Get ready to embark on a flavour journey that’s creamy, dreamy and downright indulgent. Today, we’re diving into the world of triple cream cheeses and discovering the art of pairing them with delectable companions. If your taste buds are craving a symphony of richness and texture, you’re in for a treat! Read on to discover our list of the best food pairings for triple cream cheeses.
READ MORE: How to craft the perfect cheese board for every occasion →
What is a triple cream cheese?
Triple cream cheeses are a subset of soft white mould cheeses characterised by an incredibly high fat content.
What makes triple cream cheeses the velvety sensation they are? It all starts with the blend. Unlike your regular cheese, these delights are crafted from a mix of whole milk and cream. The addition of extra cream is what earns them the “triple cream” distinction.
Now, let’s talk sensory fireworks. The organoleptic properties of triple cream cheeses are a celebration of the senses.
Appearance
Picture a pristine wedge on your cheese platter, a canvas of pale ivory or buttery yellow. The outer rind might be velvety and bloomy, promising a luxurious experience with every slice.
Texture
Press your knife gently, and you’ll feel the yielding softness. The texture is like a satin pillow, inviting you to dive in. The outer layer might be a bit firmer, but the heart of the cheese is where the magic happens – a creamy haven.
Aroma
Bring it close and let the aroma enchant you. The scent is a marriage of buttery richness and earthy undertones, a prelude to the sensory symphony about to unfold.
Flavour
Ah, the crescendo! The first bite is a revelation. Creamy waves coat your palate, leaving a lingering sweetness. The high butterfat content dances with subtle tanginess, creating a flavour profile that’s both rich and delicate.
Famous examples of triple cream cheeses
Before we jump into the pairings, let’s take a quick look at some famous varieties of triple cream cheeses.
In the world of triple cream cheeses, Brillat-Savarin reigns supreme. This French masterpiece got its name from the legendary gastronome and boasts a velvety texture and delicate balance of sweetness and tang.
If Brillat-Savarin is the king, then St. André is the charming prince of triple cream cheeses. St. André hails from Normandy, offering a soft, buttery paste beneath its pillowy white rind, creating a royal experience fit for any occasion.
Finally, Kunik, an American innovation from upstate New York, showcases the artistry of blending goat’s milk and Jersey cow cream. The result is a harmonious fusion of tanginess and velvety richness.
Together, these triple cream cheeses stand as culinary treasures, each a testament to the craftsmanship and passion that elevates them to the creamy pinnacles of cheese excellence.
Rationale between different types of pairings
Now, why bother with pairings, you ask? Well, think of it as a culinary tango – each partner enhancing the other’s strengths, creating a dance of flavours that’ll make your taste buds twirl.
Moreover, the strategy of choosing between complementary and contrasting flavours adds an exciting dimension to the culinary experience.
Complementary pairings involve flavours that harmonise, enhancing and reinforcing each other’s qualities. For instance, the creamy richness of triple cream cheeses finds a perfect companion in the sweet and tart notes of fresh berries, creating a seamless and indulgent symphony.
On the flip side, contrasting pairings embrace the “opposites attract” philosophy, where flavours play off each other to create balance. Prosciutto, with its salty and savoury profile, provides a bold contrast to the luxurious creaminess of triple cream cheeses, resulting in a dynamic flavour dance that keeps the palate intrigued.
Whether choosing harmony or discord, the art of pairing is a personal journey that allows for endless creativity in crafting a cheese experience that’s uniquely yours.
Best food pairings for triple cream cheeses
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure like no other as we delve into the art of pairing with triple cream cheeses. The creamy decadence of these luscious delights deserves a supporting cast that enhances, contrasts and dances in perfect harmony.
1. Crusty baguette
The simplicity of crusty baguette slices provides the perfect textural contrast to triple cream cheeses. The crunchy exterior gives way to a soft interior, creating a satisfying bite that enhances the creamy goodness of the cheese without overpowering it.
Without a doubt, this is a classic pairing that lets the cheese shine.
2. Fresh berries
Let’s start with the vibrant acidity of fresh berries, like raspberries and strawberries. Unsurprisingly, these pair wonderfully with triple cream cheeses.
This is because their tartness cuts through the rich creaminess, creating a delightful balance. It’s a sweet and tangy dance that enhances the overall flavour profile, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for the next indulgent bite.
3. Green apple
The crispness and slight tartness of green apple slices provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the creamy richness of triple cream cheeses. Besides, the juicy crunch of the apple adds a lively element, creating a palate-cleansing effect that enhances the overall tasting experience.
4. Honey drizzle
Next, the golden sweetness of honey is a perfect companion to triple cream cheeses. Its natural sugars complement the cheese’s richness, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury notes.
Furthermore, the honey drizzle adds a luxurious touch, accentuating the velvety texture of the cheese for a truly indulgent experience.
5. Fig Jam
Continuing the trend of connecting sweet and savoury, we have triple cream cheese and fig jam. The sweet and slightly earthy flavour of fig jam is a sophisticated match for triple cream cheeses.
Indeed, the sweetness of the jam plays off the creaminess of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance that elevates both components. It’s a pairing that adds layers of complexity to each blissful bite.
6. Toasted almonds
Toasted almonds bring a delightful crunch to the creamy party. The nutty notes of the almonds complement the richness of triple cream cheeses, adding an earthy element that enhances the overall experience.
Together, triple cream cheese and almonds create a textural symphony that keeps your taste buds engaged.
7. Prosciutto
The saltiness and savoury depth of prosciutto create a dynamic contrast with the luxurious creaminess of triple cream cheeses. The rich, cured meat adds a savoury kick that intensifies the overall flavour experience, creating a perfect yin and yang on the palate.
8. Cornichons (gherkin pickles)
The crisp and bracing acidity of cornichons provides a zesty counterpoint to the rich and creamy texture of triple cream cheeses. The pickles add a refreshing bite that cleanses the palate, making each subsequent cheese bite as delightful as the first.
9. Smoked salmon
Now, this may seem fishy but trust me with this one!
The smoky, briny notes of smoked salmon create a luxurious pairing with triple cream cheeses. The silky texture of the salmon melds seamlessly with the creamy cheese, offering a combination of rich and slightly salty flavours that dance on the palate.
10. Truffle oil
Finally, the luxurious and earthy aroma of truffle oil elevates triple cream cheeses to new heights. The distinctive, savoury notes of truffle infuse the cheese with a decadent and aromatic quality, creating a pairing that feels like a gourmet celebration.
The richness of the truffle oil complements the creamy texture of the cheese, resulting in a sophisticated and indulgent flavour combination that is simply irresistible.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of the perfect palate symphony, exploring the best food pairings for triple cream cheeses has been nothing short of a gastronomic adventure.
From the sweet embrace of fresh berries to the earthy allure of truffle oil, each pairing has brought a unique note to the creamy nature of these luscious cheeses. Whether you prefer the harmony of complementary flavours or the thrill of contrasting textures, the world of triple cream cheeses offers a diverse range of companions to satisfy every craving.
So, next time you assemble a cheeseboard or embark on a solo indulgence, remember the artistry lies not just in the cheese itself but in the dance of flavours it shares with its perfect companions.
What’s your go-to food pairing for triple cream cheeses? Leave me a comment below to join the conversation.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
