A staple at social gatherings and catered events, fruit-and-cheese platters and dishes are usually a hit among guests who want to choose a healthful treat that combines the sweet flavor of fruit with the robust flavor of cheese. While most local and in-season fruit will taste good with many types of cheeses, smoked cheeses have an extra-strong flavor that requires a little more care when you make your fruit selection.
Step 1
Select the types of smoked cheese you want to serve. Smoked cheeses usually start off mild in flavor to offset the strong taste the smoking process imparts later. Good examples of smoked cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, provolone and mozzarella. If your smoked-cheese-and-fruit combination is part of a platter that includes non-smoked types of cheese, consider including smoked cheese in a spreadable form to further enhance the variety of textures you plan to offer.
Step 2
Choose sweet fruit that complements the robust flavor of smoked cheese. Cheddar-cheese spread tastes great on apple or pear slices, while the chewy texture of raisins and other dried fruit complements hard, smoked cheeses like Gouda. For the best-tasting fruit, choose varieties that are in season and, if possible, grown locally.
Step 3
Pair smoked cheese with fruit in a special side dish. Try smoked chèvre on top of fruit salad or smoked brie on top of strawberry salad. The Community Food Co-op of Bozeman, Montana recommends smoked Gouda melted on top of apple pie.
Step 4
Try figs with your smoked cheese. High in potassium, iron and calcium, figs help regulate blood pressure and are noted for their versatility in both salty and sweet cuisine. Your guests will enjoy this non-traditional fruit with nearly any smoked cheese. Include figs and smoked goat cheese in a salad, or wrap figs in bacon and serve them with smoked, blue cheese.
Step 5
Remember the grapes. If you need a quick, economical and eye-pleasing smoked-cheese-and-fruit combination, use both dark-purple and light-green grapes with smoked Gouda or cheddar. It's a winner every time.
Tips and Warnings
- Most fruit pairs nicely with smoked cheese. When serving crackers along with your smoked cheese, consider a variety of fruit spreads in addition to fresh fruit.
- Avoid sour fruits. Sweetness enhances the smoky flavor of cheese while a sour taste tends to detract from it.
