Chocolate and Cheese Pairing Guide
What pairs well with cheese? Some cheese lovers may respond “what doesn’t!” As cheesemakers we may agree, but we know there are questions surrounding chocolate and cheese—could you? Should you? Would you? How do you? With so many cheeses and types of chocolate, answering the question “does chocolate go with cheese?” can feel a bit daunting. Never fear, the Cello team is here to remove the guesswork and help you cheese (and chocolate) confidently with these 6 pairing suggestions.
Cheese and chocolate pairing ideas
Perhaps cheese and chocolate are a less likely duo when compared with wine and chocolate, fruit and chocolate (we see you fondue lovers), or bacon and chocolate (we can’t even hate), but we are convinced cheese has a proverbial seat at the chocolate table!
Some websites with cheese and chocolate pairing ideas will provide very specific cacao percentages and varieties of chocolate. While we don’t diminish the expertise of chocolatiers, we don’t proclaim “supreme knowledge of chocolate flavor profiles” as our superpower.
Instead, for our pairing suggestions, you’ll note easy-to-find-at-any-grocery-store chocolate, but perhaps a few special Cello Cheese products, which you can find here.
1. Parmesan and dark chocolate
If you checked out our “Shortcut to Pairing Cheese Like a Pro” tips, you know the magic behind complementary flavors. When it comes to Parmesan and dark chocolate, both share a nuttiness that proves even more delightful when heat is applied in this grilled cheese recipe! The toasted, nutty flavor of dark chocolate meets the bold, nutty elements of Parmesan, sure to satisfy late night and midday cravings alike. Another great thing about this combo? It’s friendly to those who are lactose intolerant!
2. Gouda and white chocolate
Just how gouda can it be? While smoked and aged gouda cheeses offer bold flavors, young gouda has a soft and mild taste. Gouda’s non-confrontational nature turns out to be a great complement to white chocolate’s sweet and buttery profile. And even though not everyone is a white chocolate fan because of its overly rich (and seemingly not chocolatey) taste, the gouda truly adds balance, making it a great combination.
3. Pumpkin Spice Rubbed Fontal and milk chocolate
The smooth and creamy Cello Fontal Cheese is mild and slightly sweet, a perfect canvas for our 8 unique spice rubs. Get your taste buds on a wedge of the Pumpkin Spice Rubbed Fontal and pair with a few morsels of milk chocolate. Equally creamy and mild, the milk chocolate really brings out the cinnamon and pumpkin pie flavors for an indulgent pairing experience.
4. Mascarpone and unsweetened cacao powder
Soft cheeses like mascarpone, goat, and brie can often be found in mouthwatering chocolate-based dessert recipes. For a healthier, guilt-free option, blend Cello Mascarpone with unsweetened cacao powder in this tiramisu-inspired breakfast smoothie recipe. The sweetness of the mascarpone adds richness to the smoothie’s cacao, vanilla and coffee additions, making it the perfect morning treat.
5. Brie and Nutella
Yes, Nutella and cheese do taste good together. Conversely to #4, this combination goes all in on the sweetness and decadence! Fruity, earthy, and nutty, brie cheese embraces Nutella’s cocoa and hazelnut flavors for an epic savory/sweet combo. Whether as part of a dessert pizza, grilled cheese with fruit, or baked together in a puff pastry, your sweet tooth will be satisfied by this pair.
6. Copper Kettle and chocolate caramel
Abiding by the strategy of companion flavors, we strongly suggest Cello Copper Kettle with chocolate caramel (pick your own brand or confection). Copper Kettle offers a distinctively rich, cooked caramel finish, so you can imagine the party in your mouth when you add in more caramel AND chocolate! Typically, the uniqueness of Copper Kettle makes it a standalone cheese, but this combo was too good not to share.
Any of these chocolate and cheese recipes and concoctions can be elevated when paired with your favorite wine or beer. We like to call this “building a bridge” – you never know what delectable flavor trios you might create!
Does chocolate go with cheese?
We’re going to answer a question with a question – what do you think? In our pairing suggestions, we strived to showcase something for everyone. While we know white chocolate isn’t always a fan favorite and brie is not beloved by everyone, it’s unlikely you’ll try a combo with a flavor profile you dislike.
To truly discover what cheeses go with chocolate, why not try assembling your own cheese board and sampling a few combinations?
Party of one? Save time and snag a few Cello Cheese Flights or Snack Packs and pair with your favorite chocolate for the perfect lunch, snack, or perhaps the happiest moment of your day.