Cheese and Charcuterie Pairing for a Merry Christmas

by Maison Morand

When it comes to festive gatherings, nobody quite does it like the French. A traditional French cheese and charcuterie board can transform a grand Christmas celebration or an intimate dinner into an artful and unforgettable experience.

The history of these culinary delights traces back to ancient times when preservation techniques like salt and smoke were employed to extend the shelf life of meat and milk. These delectable pairings, initially born out of necessity, evolved into staples in the European diet during the Middle Ages, providing portable sustenance for people from all walks of life.

Today, the tradition of assembling a cheese and charcuterie board transcends borders, captivating global palates with its quality and versatility. This communal offering has become more than just a prelude to a meal—it's a centrepiece, injecting colour, texture, and flavour into the heart of the holiday table.

Read on to learn how to make the harmonious pairing of these culinary delights the centrepiece of your festive gatherings this Christmas season.

 

Mastering the Art of Pairing

Pairing cheese and charcuterie isn't just about placing them on a board—it's a nuanced art that requires a deep understanding of various approaches, tools, and factors influencing the combinations.

One effective method involves aligning cheese and meat based on shared characteristics such as flavour, texture, or intensity. Consider, for example, the harmonious pairing of mild and creamy brie with delicate prosciutto. On the flip side, exploring contrasts in elements like sweetness, acidity, or spiciness can lead to intriguing combinations, as witnessed in the fusion of sharp blue cheese with Veal Truffle Salami. Another approach takes inspiration from regional pairings, connecting cheese and meat from the same geographic area, like the classic duo of Spanish manchego with chorizo or French camembert with Beef Cecina.

Each pairing approach has its unique merits, influenced by your guests' occasion, mood, and preferences. To navigate these nuances, leverage tools like the flavour wheel and cheese clock. The flavour wheel categorises cheese flavours, from nutty to floral to earthy, while the cheese clock classifies types based on texture and ripeness—soft, semi-hard, or hard.

Considerations of quality, origin, and seasonality are paramount. Opt for high-quality, fresh, and well-preserved cheese and meat. Consider the origin and seasonality of your selections, as these factors greatly influence flavour and availability. Be attentive to your guests' preferences, including dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural backgrounds. Communicate the ingredients and pairings, offering diverse options to cater to various tastes. Finally, ensure you store and serve the cheese and meat at the right temperature and time to guarantee optimal freshness and flavour. These practical tips will empower you to master the art of creating a delightful and satisfying cheese and charcuterie board this Christmas.


Top Pairings for UAE Palates

In the UAE, where palates appreciate a blend of flavours, the art of cheese and charcuterie pairing takes on a distinct local flair. As the festive season approaches, infuse your holiday gatherings with a touch of Christmas magic by exploring these curated combinations that marry the rich traditions of the UAE with the warmth of the season.


Truffle Brie with Beef Bresaola
The luxurious aroma of Truffle Brie pairs seamlessly with the lean and savoury notes of Beef Bresaola. This combination offers a delicate dance of earthy and meaty flavours, creating an exquisite and sophisticated pairing.
Comté 18-month with Veal Prosciutto
The nutty and aged profile of Comté 18-month beautifully complements the delicate sweetness of Veal Prosciutto. This pairing creates a symphony of textures, ranging from the crumbly cheese to the velvety prosciutto, resulting in a harmonious and refined experience.
Brie with Bresaola Punto d’Anca
The creamy and mild profile of Brie contrasts elegantly with the bold, beefy flavour of Bresaola Punto d’Anca. This combination offers a delightful balance of richness and meatiness, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
Comté 24-month with Wagyu Beef Pancia
The intense flavours of aged Comté 24-month complement the marbled richness of Wagyu Beef Pancia. This pairing presents a bold and robust experience, showcasing the depth of both the cheese and the beef.
Brie with Veal Prosciutto
The creamy and mild profile of Brie contrasts elegantly with the velvety texture of Veal Prosciutto. The richness of Brie enhances the delicate flavours of the veal, resulting in a luxurious and indulgent pairing.
Hercule with Salame Milano Beef
The robust and spicy Hercule pairs wonderfully with the savoury and peppery notes of Salame Milano Beef. This combination creates a powerful and flavorful ensemble, perfect for those who enjoy a more intense tasting experience.
Tomme du Berry with Truffle with Veal Truffle Salami
The earthy Tomme du Berry with Truffle finds a perfect companion in the aromatic Veal Truffle Salami. This pairing brings together the rustic truffle-infused cheese with the bold flavours of the veal salami, creating a complex and indulgent combination.
Raclette Savoie with Spicy Salami Spianata
The creamy Raclette Savoie provides a smooth backdrop to the bold and spicy flavours of Spicy Salami Spianata. This combination offers a balance of creaminess and heat, creating a dynamic and flavorful experience.
Moliterno Tartufo with Wagyu Beef Chorizo
The rich and earthy Moliterno Tartufo pairs harmoniously with the bold and smoky Wagyu Beef Chorizo. This pairing offers a balance of creaminess and intensity, creating a memorable and satisfying combination.
Gorgonzola with Veal Truffle Salami
The bold flavours of Gorgonzola find a perfect match in the aromatic Veal Truffle Salami. The blue cheese's intensity complements the truffle-infused salami, resulting in a complex and indulgent pairing.
Parmigiano (24 months) with Beef Pancetta Arrotolata
The aged and granular texture of Parmigiano (24 months) pairs well with the savoury richness of Beef Pancetta Arrotolata. The nutty notes of the cheese enhance the flavours of the beef, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.
Manchego (12 months) with Veal Salami Casalingo
The nutty Manchego pairs well with the savoury and traditional Veal Salami Casalingo. The firm texture of Manchego provides a satisfying contrast to the bold flavours of the salami, resulting in a well-balanced and savoury combination.
Gruyère with Wagyu Beef Peppercorn Salame
The sweet and slightly salty Gruyère complements the peppery notes of Wagyu Beef Peppercorn Salame. The combination offers a balanced interplay of tastes, creating a dynamic and flavorful experience.
Beaufort with Rocamadour
The rich and creamy Beaufort contrasts beautifully with the creamy Rocamadour. This pairing creates a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, combining the nutty Beaufort with the mild and earthy notes of Rocamadour.
Roquefort with Saint-Marcellin
The bold and tangy Roquefort pairs harmoniously with the rich and creamy texture of Saint-Marcellin. This combination offers a balance of creaminess and intensity, creating a memorable and satisfying experience.
Mozzarella with Beef Pancetta Arrotolata
The fresh and stretchy texture of Mozzarella pairs well with the savoury richness of Beef Pancetta Arrotolata. The mildness of Mozzarella allows the flavours of the beef to shine, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.
Halloumi with Wagyu Beef Peppercorn Salami
The unique semi-hard texture of Halloumi, perfect for grilling, contrasts with the peppery notes of Wagyu Beef Peppercorn Salami. This pairing offers a balance of textures and a delightful play of spiciness and mildness.
Comté with Beef Salsicia
The nutty and fruity notes of Comté balance beautifully with the robust flavours of Beef Salsicia. The combination provides a harmonious blend of textures and intensities, creating a savoury and satisfying pairing.
Manchego with Veal Chorizo
The nutty Manchego pairs well with the spicy kick of Veal Chorizo. The firm texture of Manchego provides a satisfying contrast to the bold flavours of the chorizo, resulting in a well-balanced and savoury combination.
Rocamadour with Beef Cecina
The creamy Rocamadour pairs harmoniously with the rich and savoury flavours of Beef Cecina. The mild and earthy notes of Rocamadour complement the depth of the beef, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

When orchestrating cheese and charcuterie pairings in the UAE, respect halal or vegetarian preferences by sourcing from reputable suppliers such as Maison Morand. Provide clear labelling of ingredients and origin, offer diverse options, including plant-based alternatives, and communicate openly with guests regarding their preferences and expectations. This ensures that every pairing is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a respectful nod to your guests and the diverse culinary landscape of the UAE.


Tips for Balancing Flavours

One of the joys of cheese and charcuterie pairing is discovering the different flavours that emerge from each combination. However, not all flavours work well together, and some may overpower or clash with others. To achieve a harmonious balance of flavours, here are some tips to keep in mind:


  • Mix the Textures
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    Pair mild cheeses with mild meats, and strong cheeses with robust meats. Avoid pairing mild and strong flavours together, as they may mask or overwhelm each other.

  • Match the Intensity
    •

    Combine soft cheeses with crunchy meats, or hard cheeses with chewy meats. Mix and match different textures to create contrast and variety.

  • Add Some Sweetness and Acidity
    •

    Enhance and balance the flavours of cheese and meat by pairing them with fruits, jams, pickles, honey, vinegar, or mustard. These ingredients introduce sweetness, acidity, or spiciness to the ensemble.

  • Optimal Freshness
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    To maintain optimal freshness, set out the board shortly before serving. Cover it lightly to prevent drying out but leave room for guests to easily access the items.

  • Let Your Guests Customise
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    Encourage guests to personalise their experience by trying different combinations. Provide small labels or cards with suggested pairings to spark creativity.


    Setting the Christmas Mood

    When it comes to creating a cheese and charcuterie board for the Christmas occasion, the presentation is key to setting the festive mood. Elevate your holiday gathering with these tips on decor and arrangement:

    Choose a Theme

    Select a colour scheme or motif that reflects your personal style and the spirit of the season. Whether it's a classic red and green theme, a rustic and cosy setting, or a modern and chic ambience, your theme sets the tone. Consider regional or cultural themes, such as French, Italian, or Scandinavian, to add an extra layer of charm.

    Select a Board

    Choose a board that aligns with your theme and accommodates the size of your gathering. Options range from wooden boards to marble or slate, and even large plates or trays. Ensure your board is clean and sturdy, and provides ample space for cheese, meat, and accompaniments.

    Decorate Your Board

    Add festive touches with natural or artificial elements like fresh or dried fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, flowers, or candles. Consider using edible or removable ornaments, ribbons, or lights to bring sparkle and colour without compromising flavours or hygiene.

    Arrange Your Board

    Carefully and creatively arrange cheese, meat, and accompaniments on the board. Play with different shapes, sizes, and heights to create visual interest and balance. Utilise bowls, jars, or spoons to showcase certain items. Labels, flags, or toothpicks can help identify or separate components. Ensure the arrangement is easy to access and enjoy for your guests.

    Serve Your Board

    Present your board at the right time and place for your occasion. Indoor or outdoor settings depend on weather and ambience, and you must ensure the board is well-lit and well-ventilated, with enough plates, napkins, and utensils for your guests.

    This Christmas season, explore the endless possibilities and make the assembly of a cheese and charcuterie board a cherished memory—one that brings people together, celebrates shared moments, and, above all, crafts an artful and unforgettable experience. Cheers to a season filled with the warmth of tradition and the joy of culinary exploration!

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