What Are The Best Nuts To Pair With Cheese?

“I’m hosting a wine and cheese night for some friends at my house in Amsterdam and wanting to add some nuts to complement the cheese. What are the best nuts to pair with different types of cheeses? We’ll have a variety from mild to strong cheeses. Any suggestions on how to make the combinations stand out?”
Thanks, Ruth, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

What Are The Best Nuts To Pair With Cheese?

Pairing nuts with cheese is like pairing wine with food – it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures that complement each other. Considering that you’ve got a mix of mild to strong cheeses, Ruth, we can explore a range of nuts that will enhance and highlight the unique characteristics of each type of cheese.

Why Pair Nuts with Cheese?

Nuts bring a variety of textures, from crunchy to creamy, and flavors from sweet to savory. They enhance the sensory experience of cheese tasting by providing contrast or complementing the flavor profiles of the cheeses. They can also cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully enjoy the nuances of each cheese.

General Guidelines for Pairing Nuts with Cheese

Before diving into specific pairings, here’s a quick guideline:

• Match intensity: Mild cheeses go well with mild-flavored nuts, while strong cheeses pair better with robust, flavored nuts.
• Consider texture: The crunchy texture of nuts complements the creamy texture of cheese.
• Balance flavors: Sweet, spicy, or salty nuts can balance the flavors of the cheese.

Best Nuts for Mild, Soft Cheeses

Mild, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a creamy texture and delicate flavor profile. Here are some great nut pairings:

1. Almonds: Their delicate, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of Brie. Try Marcona almonds for a slightly sweet and very fine texture.
2. Walnuts: These offer a slightly bitter taste that contrasts nicely with soft cheeses, elevating the flavors without overpowering them.
3. Hazelnuts: The sweet and nutty flavor of hazelnuts complements the buttery richness of mild cheeses wonderfully well.

Nuts for Semi-Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère have a firmer texture and richer flavor. Consider these nuts for pairing:

• Pecans: Their sweet and buttery taste matches the sharpness of cheeses like aged Cheddar or Gruyère. Candied pecans can also be a delightful addition.
• Pistachios: With their unique flavor and slight sweetness, pistachios offer a vibrant contrast to nutty cheeses like Gouda.
• Pine Nuts: These have a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with harder cheeses like Gruyère, providing a delicate balance.

Perfect Nut Pairings for Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and aged Gouda have intense flavors and crumbly textures that call for bolder nuts:

• Cashews: Their richness and slight sweetness provide a wonderful balance to the salty, nutty flavors of aged Gouda and Parmesan.
• Brazil Nuts: The buttery and creamy profile of Brazil nuts complements the robust flavors of hard cheeses like Pecorino.
• Macadamia Nuts: These have a creamy, almost buttery texture that enhances the crumbly nature of hard cheeses. They add a luxurious touch to any cheese board.

Nuts for Blue Cheeses

Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are strong and piquant. They need nuts that can stand up to their bold flavors:

1. Walnuts: With their slightly bitter taste, walnuts cut through the intense flavors of blue cheese, making for a harmonious combination.
2. Pecans: Their sweetness contrasts with the tangy and salty flavors of blue cheese, creating a delightful balance.
3. Almonds: Both whole and slivered almonds work wonderfully, offering a neutral yet complementary flavor to robust blue cheeses.

Seasoned and Flavored Nuts

If you want to add an extra dimension to your cheese board, consider using seasoned or flavored nuts:

• Spicy Nuts: Chili-coated nuts, like spicy peanuts or almonds, can add a fiery kick that pairs well with milder cheeses like Brie or Gouda.
• Sweet Nuts: Honey-roasted nuts, especially cashews and almonds, add a touch of sweetness that can offset the sharpness of cheeses like sharp Cheddar or Gouda.
• Herbed Nuts: Rosemary or thyme-seasoned nuts can add an aromatic touch, pairing particularly well with earthy cheeses like Camembert or Gruyère.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when hosting a cheese and nut tasting night, Ruth. Here are some tips to make your spread not just tasty but visually appealing:

1. Variety and Balance: Ensure there’s a good balance of textures and flavors – mix soft and hard cheeses with a variety of nuts.
2. Color Palette: Use nuts with different colors to add visual appeal. For instance, the vibrant green of pistachios contrasted with the warm brown of pecans.
3. Arrangements: Place the nuts around the cheeses or in small bowls nearby. Create clusters that are easy to pick at, avoid overcrowding.

Wine Pairing Tips

Since you’re hosting a wine and cheese night, matching the right wine will enhance your entire experience:

• White Wines: Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc go well with mild cheeses and almonds or hazelnuts.
• Red Wines: Aged reds like Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with hard cheeses and robust nuts like Brazil nuts and pecans.
• Sweet Wines: Pair sweet wines like Port or Madeira with blue cheeses and sweet nuts for a harmonious balance of sweet and salty.

Cheeses Across Courses

Consider structuring your cheese and nut pairings like a multi-course meal:

1. Appetizer: Start with mild cheeses like Brie, paired with almonds and a white wine.
2. Main Course: Transition to semi-hard cheeses like Gouda with pistachios and a robust red wine.
3. Dessert: Finish strong with blue cheeses, walnuts, and a sweet Port or dessert wine.

Final Thoughts…

Ruth, exploring the world of cheese and nut pairings can really elevate your cheese night experience, making it both varied and delightful. Remember, the key is in the balance and how the flavors complement each other. Enjoy your evening, and hope it turns out as delicious as it sounds!