Cheese and Chocolate: Do They Go Together?

Cheese and Chocolate: Do They Go Together?

Chocolate and cheese feature on most favourite foods lists but we often think of them as being at opposite ends of the flavour spectrum.

Cheese flavours range from creamy brie to salty Cheshire to smooth, tangy Mature Cheddar or satisfyingly umami Stilton.

Chocolate on the other hand is firmly in the dessert camp with even the darkest chocolate regarded as bittersweet.

So, can this odd couple ever make a harmonious taste sensation?

We think the answer is yes!

Chocolate, cheese and chicken in Chihuahua

When the Spanish conquistadors invaded the Mayan empire in today’s Mexico, they found plenty to plunder and chocolate was one of the many treasures that they brought back to Spain.

In Europe, chocolate evolved into a sweet dessert food but in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America it is still a staple that is used in both sweet and savoury cuisine.

Chicken mole is the classic Mexican dish with a blend of dark chocolate, red chilli and aromatic spices but the cheese and chocolate combination is also standard fare.

For example, the marquesita is a traditional street food in Yucatán, Mexico. Also known as a queso de bola - cheese ball - this sweet and savoury fiesta is a rolled crepe stuffed with chocolate, edam cheese, condensed milk, and jam.

Hot chocolate and cheese in Colombia

In Columbia, hot chocolate is enlivened by savoury cheese.

Traditionally, Colombian hot chocolate contains cloves and cinnamon. The sweetness of the species is balanced by the introduction of salty white cheese which is added to the hot chocolate before serving.

Any melted cheese in the bottom of the cup is scooped out and served on bread.

Classic cheese and chocolate combinations

A successful cheese and chocolate marriage can be achieved by combining contrasting flavours.

Why not try dark chocolate with our Black Bob Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese? The bitter warmth of the cocoa complements the creamy tang of the cheddar. The addition of some sweet fruity tastes like raspberry could add extra complexity.

A salty-sweet pairing of milk chocolate with a blue cheese can be surprisingly delicious.

Why not serve your chocolate and cheese with crackers after dinner? There won't be any need for a separate dessert course.

Cheese and chocolate spread

Why not mash up the street food/hot chocolate theme for a simple treat?

Simply spread your favourite chocolate and hazelnut between two slices of bread, add a generous grating of cheddar, and put in the sandwich maker to heat into a mouthwatering molten mess.

Unsophisticated, perhaps, but very satisfying.