Cheese and Pineapple: 25 Perfect Pairing Ideas

If you’re looking for a tasty and unique combination of flavors, look no further than pineapple and cheese.

While it may seem like an odd pairing at first, there are actually several types of cheese that pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple.

We’ve gone all out in attempt to provide you with as many tasty options as possible.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer milder, soft cheese like ricotta or cottage cheese or the substantial pungent taste of Roquefort or limburger – we’ve got them all covered!

Cheese and Pineapple Pairing Basics

Why Cheese and Pineapple Pair Well

When it comes to pairing cheese with pineapple, the two complement each other perfectly.

Why?

Because cheese has a savory and salty taste, while pineapple is sweet and tangy.

The sweetness of the pineapple helps to balance the saltiness of the cheese, while the acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Factors to Consider When Pairing Cheese with Pineapple

When choosing which cheese to pair with pineapple, there are a few factors to consider.

First, consider the texture of the cheese. A soft and creamy cheese, like brie, pairs well with the juicy texture of pineapple.

On the other hand, a harder cheese, like cheddar, can be paired with pineapple chunks for a satisfying crunch.

Second, consider the flavor of the cheese.

A mild cheese, like mozzarella, pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple whereas a stronger cheese, like blue cheese, can be paired with pineapple for a bold and flavorful combination.

Lastly, consider the occasion. If you are serving cheese and pineapple as an appetizer, consider pairing it with crackers or bread to make it a more substantial snack.

Soft Cheeses That Pair With Pineapple

Brie

If cheese was a canvas, then Brie would be the palette of a mild and creamy flavor. Pair it with a sweet and tangy pineapple, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.

The buttery taste of Brie beautifully complements the sweetness of the tropical fruit, making it a match made in culinary heaven.

Enjoy this delightful pairing by serving Brie with slices of juicy pineapple on a cheese board or create a warm and gooey appetizer by baking them together. 

Camembert

Picture a soft and velvety cheese that’s like a warm hug on a rainy day.

That’s Camembert, and it just happens to be a fantastic match for the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple.

Its earthy and nutty flavor serves as the perfect counterpoint to the tropical fruit’s natural sweetness.

Want to elevate your culinary experience even more? Try grilling pineapple slices and serving them alongside Camembert for a smoky, succulent treat.

Alternatively, top the cheese with a tangy pineapple salsa for a fresh and invigorating twist!

Cream Cheese

Ah, cream cheese, the unsung hero of the cheese world!

Its silky texture and tangy taste are a match made in culinary heaven when paired with the natural sweetness of pineapple.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a delightful appetizer, cream cheese and pineapple are always up for the challenge.

Feta

Looking for a flavor pairing that’s a little out of the ordinary?

Look no further than the bold and salty feta cheese, the perfect complement to the sweet and juicy taste of pineapple.

This crumbly cheese adds a tangy kick to any dish, enhancing the sweetness of the fruit and taking your taste buds on a wild ride.

For a delicious and refreshing twist, add some crumbled feta to a pineapple salad and watch the flavors come alive.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a distinct flavor that pairs well with pineapple.

This tangy and creamy cheese is a perfect match for the sweet and juicy taste of pineapple, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take.

Want to add some pizzazz to your party platter?

Spread some goat cheese on crostini and top it off with some succulent pineapple for a delicious and unique appetizer that’s sure to impress.

Feeling a little adventurous?

Why not add some goat cheese to your pineapple pizza for a bold and flavorful twist that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more?

Who says you can’t mix sweet and savory? With goat cheese and pineapple, anything is possible!

Ricotta

Who says cheese can’t be versatile? Not ricotta, that’s for sure!

This mild and creamy cheese is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, including those with pineapple.

The subtle flavor and smooth texture of ricotta complement the sweetness of the fruit like a match made in culinary heaven.

Want to take your pineapple game to the next level?

Blend ricotta into a pineapple smoothie or top your grilled pineapple with a generous dollop of this delicious cheese for a light and refreshing dessert.

Cheese Type	Description	Recommended Pairings
Brie	Mild and creamy with a buttery taste	Slices of juicy pineapple on a cheese board or baked together
Camembert	Soft and velvety with an earthy and nutty flavor	Grilled pineapple slices or pineapple salsa on top of the cheese
Cream Cheese	Silky texture and tangy taste	Quick snack or delightful appetizer
Feta	Bold and salty with a crumbly texture	Pineapple salad with crumbled feta
Goat Cheese	Tangy and creamy with a distinct flavor	Crostini topped with succulent pineapple or added to pineapple pizza
Ricotta	Mild and creamy, versatile for sweet and savory dishes	Pineapple smoothie or topping for grilled pineapple

Semi-Soft Cheeses That Go With Pineapple

Fontina

Listen up cheese lovers, if you’re looking for a cheese that can handle the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple, look no further than Fontina.

This semi-soft cheese hails from Italy and boasts a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of pineapple like a match made in heaven.

Not too overpowering, Fontina won’t compete with the bold flavor of pineapple, making it the ideal choice for those who want to savor both flavors in every bite!

Havarti

Let’s talk about Havarti cheese – a Danish delicacy that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!

With its smooth texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, it’s no wonder that it pairs perfectly with the tropical sweetness of pineapple.

But why settle for any old cheese when you can have the luxurious taste of Havarti?

Its buttery richness and subtle sweetness complement the pineapple in a way that no other cheese can.

And the best part?

It won’t overpower the fruit with its own strong flavor, but rather enhance the pairing with its creamy texture.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese that was first crafted in California. It boasts a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth texture, making it an ideal cheese for melting.

When paired with pineapple, its gentle flavor won’t overpower the sweetness of the fruit, but it will provide a creamy and delightful texture to the combination.

Cheese Type	Description	Recommended Pairings
Fontina	Semi-soft cheese with a mild, nutty flavor	Pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple without overpowering it
Havarti	Rich, creamy cheese with a subtle sweetness	Perfect complement to the tropical sweetness of pineapple without overpowering it
Monterey Jack	Semi-soft cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and smooth texture	Ideal for melting and pairing with pineapple for a creamy and delightful texture

Hard Cheeses That Pair With Pineapple

Cheddar

When it comes to pairing cheese with pineapple, cheddar cheese is a no-brainer.

The sharp and tangy flavor of cheddar perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit, creating a harmonious taste experience. But don’t settle for just any cheddar.

Aged cheddar is the way to go, as it offers a more complex flavor that can stand up to the acidity of the pineapple.

So next time you’re indulging in some juicy pineapple, be sure to have a block of aged cheddar at the ready for the ultimate flavor combo.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack cheese, with its mild taste and buttery texture, is a delightful complement to the sweetness of pineapple.

This cheese is perfect for slicing and serving with pineapple, allowing you to enjoy a balanced flavor experience with every bite.

Whether you’re looking to create a tasty cheese platter or to add some zing to your fruit salad, Colby Jack is a great choice for those who enjoy a milder cheese flavor.

Its smooth texture makes it easy to slice and serve, making it a perfect cheese for any occasion.

Gouda

Listen up, cheese lovers! If you’re looking for the perfect cheese to pair with pineapple, then look no further than gouda.

This semi-hard cheese has got it all – a nutty and buttery flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, then try an aged gouda for an even more intense flavor that can stand up to the acidity of the pineapple.

Trust us, once you try this pairing, you won’t go back to anything else.

Manchego

Manchego cheese, the pride of Spain, is a perfect match for pineapple.

Its nutty and buttery flavor blends effortlessly with the fruit’s sweetness, creating a harmonious and flavorful pairing.

Moreover, its firm texture allows for easy slicing and serving with pineapple, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese, known for its robust and sharp flavor, is an excellent choice for pairing with pineapple.

Its salty and nutty taste harmonizes with the fruit’s sweetness, creating a balanced and palatable combination.

Thanks to its hard texture, Parmesan can be grated or shaved into small pieces, making it easy to sprinkle over pineapple for a delightful burst of flavor.

Whether you’re looking to add some complexity to your fruit salad or elevate your pineapple pizza, Parmesan cheese is the way to go.

Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is the yin to pineapple’s yang – their flavors complement each other like the perfect dance partners.

The salty and tangy notes of the cheese perfectly balance out the fruit’s natural sweetness, resulting in a harmonious flavor explosion.

Plus, its crumbly texture adds a delightful crunch to the juicy pineapple, making it a match made in heaven.

So, the next time you want to add a little excitement to your fruit platter, sprinkle some Pecorino Romano on top and watch the taste buds tango.

Provolone

Provolone cheese is the silent hero that brings balance to the tropical party of pineapple.

Its creamy flavor and smooth texture blend effortlessly with the fruit’s sweetness, creating a perfect harmony.

Whether you slice it or serve it grated, provolone’s versatility will make it an easy match for your pineapple dish.

The semi-hard cheese brings just the right amount of creaminess without overpowering the fruity notes.

Swiss

Swiss cheese, the tried and true pairing pal, is a match made in heaven for pineapple.

Its nutty and sweet flavor effortlessly harmonizes with the fruit’s sweetness, creating a dynamic duo that your taste buds won’t forget anytime soon.

Its firm texture also makes it a breeze to slice and serve with pineapple, giving you a delicious and versatile pairing option for any occasion.

Cheese Type	Description	Recommended Pairings
Cheddar	Sharp and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of pineapple	Aged cheddar for a more complex flavor that can stand up to acidity
Colby Jack	Mild taste and buttery texture that complements the sweetness of pineapple	Perfect for slicing and serving with pineapple
Gouda	Semi-hard cheese with a nutty and buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of pineapple	Aged gouda for an even more intense flavor
Manchego	Nutty and buttery flavor that blends effortlessly with the sweetness of pineapple	Firm texture allows for easy slicing and serving
Parmesan	Robust and sharp flavor that harmonizes with the sweetness of pineapple	Grated or shaved over pineapple for a delightful burst of flavor
Pecorino Romano	Salty and tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of pineapple	Crumbly texture adds a delightful crunch
Provolone	Creamy flavor and smooth texture that complements the sweetness of pineapple	Slice or grate for a versatile pairing option
Swiss	Nutty and sweet flavor that harmonizes with the sweetness of pineapple	Firm texture makes it easy to slice and serve

Blue Cheeses That Go With Pineapple

Blue Cheese

The delectable blue cheese is a distinctive type of cheese with intricate veins of blue mold running through it.

Its assertive and pungent flavor is both sharp and salty, which makes it a perfect match for the sweet taste of pineapple.

Although it’s frequently used in salads, blue cheese also blends effortlessly with pineapple, creating a unique combination of flavors that is truly unforgettable.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola, the bold and creamy Italian blue cheese, is a flavor powerhouse.

Its pungent aroma and tangy taste can awaken your taste buds in ways you never thought possible.

But fear not, for when paired with the sweet and juicy pineapple, the flavors balance out in a harmonious duet.

The creamy texture of the Gorgonzola complements the softness of the fruit, resulting in a mouthwatering and irresistible combination.

Roquefort

As the French say, “tout est bon dans le cochon,” or “everything is good in the pig,” and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to Roquefort.

This type of blue cheese is a true delight to the taste buds. Made in southern France, Roquefort is aged in limestone caves, which gives it a distinctive crumbly texture and a tangy, pungent flavor.

Now, while some might think that pairing such a strong cheese with a sweet fruit like pineapple would be a mistake, they couldn’t be more wrong.

The sweetness of the fruit actually balances out the sharpness of the Roquefort, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

It’s no wonder that Roquefort is a popular choice for cheese plates and appetizers, and when paired with pineapple, it’s simply irresistible.

Stilton

Stilton, the milder cousin of the blue cheese family hailing from England, has a creamy texture that is a match made in heaven with the sweetness of pineapple.

Unlike its more pungent counterparts, Stilton boasts a subtler flavor that dances harmoniously with the fruit.

When it comes to pairing blue cheese with pineapple, it’s crucial to find a cheese that doesn’t overpower the fruit’s delicate sweetness.

The goal is for the cheese to complement the pineapple, not steal the show.

Cheese Type	Description	Recommended Pairings
Blue Cheese	Distinctive cheese with intricate veins of blue mold; assertive and pungent flavor that complements the sweet taste of pineapple	Frequently used in salads; blends effortlessly with pineapple for a unique combination of flavors
Gorgonzola	Bold and creamy Italian blue cheese with pungent aroma and tangy taste that complements the sweet and juicy pineapple	Creamy texture complements the softness of the fruit
Roquefort	French blue cheese aged in limestone caves with crumbly texture and tangy, pungent flavor that balances out the sweetness of pineapple	Popular choice for cheese plates and appetizers; creates a perfect harmony of flavors with pineapple
Stilton	Milder cousin of the blue cheese family from England with a creamy texture that harmonizes with the sweetness of pineapple	Ideal pairing should not overpower the fruit’s delicate sweetness

Other Cheeses That Go With Pineapple

Cottage Cheese

As you search for a healthier cheese option to pair with pineapple, consider the humble yet versatile cottage cheese.

With its creamy texture and mild flavor, it creates a harmonious balance with the tropical sweetness of pineapple.

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to elevate the taste experience.

Plus, with its low-fat content, you can indulge guilt-free in this delicious and nutritious pairing.

Limburger

Are you tired of playing it safe with your cheese and fruit pairings?

Then it’s time to spice things up with a bold choice – Limburger cheese paired with sweet pineapple!

This cheese is not for the faint of heart, with its pungent aroma and strong flavor, but when combined with the sweetness of pineapple, it creates a deliciously unique and unforgettable taste experience.

So, if you’re a fan of strong cheeses and looking to try something new, give Limburger and pineapple a chance – you won’t regret it!

Mozzarella

Mozzarella – the versatile cheese that can jazz up any dish, even pineapple!

With its smooth and stretchy texture and mild flavor, mozzarella makes the perfect accompaniment to this tropical fruit.

Whether it’s melting over a juicy slice of Hawaiian pizza or sitting pretty on a fruit and cheese platter, mozzarella is a delicious and reliable choice.

Pepper Jack

Are you tired of the same old boring cheeseburgers and sandwiches?

Well, it’s time to spice things up with a delicious combination of pineapple and Pepper Jack cheese! This unique pairing is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its sweet and spicy flavors.

Pepper Jack cheese, with its distinctively spicy flavor and smooth texture, is the perfect match for the sweetness of pineapple.

The combination of these two flavors creates a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more.

Plus, it’s a great way to add some excitement to your usual cheeseburger or sandwich routine.

Cheese Type	Description	Recommended Pairings
Cottage Cheese	Creamy and mild cheese that creates a harmonious balance with the sweetness of pineapple; add cinnamon or honey for extra flavor	A healthier option that allows guilt-free indulgence
Limburger	Pungent and strong cheese with a bold taste that pairs well with sweet pineapple; creates a unique and unforgettable taste experience	For those who are a fan of strong cheese and looking for something new
Mozzarella	Smooth and stretchy cheese with mild flavor that is perfect for pairing with pineapple; versatile cheese that can jazz up any dish	Great on Hawaiian pizza or fruit and cheese platter
Pepper Jack	Distinctively spicy cheese with smooth texture that pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple; creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors	Great for adding excitement to cheeseburgers and sandwiches