Don't always just reach for grapes: this fruit goes great with cheese

The next time you're preparing a cold cuts or cheese plate, don't automatically reach for grapes. Some combinations may surprise you and, above all, delight you.

Brie and pear

One of the safest combinations. Creamy and mild brie goes perfectly with juicy, sweet pear. The pear's freshness slightly softens the richness of the cheese, and the result is a very delicate combination.

For even better taste, add a drop of honey and some walnuts.

Cheddar and apple

If you like the combination of sweet and savory, you have to try it. The sharp, slightly nutty flavor of the aged cheddar pairs perfectly with the crisp, slightly tart apple. It's important to choose a firm apple that will provide a contrast to the softer cheese with its texture.

Tip: Try the cheddar and apple combination on a cracker, add a little honey and some walnuts.

Aged gouda and grapes

Grapes are a must-have on any cheese plate, and for good reason. The sweet, juicy grapes balance out the stronger flavor of Gouda nicely. We especially recommend choosing an older, more mature Gouda, while younger versions are more suitable for milder combinations.

Red or white grapes? Both are great, so choose the one you prefer.

Feta and watermelon

This is one of the most refreshing combinations for hot days. Sweet, juicy watermelon and salty, slightly sour feta create a simple but very effective contrast. It's a combination that's considered a summer classic.

Add some fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil and you have an almost perfect summer appetizer.

Burrata and peaches

Burrata is creamy, tender and very rich, so it pairs well with juicy and aromatic fruits.

Peaches bring a sweetness and freshness that nicely balances the creamy texture of the cheese. Try slicing ripe peaches, adding burrata, basil, olive oil and a few drops of balsamic vinegar. The combination is sure to delight you.

Goat cheese and berries

Goat cheese has a distinctive fresh and slightly sour taste, so it pairs well with fruits that have a similar acidity. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are excellent choices.

For a slightly more sophisticated version, spread soft goat cheese on the bread, add some raspberries, and drizzle it all with honey.

Gorgonzola and pear

Stronger cheeses need fruit to complement them. Gorgonzola and other blue cheeses are salty, distinct, and tangy, so their intensity is nicely balanced by sweet pear. Classic combinations include blue cheese with figs and grapes.

If strong, flavorful cheeses aren't your thing, give them another chance - they can be much more enjoyable with sweet fruit.

Brie and blueberries or blackberries

Creamy cheeses also pair well with berries. Blueberries and blackberries add freshness and a slight tartness, while also adding beautiful color to the dish. Brie and blackberries are especially interesting.

You can add fresh berries to your cheese plate or make a quick fruit sauce.

Goat cheese and apricots

Apricots are sweet, but they also have enough acidity to balance out the creamy goat cheese.

It is especially good when combined with dried apricots, as their flavor is more concentrated. Dried fruit is often better suited to stronger cheeses, as it has a more intense flavor.

Figs and blue cheese

If you want to impress your guests with a slightly more unique combination, try figs and blue cheese. Fresh figs are soft, sweet, and almost honey-like, while blue cheese is strong and salty. It's the contrast between the two that makes the combination so interesting.

You can also try dried figs, their more concentrated flavor goes well with stronger and more mature cheeses.

Parmesan and pineapple

This is a combination for those who like to try something different. Parmigiano Reggiano has a distinct, salty and nutty flavor, while pineapple brings sweetness and acidity. If the combination seems strange to you at first, try a small piece first.

What about plums?

Since they are currently in season, they deserve a special place on the cheese board.

Plums are great with soft, creamy cheeses, and they're also interesting with mozzarella. Their sweet-sour note adds freshness and nicely cuts through the creaminess of the cheese.

For a fall version, you can also quickly fry them in a pan, add some honey, and serve with cream cheese.

How to put together the perfect cheese plate?

If you're preparing a feast, there's no need to buy ten different cheeses and a huge amount of fruit.

To start, choose three different types of cheese:

- one mild and creamy cheese, such as brie, - one firmer and more distinctive cheese, such as mature cheddar or gouda, - one stronger, more savoury cheese, such as gorgonzola.

Then add three types of fruit:

- apple or pear + grapes + figs or berries.

For extra texture, you can add nuts, crackers, sticks, fresh bread, and a little honey or fruit spread.

There's no need to look for just one perfect combination when it comes to cheese and fruit. Personal taste is also important when it comes to combinations. If you like a certain combination, that's a good enough reason to make it again.

So next time you're making a cold cut, try adding some sliced ​​pears, fresh figs, plums, or even peaches instead of the usual grapes. You might just discover your new favorite combination.