Pairing Dark Chocolate With Cheese: Our Complete Guide

Pairing dark chocolate with cheese might seem like an unusual combination, but it doesn’t have to be. They can actually make for a delicious and sophisticated snack or dessert. The key is to pair the right kinds of dark chocolate and cheeses together. 

Here is our guide to pairing dark chocolate with cheese:

Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content

The higher the cocoa content, the more intense and complex the flavor of the chocolate will be. This is important because you want the chocolate to hold its own against the flavor of the cheese.

Le Chocolat des Iles has high-quality chocolate made with 70% cocoa content, which gives it a rich and intense flavor. The cocoa beans used to make this chocolate are sourced and crafted to produce a smooth and luxurious chocolate experience. The high cocoa content also makes it a great option for pairing dark chocolate with cheese. The bold flavors stand up to the strong flavors of various types of cheeses. 

Additionally, the smooth texture of Le Chocolat des Iles makes it a perfect choice for melting and using in baking. Overall, they include top-notch dark chocolate bars that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Select a cheese that is strong and savory

When pairing cheese with dark chocolate, it is important to select a cheese that is strong and savory in flavor. This will balance out the sweetness of the chocolate. Some good options for pairing with dark chocolate include:

Blue cheese: Strong, salty, and tangy, blue cheese can be a great match for dark chocolate. The bold flavors of the cheese stand up well to the rich, chocolatey flavors of the chocolate.

Cheddar: A sharp, aged cheddar can be a great option for pairing with dark chocolate. The sharpness of the cheese helps to cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a nice balance of flavors.

Gorgonzola: Similar to blue cheese, gorgonzola is a strong, tangy cheese that pairs well with dark chocolate. The creamy texture of the cheese also pairs well with the smooth texture of the chocolate.

Pecorino: This sheep’s milk cheese has a salty, savory flavor that can be a great match for dark chocolate. The strong flavors of the cheese help to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

When pairing cheese with dark chocolate, it is important to experiment and find a combination that works for you. You may also want to consider the specific flavors of the chocolate and cheese you are using. This also includes any additional ingredients or flavors that you may want to incorporate into the pairing.

Consider the texture of the cheese

In addition to considering the flavor of the cheese, it is also important to consider its texture. Different textures can affect the experience of the pairing, and some textures may be more or less compatible with chocolate.

For example, creamy, soft cheeses such as brie or camembert may pair well with dark chocolate due to their smooth, velvety texture. The creamy texture of these cheeses can complement the smooth texture of the chocolate, creating a harmonious mouthfeel.

On the other hand, firmer, crumbly cheeses such as feta or goat cheese may not pair as well due to their texture. These cheeses can be more difficult to eat with chocolate due to their crumbly consistency, and the combination may not be as pleasing.

It is important to consider the texture of the cheese when pairing it with dark chocolate in order to create a harmonious and enjoyable flavor experience. It may be helpful to experiment with different textures and find a combination that works well for you.