We love chocolate and cheese at Vosges Haut-Chocolat so much so that our talented chefs have thoughtfully paired these two delicacies in three signature creations—the Cheddar and Apple, Manchego and Cherry, and Parmesan, Walnut and Fig chocolate bars.
Chocolate and cheese share some surprising similarities. Both rely on fermentation, time, and craft to develop their deep, complex flavors. When paired, they enhance each other beautifully. The salt and cream of cheese balance the sweetness and richness of chocolate. Together, chocolate and cheese create layers of flavor that are bold and unexpected.
Keep reading for guidance on chocolate cheese pairings.
Pairing Guidelines
Chocolate and cheese are both rich and decadent. Pairing these indulgences well really comes down to balance. The flavors and textures should complement, not compete with, one another. Start with these simple principles:
● Match intensity. Strong cheeses, such as blue, aged cheddar, or washed-rind styles, pair well with dark chocolates that have a higher cacao content. Softer cheeses, such as brie or camembert, pair well with milk or white chocolate.
● Play with contrast. Salty, earthy cheese brings out the sweetness of chocolate, while a fruit-forward chocolate highlights the tangy or nutty notes in cheese.
● Think about texture. Creamy cheeses pair well with smooth chocolate, while chocolate that includes nuts or nibs is great with firmer, aged cheeses.
● Add small accents. A drizzle of honey, fresh or dried figs, or a touch of truffle salt can bring the two elements together.
Hosting a Cheese and Chocolate Soiree
Use these tips to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can explore flavor and texture with no fuss:
Make things easy for guests.
Pre-cut cheese and chocolate into small portions so everyone can create a perfect bite. Guests are more likely to dive in when portions are laid out as delicious bites.
Find unique crunchy bites.
Try parmesan crisps with dark chocolate or pair ricotta with our Raw Honey Cacao Bar. These combinations offer texture and surprise.
Pair with a selection of high-quality nuts.
Skip basic snack mixes and choose high-quality options like roasted pine nuts, macadamias, or Marcona almonds.
Choose complementary drinks.
Champagne, port, or Scotch work beautifully with chocolate and cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a citrus twist.
Include something unexpected.
Bacon with chocolate or olives with white chocolate are playful and memorable combinations.
Mix things up.
Experiment freely. Try different combinations of chocolate with cheese, tea, spirits, or wine, and see which pairings surprise you or create unexpected harmony.
Offer a guided tasting moment.
Encourage guests to savor the flavors slowly and notice which ones appear first—salt, sweetness, spice, or cream.
Our Fave Chocolate and Cheese Pairings:
Want to impress your guests? Try these decadent pairings.
Pairing: Bianco Sottobosco studded with Perugian black truffles + Olio d’Oliva Exotic Truffle
Why we love it: The bright flavor of the cheese and the earthiness of the black truffles play beautifully against the olive oil truffle’s grassy notes.
Pairing: Cowgirl Creamery Chimney Rock + Brown Butter Exotic Truffle
Why we love it: The earthy rind and tangy center of the cheese pair perfectly with the chocolate truffle’s nutty brown butter for a rich, toasted harmony.
Pairing: 12-month aged Manchego + Chef Pascal Exotic Truffle
Why we love it: Nutty, aged Manchego cheese is the perfect complement to the tart-sweet Michigan cherry in the dark chocolate truffle.
Pairing: Jasper Hill Farm Bayley Hazen Blue + Ambrosia Exotic Truffle
Why we love it: The earthy intensity of the blue cheese is balanced by the sweet-bitter orange notes of the Cointreau™ and hints of vanilla in the white chocolate truffle.
Pairing: Capriole Goat Cheese “Sofia” + Gold Leaf Praline Bonbon
Why we love it: The tangy, lactic brightness of the goat cheese brings out the praline’s roasted hazelnut and golden caramel layers.
Bringing It All Together
A chocolate and cheese experience is about savoring the layers of flavor and taking the time to enjoy them. Create a relaxed setting with soft lighting and music, and invite guests to indulge in thoughtful pairings from the Vosges cheese and chocolate collection.
When you explain how certain ingredients are sourced—such as the high-quality cacao in Vosges chocolate creations, or the region where a particular cheese is made—you turn a casual tasting into a storytelling experience.
With a few thoughtful details and a spirit of curiosity, you’ll create a shared experience guests will remember.
