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Perfect Cheese and Produce Pairings

Kelsey Pass, our Grand Avenue Cheese Specialist, has put together a plethora of healthy cheese pairing ideas for you to try. This time of year, fresh Minnesota Grown tomatoes and our Signature Hand-Pulled Mozzarella are a given. However, there are many other dynamic duos to explore. Here are Kelsey's Live Well cheese picks and the best produce to enjoy with each:

Mexican Street Corn Mexican Street Corn

Corn

Sweet corn begs for a salty cheese to balance it.

Pair with:

  • Cotija – Sprinkle this classic Mexican cheese on top of seasoned cobs.
  • Artequeso Manchego – Grate and add to cooked corn dishes or serve alongside a corn salsa as part of a cheese plate.

Bell Peppers

Washed-rind, pungent cheeses contrast nicely with the crisp, fresh snap of peppers.

Pair with:

  • Red Hawk from Cowgirl Creamery
  • Taleggio
  • Alemar Cheese Company's Good Thunder (LOCAL)
Radish Cream Cheese Bagel Radish Cream Cheese Bagel

Radishes

Take a page from the radish-butter sandwich by swapping creamy cheese for butter.

Pair with:

  • Quark
  • Délice de Bourgogne
  • Boursin

Green Beans

Saltier, distinctive flavors play well with the earthiness of beans.

Pair with:

  • Feta
  • Fresh chèvre
  • Grana Padano
  • Blue cheese – This cheese is especially good with pickled green beans.
Baguette with Apple Slices, Blue Cheese and Walnuts Baguette with Apple Slices, Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Apples

Any and every Minnesota Grown apple is a great choice.

Pair with:

  • Caves of Faribault's St. Pete's Select Blue Cheese (LOCAL)
  • Red Dragon Cheddar (made with mustard seeds and ale)
  • Widmer's 6-Year Cheddar

Pears

A trickier partnership, these choices ensure that the flavor of the pear shines alongside the cheese.

"Pear" with:

  • Deer Creek's The MoonRabbit Cheddar
  • Aged Havarti
  • Hook’s Sheep’s Milk Gouda

Selection and availability of products vary by market.