Cheese + Chocolate: An Unexpected Love Story

photo of broken choclate blocks in a stack

Let’s talk about a duo that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: cheese and chocolate. At first glance, they might seem like an odd couple—but once you’ve tasted the magic, there’s no going back.

They actually have loads in common. Both are fermented (hello, depth of flavour), shaped by where and how they’re made, and can be rich, velvety, earthy, complex, and bold.

Match Intensity

It’s all about balance. Light, delicate cheeses go best with milk or white chocolate, while stronger, more full-on cheeses can handle the depth of dark chocolate. It’s kind of like making sure no one at the table is shouting over the others—everyone gets their moment to shine.

Balance Texture

Texture’s where things get interesting. Creamy chocolate meets its match in a soft, lush cheese. Meanwhile, the firm bite of an aged cheddar plays beautifully with the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate block. It’s a little bit contrast, a little bit harmony—just like the best marriages.

Consider Flavour Profile

Let your tastebuds do some exploring. If your chocolate has nutty notes, reach for a cheese with a similar profile—maybe something aged and firm. If the chocolate’s got a savoury twist or bit of character (like sea salt or spice), try a washed rind cheese that can hold its own in the flavour stakes.

Dark Chocolate (65%+)

Best with bold, complex, or spicy cheeses

  • Blue Cheese
    Dark chocolate’s intensity is a perfect partner for the salty, tangy richness of blue. It’s bold-on-bold in the best way possible.
  • Aged Cheddar
    Sharp, nutty and full of character, an aged cheddar balances the deep richness of dark chocolate beautifully. Think grown-up comfort food with a twist.
  • Comté or Gruyère
    These nutty, savoury cheeses bring out the sweeter, fruitier notes in dark chocolate plus a little French flair never hurt anyone.
Milk Chocolate (30–50%)

Pairs best with soft cheeses and blooming beauties

  • Triple Crème
    Creamy, buttery triple crèmes and milk chocolate are a match made in melt-in-your-mouth heaven. It’s simple, elegant, and oh-so-satisfying.
  • Époisses
    For those who like their cheese with a bit of swagger, Époisses is gloriously creamy with a big, earthy funk. Can almost hear Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground now.
  • Gouda
    Aged Gouda brings a gentle nuttiness and a few salt crystals to balance the upfront sweetness of milk chocolate. Understated, but totally delicious.
stack of chocolate blocks
White Chocolate & Other Friends
  • Young Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
    White chocolate on its own can lean into cloying territory, but a fresh goat’s cheese brings the acidity and subtle earthiness it needs. Toss in some fresh berries—raspberries, blackberries, even a few dark plums—and you’ve got a flavour party.
  • Nut Chocolate & Alpine-style Cheese
    If you’ve got hazelnuts, almonds or any kind of nut in your chocolate, go for a nutty Alpine cheese like Gruyère or Appenzeller. They mirror each other beautifully, in that comforting, toasty way.
  • Salted Chocolate & Taleggio
    The salt in the chocolate boosts Taleggio’s buttery richness, making for a pairing that’s silky, indulgent, and just the right amount of daring.

 

Turns out cheese and chocolate are not an unlikely pairing, but a seriously satisfying one. Let your palate wander—who knows what you’ll discover next?

Reckon you’re up for something a bit more interesting than your average chocolate baking project?
Try these stunning Cheddar Brownies from Katie Quinn’s fabulous book “Cheese, Wine, and Bread.”

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