The Best Type Of Cheese To Pair With Pineapple

The true sign of a successful cheese board is a play of flavors and textures. Though you might not think to reach for pineapple as a complementary fruit, it actually goes wonderfully with cheese. But pineapple is especially meant to be with some cheeses more than others — specifically harder cheeses.

Hard or semi-hard cheeses contain less moisture, which provides a firmer texture to the bite. Such cheeses like parmesan, manchego, gruyere, and comté all go well with pineapple, since the firm texture of these hard cheeses contrasts perfectly with the juiciness of the fruit. Additionally, harder cheeses are typically aged longer, which results in more nuanced and complex flavor profiles.

Beyond the sweet and salty flavor contrast that works well when pairing hard cheeses with the caramel-like sweetness of pineapple, there are actually chemical compounds shared between pineapple and certain hard cheeses that complement one another, too. For instance, many hard cheeses share subtle fruity aromatics that also appear in pineapple's signature tropical notes. When combined with pineapple, the fruity, floral notes present in some hard cheeses are enhanced and brightened.  

Most semi-hard or hard cheeses go well with pineapple — if you've ever tasted Hawaiian pineapple pizza, you know this. But if you want to get serious when picking your pairings, it's wise to consider complementary flavors and aromatics. In "The Flavor Thesaurus," a well-known book that serves as a food sensory guide, author Niki Segnit recommends pairing pineapple with hard cheeses, playing on their shared aromatic compounds. She notes, "The flavors can be naturally harmonious: the pineapple note of ethyl caproate is present in some of the world's finest cheese, including comté, Lincolnshire Poacher, and parmesan."

Ethyl caproate, also known as ethyl hexanoate, gives way to fruity aromas and flavors like pineapple and banana. Niki Segnit says that the aromatic compound also "occurs naturally in clove, figs, and wine" as well. Just like contrasting juicy and firm textures can be pleasing to the bite, matching flavors in cheese and pineapple can accentuate their subtle flavors. Similar to sipping certain fruit-forward wines with cheese, pineapple highlights the floral, fruity side in several hard cheeses.

Subtle elements of nuttiness and fruit in parmesan, fontina, or comté cheese complement pineapple's tropical, sweet, and even buttery notes particularly well. These complex, nuanced sensory aspects of hard cheeses (particularly aged cheese) might otherwise go unnoticed. Pineapple helps bring those fruity, floral subtleties out.

While the complementary flavors and contrasting textures of hard cheese and pineapple are sure to delight when placed together on a cheese board, you can also pair the two in other culinary applications. As a sweet-savory appetizer, consider caramelizing cubes of pineapple and skewering them between pieces of sliced manchego cheese. Or make a refreshing salad with mixed greens, juicy pineapple slices, and shaved parmesan.

Did you know that cheesy pineapple casserole is a thing? Enjoyed on holidays like Easter, the dish is made by combining simple ingredients like pineapple, butter, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers. The only way to experience the comforting play of flavors is to try it yourself.

And beyond hard and semi-hard cheeses, of course, you can pair pineapple with other cheeses too. Some cooks like to pair pineapple with creamy, pungent blue cheese. Some bakers have perfected the art of placing pineapple slices between layers of carrot cake with silky cream cheese frosting. Really, there's no limit to enjoying pineapple with cheese — but give the fruit a try with a hard cheese, and your tastebuds will thank you.

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