Pineapple and cheese is a classic flavor combination that can make for an easy and delicious snack or meal. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs well with the salty savoriness of cheese. While traditional pairings use a melty cheese like mozzarella, you can experiment with many different types of cheese. The key is finding one that offers a good balance of flavors and textures to complement the juicy pineapple.
Quick Overview on Cheese and Pineapple
Cheese and pineapple work well together because their opposing flavors balance each other out. The sweetness of the pineapple contrasts with the saltiness of the cheese. The fruit’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dairy. The cheese also adds a creamy, fatty mouthfeel to contrast the pineapple’s juicy crunch.
This combination is popular for appetizers, snacks, and even entree salads. It’s a go-to topping for burgers and flatbreads in Hawaiian cuisine. You’ll also find it on dessert pizzas or combined with crackers as a party snack. It brings a fun twist to grilled cheese sandwiches.
When pairing cheese and pineapple, stick with cheeses that complement rather than overpower the fruit. Soft, mild cheeses tend to work best. The classic choice is mozzarella, prized for its melty texture and clean, milky flavor. But you can also experiment with creamy cheeses like brie, goat cheese, ricotta, and even cream cheese.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheese
Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a cheese to pair with pineapple:
Texture
You want a cheese that contrasts nicely with the pineapple’s juicy crunch. Soft, spreadable cheeses work well, as they can melt into the fruit. Firm cheeses like cheddar may pair better when sliced or shredded to add some texture interplay.
Flavor
Avoid strong, pungent cheeses that will overpower the pineapple. Go for a mild, fresh cheese that won’t compete too much with the sweetness. Tangy cheeses can complement the fruit’s acidity.
Saltiness
The salt in cheese balances out the sweetness of pineapple. A cheese with moderate saltiness prevents the pairing from being too cloying. But an overly salty cheese will make the pineapple seem sour.
Fat Content
The richness of cheese contrasts the juiciness of pineapple. Full-fat soft cheeses work best. Low-fat options won’t provide enough of a fatty mouthfeel and creamy balance.
Moisture
Dry cheeses won’t have the right texture against the pineapple’s moisture. Soft, spreadable cheeses with a high moisture content complement the fruit best.
Best Cheeses for Pineapple
Here are some of the most popular and delicious cheeses to pair with pineapple:
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the classic choice, prized for its mild flavor and melty, stretchy texture when melted. Fresh mozzarella provides a softer crunch, while low-moisture mozz melts into gooey deliciousness.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a great option, offering a tangy, creamy base for pineapple. Use it whipped in dips or frostings, or form it into soft blocks to slice or cube on top.
Ricotta
The mild, fresh flavor and pillowy soft texture of ricotta cheese make it an excellent match for juicy chunks of pineapple. Dollop it over pizza or flatbreads topped with pineapple.
Brie
Buttery, rich brie provides a nice counterpoint to sweet pineapple. The rind offers a subtle earthiness. Opt for a soft-ripened wheel and serve it warm for ultimate creaminess.
Feta
Crumbly feta adds a lovely saltiness and tang to balance pineapple’s sugar. Its firm texture stands up well when cubed and added to fruit salads or flatbreads.
Goat Cheese
The tangy, grassy flavor of soft goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Use it whipped, crumbled, or sliced.
Gouda
Gouda is a nice choice when you want just a little cheese flavor without overpowering the pineapple. Its mild, nutty sweetness complements the fruit.
Gruyère
Nutty, melty Gruyère makes a great partner for caramelized pineapple. It also grills wonderfully alongside pineapple slices or skewers.
Fontina
Mild Fontina melts beautifully over pineapple pizzas. Its creamy texture and slight earthiness work well with the sweet and tangy fruit.
Queso Blanco
This fresh white Mexican cheese offers a bit of acidity and salinity to balance pineapple’s sugar. It grills up nicely and also crumbles well over fruit.
Cheddar
Sharp cheddar provides a nice salty bite to contrast pineapple’s sweetness. Use a soft melty variety or shred a drier aged cheddar. White cheddar also works well.
Serving Ideas for Cheese and Pineapple
Here are some fun ways to serve up cheese and pineapple together:
Pizza
Top your pizza with pineapple chunks or rings along with mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan.
Quesadillas or Tacos
Mix pineapple with shredded cheese and stuff into quesadillas or tacos.
Fruit and Cheese Boards
Cube or slice several cheeses alongside pineapple on a cheese board.
Skewers
Alternate cheese cubes and pineapple chunks on skewers for grilling or dipping.
Salads
Toss pineapple with greens, nuts, and crumbled or sliced cheese.
Sandwiches
Add pineapple and cheese to sandwiches like grilled cheese, burgers, or deli sandwiches.
Parfaits
Layer whipped cream cheese or ricotta with pineapple chunks and granola in a parfait glass.
Flatbreads
Top flatbreads or naan with pineapple, cheese, and other toppings.
Crackers
Serve crackers topped with pineapple slices and cheese cubes as an appetizer.
Cheesecake
Make cheesecake with a pineapple topping or mix pineapple chunks into the batter.
Pancakes or Waffles
Top pancakes or waffles with grilled pineapple rings and ricotta cheese.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Dish
The best cheese for pineapple ultimately depends on the specific dish you’re making. Here are some cheese recommendations for different applications:
For Pizza:
Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, ricotta, fontina
For Quesadillas/Tacos:
Oaxaca, queso blanco, pepper jack, Colby jack
For Salads:
Crumbled feta, goat cheese, bleu cheese, grated Parmesan
For Sandwiches:
Havarti, gouda, gruyère, mild/melty cheddar
For Snacking:
Brie, fresh mozzarella, aged gouda, havarti, Swiss
For Desserts:
Cream cheese, mascarpone, ricotta, cottage cheese
Key Tips for the Best Pairing
Follow these tips for the ideal cheese and pineapple pairing every time:
- Choose a soft, mild, melty cheese so the pineapple remains the star.
- Match the cheese’s texture to the pineapple preparation (i.e. melted cheese over grilled pineapple).
- Opt for a creamier, fattier cheese to balance the juiciness of the fruit.
- Cut stronger-flavored hard cheeses into smaller pieces to mix with the pineapple.
- Pair sweeter pineapple varieties like golden pineapple with more acidic cheeses like goat cheese.
- Serve cubed cheese over shredded cheese for added texture.
- Try both savory and sweet preparations, like stuffing French toast with pineapple and cream cheese.
Conclusion
Pineapple and cheese may seem like an unlikely pairing, but their complementary flavors and textures make magic together. Soft, melty cheeses tend to work best, like mozzarella, brie, ricotta, and cream cheese. But don’t be afraid to experiment with a wide variety of cheeses in both sweet and savory dishes, from pizza to pancakes. With its tropical sweetness and tangy juiciness, pineapple matches beautifully with cheese’s rich, salty savoriness. Following basic cheese pairing principles will ensure you end up with the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and meltiness every time.