The Best Type Of Cheese To Pair With Pineapple

Consider complementary flavors and aromas

Many semi-hard and hard cheeses pair wonderfully with pineapple—just think of the popular Hawaiian pizza. However, if you're looking to elevate your cheese and pineapple combinations, it's important to consider flavors and aromas that complement each other. In her acclaimed book "The Flavor Thesaurus," author Niki Segnit suggests that hard cheeses work particularly well with pineapple due to their shared aromatic compounds. She points out that "the flavors can be naturally harmonious: the pineapple note of ethyl caproate is found in some of the world's finest cheeses, such as comté, Lincolnshire Poacher, and parmesan."

Ethyl caproate, also referred to as ethyl hexanoate, imparts fruity aromas and flavors reminiscent of pineapple and banana. Segnit also notes that this aromatic compound is naturally present in clove, figs, and wine. Just as the contrast between juicy and firm textures can create a delightful eating experience, harmonizing the flavors of cheese and pineapple can enhance their subtle notes. Much like enjoying certain fruit-forward wines with cheese, pineapple accentuates the floral and fruity characteristics of various hard cheeses.

The delicate hints of nuttiness and fruit found in cheeses like parmesan, fontina, or comté pair exceptionally well with the tropical, sweet, and even buttery qualities of pineapple. These intricate sensory details of hard cheeses, especially those that are aged, might otherwise go unnoticed, but pineapple helps to reveal those fruity and floral nuances.

Cheese and pineapple pairing ideas

The delightful combination of hard cheese and pineapple offers a wonderful contrast in flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any cheese board. However, these two ingredients can also shine in various culinary creations. For a sweet-savory appetizer, try caramelizing pineapple cubes and threading them onto skewers with slices of manchego cheese. Alternatively, whip up a refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, succulent pineapple slices, and shaved parmesan.

Have you heard of cheesy pineapple casserole? This dish, often enjoyed during holidays like Easter, is made by mixing simple ingredients such as pineapple, butter, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers. The only way to truly appreciate the comforting blend of flavors is to give it a try yourself.

Beyond hard and semi-hard cheeses, pineapple pairs wonderfully with other varieties as well. Some chefs enjoy combining pineapple with rich, tangy blue cheese, while bakers have mastered the technique of layering pineapple slices within carrot cake, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. The possibilities for enjoying pineapple with cheese are endless, but sampling it with a hard cheese is sure to please your palate.

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