Cheese In Ice Cream Sounds Ridiculous, But Trust The Process

Blue cheese and pear ice cream

It's well-known that blue cheese can spark debate—so why not stir the pot even more? Incorporating a touch of this bold, tangy cheese into your ice cream has been praised by culinary icons like Gordon Ramsay and the innovative creators at Salt & Straw, delivering a delightful kick in every spoonful. While it’s certainly not a subtle flavor, combining it with poached pears or figs introduces a delightful sweetness that beautifully balances its unexpected savoriness. Sprinkling your cone with either plain chopped or soaked walnuts adds a new texture to complement the creaminess.

When using blue cheese as a topping for ice cream, it's best to steer clear of large crumbles, as they can be overpowering. Vanilla or dark chocolate make excellent companions, but you might also consider a fruity option like black raspberry (with or without chocolate chips).

As for which type of blue cheese to choose, it really depends on your tolerance for the distinct, moldy aroma that blue cheese is known for. Gorgonzola is on the milder side, while Roquefort is much stronger, so if you're hesitant, starting with a lighter option might be wise. If you come to appreciate blue cheese, a whole new realm of pairings will unfold—some experts even suggest that it goes surprisingly well with the beloved Girl Scout Cookie, Peanut Butter Patties.

Burrata and basil balsamic ice cream

Ah, burrata — the delightful Italian cheese that serves as a versatile two-in-one treat, ideal for spreading on pizza, enhancing a salad, or simply enjoying on its own with a splash of olive oil and a touch of basil. This cheese is essentially a mozzarella shell filled with creamy curds, and the classic herbaceous notes it’s often paired with in dishes are worth considering when crafting your burrata and ice cream pairing. There are several creative approaches you can take: you might whip up a basil-infused burrata ice cream, or elegantly slice a particularly soft ball of burrata over scoops of tomato gelato — both options are perfect for finishing touches of basil oil and rich aged balsamic vinegar.

If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, the creamy cheese pairs beautifully with tart cherries and can be drizzled with caramel. Still feeling overwhelmed? Just do what all true burrata enthusiasts do: serve a scoop of burrata ice cream on its own, topped with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Cheddar cheese and apple pie à la mode

We won't sugarcoat it: This is arguably the most quintessential Wisconsin dessert you can find. However, when it comes to cheese, the Badger State truly excels, so we’re eager to hear their take on this. Interestingly, adding a slice of cheese to a serving of apple pie is a common practice in both the American Midwest and New England.

Of course, you can still pile on some shredded cheddar atop your pie, but if you're aiming for an à la mode experience, consider blending the cheese into your ice cream by melting grated sharp white cheddar into the mixture. This method blends seamlessly and avoids the greasy texture that a slice of cheese can develop when warmed by the pie. If you prefer to enjoy the ice cream on its own, you can infuse the pie flavors into the cone by mixing in bits of caramel apples or pie crust pieces to create your own delightful pie-in-a-bite.

Mascarpone and berry ice cream

Mascarpone has firmly established its place in the world of desserts, often featured in classics like tiramisu and cannoli. Therefore, it’s no surprise that incorporating it into ice cream is a brilliant idea, offering endless flavor possibilities. One delightful option is a raspberry and cream tiramisu-inspired ice cream, combining the sweet and playful flavors of raspberries with crushed ladyfinger cookies. Other summer fruits like blueberries or cherries could also be great additions. If the sweetness becomes overwhelming, a simple solution is to grate some lemon zest into the mix to enhance the rich, creamy indulgence.

Alternatively, you can explore a different take on tiramisu-inspired mascarpone ice cream by focusing on the traditional coffee flavor. By replacing the raspberries with instant coffee or brewed espresso, and perhaps adding a few tablespoons of cocoa powder, you can create a luxurious, energizing dessert that’s perfect for coffee enthusiasts or as a midday treat for yourself.

Cream cheese cheesecake ice cream

Take a deep breath — you can rest easy knowing this food pairing is unlikely to raise any concerns. When it comes to cheeses that have subtly made their way into dessert recipes for almost two centuries, cream cheese has been warmly welcomed by bakers, and blending it into ice cream is a combination that even the most doubtful will likely enjoy. One of the best methods to achieve this is by infusing the flavors and textures of cheesecake.

Admittedly, this is probably one of the easiest ice creams on the list. A favorite of Nigella Lawson (who featured the zesty frozen treat in her 2002 book "Nigella Summer"), it simply requires churning and freezing the ingredients for cheesecake filling. However, just like traditional cheesecake, the variations are limitless. You can fold crushed graham crackers directly into the ice cream base or top scoops with a crunchy graham cracker sprinkle. Oreo Cheesecake Ice Cream? Turtle Cheesecake Ice Cream? Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream? The only boundary is your creativity.