Chocolate and cheese pairings: which ones are the best matches
A chocolate and cheese pairing may not be the first thing you think of, but it’s definitely something you should be trying. Both foods have rich flavors: it’s that which makes cheese and chocolate pairings such a delight!
If you’re new to the cheese and chocolate combination, then you’ll be glad to know pairing these two food types is easier than you think. It’s a good idea to try several combinations: this will help you identify the chocolate and cheese pairings you like the most.
What cheese is good with dark chocolate
There are many options when it comes to chocolate cheese pairing. The best place to start is with One of the following dark chocolate combinations. It’s important to note that chocolate and cheese should be served and tasted at room temperature. This makes it easier to appreciate their flavors. Dark chocolate pairs well with most cheeses. Of course, it helps to have a good-quality chocolate first, such as our Dolceterra range. Pair this with some of the best-known Italian cheeses and your taste buds are in for a treat!
Alongside chocolate which is at least 55-60% cocoa solids, you should choose a well-aged cheese,
such as:
● Parmigiano Reggiano
● Gouda – but an aged version
● Blue cheese
Aged cheeses have stronger, more mature flavors which work well with the richness of darkchocolate. That’s what makes them one of the best dark chocolate pairings.
Pairing cheese with milk chocolate
Milk chocolate can be a delicious cheese and chocolate pairing, especially if you’re not keen on richer flavors. You’ll find most mild soft cheeses pair nicely with milk chocolate. Try one of the following:
● Ricotta
● Cream cheese
● Fromage blanc
● Goats cheese
Pick your favorite soft cheese and try it with a piece of milk chocolate.
White chocolate and cheese pairing
White chocolate tends to be creamier than milk chocolate. That means it pairs surprisingly well with soft and creamy cheeses. Ideally, the cheese should have a hint of sweetness to really promote the flavor of the chocolate. Try your favorite white chocolate with:
● Young gouda
● Emmental
● Swiss cheese
● Fontina
Soft cheeses, such as brie, also pair well with chocolates containing fruits or nuts: the contrasting textures are like a taste explosion. Equally, any chocolate with nuts and fruit in it can be paired with aged cheeses, such as cheddar or jack.
Both the cheese and the chocolate have complex flavors, and consuming them together enhances these flavors.
Additional Tips
We understand it can be daunting to try a completely new flavor, such as one of the above cheese and chocolate pairings. Fortunately, there is a way you can ease yourself into this tasty world. Start by selecting baked goods which have cheese and chocolate in them, such as a dark chocolate cheesecake. There are plenty of ready-made products with chocolate and cheese in them.
If you’re eating them individually, then you should taste the cheese first, followed by the chocolate. This allows your tastebuds to experience all the flavors and delights of your white, milk or dark chocolate pairing.
If you need a little extra motivation to try chocolate and cheese together, organize a chocolate and cheese tasting and invite your friends. You can all try the combinations, take notes and compare.
Summing Up
Personally, the dark chocolate flavor pairings are the best. However, everyone has their own preference. The trick to enjoying chocolate and cheese is to identify the cheese you love the most. You can then pair a chocolate with it and sample it. You’ll be surprised at how good the pairing is.
That will help you try a variety of different chocolate and cheese pairings in the future.
