Cheese comes in so many different flavors and textures, so there’s surely a cheese that complements every dish. Right?
Despite cheese’s widespread appeal, some food combinations might leave even the most adventurous eaters questioning their choices.
In this article, we get some insights from other cheese lovers in this Reddit thread to find foods that may not actually pair well with cheese.
Black Licorice: A Divisive Taste
Black licorice, with its bold, anise-flavored intensity, is a love-it-or-hate-it candy.
While some may love its unique taste, pairing it with cheese is challenging. However, some cheeses like Gouda flavored with anise or licorice-infused varieties challenge this notion, suggesting that, under the right circumstances, even black licorice might have a cheesy companion.
Banana: The Unexpected Underdog
Bananas are often dismissed as incompatible with cheese, with their sweet and creamy texture seemingly at odds with the savory richness of dairy.
However, some adventurous eaters have found that pairing bananas with blue cheese on toasted baguettes creates a surprisingly delightful treat. The key is balancing the sweetness of the banana with the sharpness of the cheese.
Citrus Fruits: A Sour Subject
Oranges and other citrus fruits, with their high acidity, are often considered poor matches for cheese.
The sharp tang can overwhelm the creaminess of most cheeses. Yet, some exceptions exist, such as pairing grapefruit with goat cheese in salads or using citrus zest in cheese spreads, where other flavors balance the acidity.
Fish: A Controversial Combination
Fish and cheese together often draw skepticism, particularly from culinary purists.
The strong fish flavors can clash with cheese, leading to a less-than-desirable outcome.
However, classic dishes like smoked salmon with cream cheese or Parmesan-crusted fish challenge this belief, proving that fish and cheese can coexist harmoniously with the right approach.
Mint: A Polarizing Herb
Mint’s fresh, cool flavor can be difficult to match with cheese.
The thought of pairing mint with cheese like Gouda or Brie might seem off-putting. Yet, Middle Eastern cuisine often combines mint with feta or other fresh cheeses, creating refreshing dishes that balance the herb’s sharpness with the cheese’s creaminess.
Peanut Butter: A Surprising Sweet and Savory Duo
Peanut butter, a childhood staple, seems an odd partner for cheese. Its rich, nutty flavor contrasts sharply with the salty, creamy profile of cheese.
However, combinations like peanut butter with sharp cheddar on a sandwich or as a snack prove that this duo can be surprisingly satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory.
Cereal: A Breakfast Challenge
Cereal and cheese are rarely seen together, as they belong to different culinary worlds. The crunchiness and sweetness of cereal can seem incompatible with cheese’s creaminess.
But, for those willing to experiment, there are ways to make this pairing work, such as incorporating cereal into cheese-based desserts like cheesecake or using it as a crunchy topping for a savory dish.
Sushi: The Unlikely Fusion
Sushi and cheese are two foods that rarely meet on the same plate. The delicate flavors of sushi are often thought to be overpowered by cheese.
However, fusion dishes like Philadelphia rolls, which include cream cheese, have shown that this unlikely pairing can work in certain contexts, blending creamy textures with the freshness of raw fish.
Conclusion
While some food pairings with cheese may initially seem odd or even impossible, culinary creativity knows no bounds. What may seem like an unorthodox combination at first glance can often surprise you with its unique flavors and textures. As the world of food continues to evolve, perhaps there’s no such thing as a food that doesn’t pair with cheese—only undiscovered pairings waiting to be tried.
