse.
Melting Magic: From Pizza to Grilled Cheese
Certain cheeses excel at melting, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that elevates dishes to new heights. Mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar are among the most popular melting cheeses.
Mozzarella, with its mild flavor and exceptional melting properties, is the quintessential pizza cheese. It stretches beautifully and provides a creamy base for toppings.
Provolone, with its slightly sharper flavor, adds a more complex flavor to pizza and sandwiches. It melts well and creates a gooey texture.
Cheddar, with its bold flavor and varying degrees of sharpness, is a versatile melting cheese. It’s used in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and many other dishes.
Baking Bliss: Adding Depth and Flavor
Cheese can also be used to add depth and flavor to baked dishes. Parmesan, pecorino, and feta are often used to enhance the taste and texture of gratins, casseroles, and breads.
Parmesan, with its salty and nutty flavor, is a classic addition to gratins and casseroles. It adds a savory note and creates a crispy crust.
Pecorino, with its sharper and saltier flavor, is a more intense alternative to parmesan. It adds a bold flavor to pasta dishes and baked goods.
Feta, with its tangy and salty flavor, adds a Mediterranean flair to baked dishes. It’s often used in spinach pie, spanakopita, and other savory pastries.
Sauces and Dips: Creamy Creations
Cheese is a key ingredient in many sauces and dips, adding richness, flavor, and a creamy texture. From classic cheese sauces to tangy dips, the possibilities are endless.
Cheddar cheese sauce is a staple for mac and cheese, nachos, and other comfort food dishes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Blue cheese dip is a tangy and flavorful accompaniment to chicken wings, vegetables, and crackers. It’s made with blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and other seasonings.
Spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy and decadent dip that’s perfect for parties. It’s made with spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients.
In conclusion, the question “What do you put cheese on?” has a myriad of delicious answers. From simple breads and crackers to complex pairings with fruits, meats, and vegetables, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you’re creating a cheese board for a party or incorporating cheese into your favorite recipes, don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own perfect pairings. The world of cheese is vast and rewarding, offering a delightful journey for the palate.
What are some classic pairings for cheddar cheese?
Cheddar, with its range from mild to sharp, offers versatility. For a simple pairing, try crisp apples or pears, which provide a refreshing sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the cheese’s savory notes. Crackers like water biscuits or oatcakes are also excellent choices, offering a neutral base that allows the cheddar’s flavor to shine.
Beyond the basics, consider pairing cheddar with cured meats like prosciutto or salami for a more robust experience. Pickled onions or chutneys can also add a tangy and sweet element that complements the cheese’s sharpness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread, such as a crusty sourdough or a sweet fruit bread, to find your perfect cheddar pairing.
Can you put cheese on sweet dishes?
Absolutely! While cheese is often associated with savory applications, it can be a delightful addition to sweet dishes. Consider adding a creamy cheese like mascarpone or ricotta to desserts like cheesecakes or fruit tarts for a rich and decadent touch. The subtle sweetness of these cheeses blends seamlessly with other sweet components.
Furthermore, harder cheeses like Parmesan or aged Gouda can be grated over roasted fruits like figs or pears for a unique sweet-and-savory experience. The saltiness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the fruit, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. This concept extends to savory dishes with sweet elements, such as pizza with figs and goat cheese.
What types of cheese go well with sandwiches?
The ideal cheese for a sandwich depends largely on the other ingredients and desired flavor profile. For a classic grilled cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere offer excellent melting properties and a satisfyingly gooey texture. These cheeses also provide a good balance of flavor that complements the bread and any additional fillings.
For cold sandwiches, consider cheeses with bolder flavors, such as provolone, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar. These cheeses hold their own against other ingredients like meats, vegetables, and spreads. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite sandwich cheese, keeping in mind the overall balance of flavors.
How do you pair cheese with fruits and vegetables?
Pairing cheese with fruits and vegetables is a wonderful way to create balanced and flavorful dishes. Soft, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie pair exceptionally well with sweet fruits like berries, peaches, and grapes. The tanginess of the goat cheese or the richness of the brie complements the sweetness of the fruit, creating a delightful contrast.
Harder cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can be grated over roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The saltiness of the cheese enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and adds a satisfying depth of flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings, considering the textures and flavors of both the cheese and the produce.
What role does cheese play in pasta dishes?
Cheese is a fundamental component of many pasta dishes, adding flavor, texture, and richness. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano are often grated over pasta as a finishing touch, providing a salty and savory flavor that complements the sauce. These cheeses also add a pleasant textural element, from finely grated to shaved.
Soft cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and mascarpone can be incorporated directly into pasta sauces, adding creaminess and body. These cheeses melt beautifully and create a smooth, luxurious texture that coats the pasta. Consider using fresh mozzarella in baked pasta dishes or ricotta in stuffed pasta shells for a truly indulgent experience.
Can cheese be paired with beverages other than wine?
While wine is a classic pairing for cheese, many other beverages can complement cheese beautifully. Beer, particularly craft beers, can offer a range of flavors that pair well with different types of cheese. For example, a sharp cheddar might pair well with a hoppy IPA, while a creamy brie might be better suited to a lighter wheat beer.
Beyond alcoholic beverages, consider pairing cheese with tea or coffee. The tannins in tea can cut through the richness of certain cheeses, while the acidity of coffee can complement the saltiness. Experiment with different types of teas and coffees to find your preferred pairings. Sparkling cider or even fruit juice can also provide a refreshing contrast to richer cheeses.
What are some unconventional ways to use cheese in cooking?
Don’t limit yourself to traditional cheese applications! Consider using cheese in unexpected ways to add flavor and texture to your dishes. For instance, you can grate hard cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago over roasted vegetables or salads for a savory and salty kick. Incorporating small cubes of cheese into meatballs or meatloaf can add a burst of flavor and moisture.
Another unconventional approach is to use cheese as a crust or topping for baked dishes. A layer of grated cheese can create a crispy and flavorful crust for casseroles or gratins. You can also use cheese to create a decadent cheese sauce for vegetables or meats. Let your creativity guide you and explore the endless possibilities of cheese in cooking.