Ultimate Fruit & Cheese Pairing Guide

A succulent staple in cuisines around the globe, it’s safe to say that fruit and cheese were simply made for each other.

Put the juicy sweetness of fresh fruit and the creamy sharpness of our farmers’ best cheeses together and you have a bite made in flavor heaven. Fruit and cheese pairings are great year-round, but also give you the chance to eat locally and celebrate the best of what’s in season. And since these two great tastes go so well together, you can try different combinations and discover your own favorites. To get you started, here are some can’t miss fruit and cheese pairings that will delight your taste buds and impress party guests.

Habanero + Mango

Habanero’s intense heat is cut nicely by the juicy sweetness of ripe mango, which brings out the citrus notes in the pepper. Top a cracker with a slice of Cabot’s Habanero Cheddar Cheese and a quick salsa made with diced mangos, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a knock-your-socks-off, sweet-and-spicy bite.

White Oak + Grapes

White Oak’s subtle sweetness and smooth texture complement the fresh tart sweetness of grapes. Roast grapes with olive oil and balsamic and spoon atop a crostini with chunks of White Oak Cheddar Cheese.

Vermont Sharp + Plums

Vermont Sharp’s slight acidity and buttery tang pairs well with the juicy sweetness of plums. Sauté chopped plums in olive oil, honey, salt, and fresh ground pepper until warm, then pour over an 8-oz bar of Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Serve with crackers. Enjoy!

Extra Sharp + Pears

Extra Sharp Cheddar’s citrusy tang is the ideal companion for the sweet tender juiciness of pears. Top warm, spiced poached pears with grated Extra Sharp, a dollop of yogurt, pecans, and dried cranberries for a slightly savory take on dessert.

Seriously Sharp + Peaches

Seriously Sharp’s bold flavor is the perfect complement for the slightly tart sweetness of peaches. Top grilled peach halves with grated cheddar and garnish with honey, chopped nuts, and basil for a fun summer side dish or dessert.

Lite50 Sharp + Strawberries

Lite50 Sharp Cheddar’s creamy, savory flavor is the perfect match for the tangy sweetness of ripe strawberries. Add chunks of Lite50 Sharp Cheddar to a classic Strawberry Spinach Salad to bump up the protein for a light, yet flavorful lunch.