Cheese is delicious and nutritious. Cheese ranges from regular cheddar to other more refined gourmet types. Cheese can be used in salads, dips, and even on crackers or sandwiches. Cheese is often paired with wine which is why you may have noticed how popular cheese and wine baskets have become over the years. Of course, when it comes to cheese pairing, there are some combinations you should avoid.

 

Fruit

The cheeses can also be combined with different types of fruit, but you must always be careful with the combinations. You don’t want the fruit or cheese to overwhelm you in any way. The flavours should complement each other and not compete for the attention of your taste buds. Cheese pairing with fruit can be fun so allow yourself to taste various combinations until you find the ones you love.

 

Spicy food

Spicy foods should be avoided in terms of a cheese pairing. Avoid highly seasoned meats, strong types of pepper, mustard, chutneys and anything that has a bit of “bite”. It will totally steal the show and your cheese will go under the radar.

 

Breads

Breads that have some sort of onion or garlic flavour (including crackers) shouldn’t be served with cheese. Cheese pairing with flavoured breads and crackers might work with some types of cheese but, for the most part, the bread will prove too overpowering.

 

Vegetables

Broccoli and cauliflower are delicious with a creamy cheese sauce, and as a soup they’re an even better combination. However, when you serve them raw with cheese on a plate, it just doesn’t do the cheese justice. The same can be said for carrot sticks and celery. In salads you might make an exception here and there, but dishes have stricter rules. Proper cheese pairing does not just depend on the types of foods but also the manner in which they are prepared.

 

Popular options

Pears, apples, grapes, figs and walnuts taste delicious with cheese. However, not citrus! As you mix a piece of fruit and cheese in your mouth, you can feel it starting to curdle and this is not pleasant at all.

 

Even the wines must be carefully chosen in combination with cheeses. There is no single rule about it. The type of wine you should choose will depend on the cheese you are serving. Some cheeses have a mild flavour, while others are not so mild. If you’re looking for cheese and wine baskets online, you’ll notice how each type of cheese is specifically paired with a special bottle. Rest assured, when you buy such a basket, the perfect cheese pairing has been made.