Chocolate and cheese – A perfect match

In the world of food there are some pairings that have stood the test of time – wine and cheese, strawberries and cream, and peanut butter and jelly, just to name a few. However, there is another enticing combination that I wasn’t aware of, until very recently: Chocolate and cheese. While this pairing may seem unusual at first, it offers a delightful synergy of flavors and textures that is highly addictive, when you first develop a taste for it.

I suspect the reason why chocolate and cheese work so well together lies in the interplay of contrasting and complementary flavors. Chocolate, with its rich, sweet taste, and cheese, with its savory and sometimes tangy profile, create a balanced and harmonious experience for the palate. I’ve been playing around with different kinds of cheese and chocolate, and I’ve found that the key to a successful chocolate and cheese pairing is to find the right balance between the two ingredients. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Dark Chocolate and Blue Cheese: I’m not usually a blue cheese person, but the strong, pungent flavor of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, is just amazing together with the bitterness of dark chocolate, and the two flavors really enhances each other.

Milk Chocolate and Brie: The creamy, buttery texture of Brie pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of milk chocolate. This combination offers a milder, more delicate taste that is perfect for those new to the world of chocolate and cheese pairings. I also really like the Methodical + Lumineux Coffee Chocolate with brie and fresh strawberries (the photos in this post). It’s delicious.

White Chocolate and Aged Gouda: White chocolate, with its rich, sweet flavor, creates a delightful contrast with the savory, nutty notes of aged Gouda. This pairing is perfect for those who enjoy the sweeter side of life.

Chocolate with Sea Salt and Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese is complemented by the sweet and salty notes found in chocolate with sea salt. The contrasting flavors create a unique and satisfying taste sensation. Goat cheese is also good with chocolate with dried fruit or berries, such as the 70% India Apricot & Bay Leaf Dark Chocolate from Lumineux.