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    Home » Boards & Trays

    Apple & Cheese Board with Apple Salsa

    Published: Mar 15, 2021 · Modified: Oct 28, 2022 by Zimmy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    An apple and cheese board with various sliced apples and cheese.

    Apple & Cheese Board with Apple Salsa

    Just because we can’t enjoy sampling Ontario Apples at the grocery store, doesn’t mean you can’t sample and try a taste testing at home! Adding apples to a cheese or charcuterie board is great option because the delicious (& healthy) slices act as the perfect crunchy cracker for cheese, meats and dips!

    We have paired four Ontario Apple Growers varieties with four cheeses plus an Apple Salsa to make a delicious cheese board!

    Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Ontario Apple Growers. Opinions in this post are my own.

    Apple and Cheese Pairing: Ambrosia & Brie

    Let’s start with one of my personal favourites the Ambrosia. It’s crisp, juicy and light on the acid. Try pairing Ambrosia apples with Brie for a delicious treat. We love adding Ambrosia apples to a charcuterie or cheese board because they resist browning and stay fresh and crisp!

    a close up of Ambrosia apple slices with Brie on a cheese board.

    Apple and Cheese Pairing: McIntosh with Smoked Habanero

    Now an apple we grew up with, the McIntosh. Mildly tart, juicy but it sweetens as it ripens. McIntosh are great with flavorful cheeses like this smoked habanero cheese. McIntosh apples are really delicious in savory preparations, we love adding them to a pizza.

    A close up of slices of McIntosh apples & smoked habanero cheese on a cheese board.

    Apple and Cheese Pairing: Honeycrisp with Blue

    Onto the Honeycrisp, they are sweet, juicy and crisp! The Honeycrisp is the perfect compliment for blue cheese. The crisp bright flavour of the Honeycrisp makes it a favourite to add to coleslaw as a perfect side to grilled meals.

    A close up of Honeycrisp apple slices and blue cheese on a cheese board.

    Apple and Cheese Pairing: Gala with Cheddar

    Finishing up with the Gala, they are sweet, fragrant and crisp! Gala apples are delicious on a skewer with cheddar. The Gala’s sweet flavor becomes milder when cooked making them a perfect addition to curry dishes!

    A close up od a cheese board with apples, a wedge of cheddar cheese, apple and cheese skewers, and a bowl of apple salsa.

    Check Out Our Video of our Cheese and Apple Taste Testing here

    Ontario apples rank among the best in the world

    The amazing growing conditions are due to the 3 great lakes moderating temperatures, creating warm sunny days and cool nights to create these tasty wonders of nature.

    Care and handling of Apples

    To keep the crunch in Ontario apples, store them in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator crisper. Cold, humid storage ensures that apples maintain their crispness, juicy texture and full flavour.

    Health Benefits of Apples

    Latest health related apple research indicates that apples may reduce the risk of: neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease and high cholesterol, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    TIP:

    Eat an apple 15 minutes before your biggest meal. The apple is filled with fibre and water, which will make you feel satiated sooner. As a result you will end up consuming fewer calories.

    We encourage you to try an apple and cheese board at home and sample the amazing variety of flavours of Ontario Apples! Be creative, have fun with the family and create your own!

    TRIED THIS RECIPE?

    If you get the chance to try this recipe, please drop back and leave us a comment and rating. We would love to know what you think.

    Cheers! James & Elaine

    A bowl of apple salsa on an apple and cheese board.

    Apple & Cheese Board with Apple Salsa

    A light, fresh and flavorful salsa to serve on a cheese or charcuterie board. Also, delicious served with pork or fish.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Condiments, Salad, Salsa
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 3 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ large apple x4, cored and small diced, of each: Ambrosia, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala
    • ⅓ cup red bell pepper seeded and small diced
    • ⅓ cup orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and small diced
    • ⅓ cup red onion diced
    • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
    • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
    • ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or substitute lime juice
    • 1 tsp. honey
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preparation:
    • In a bowl, mix together the balsamic, honey and a sprinkle of salt & pepper. Stir to combine, then add the onions and toss to coat. Let the onions sit in the vinegar for 10-15 minutes.
    • Next add the 4 varieties of diced apples to the bowl and toss. Mix until the apples are well coated in the vinegar (this will slow down the browning process).
    • Mix in the bell peppers, cilantro, and jalapeño, then toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if required. Use immediately or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

    Video

    Notes

    We built this apple and cheese board by pairing four Ontario apple varieties with four cheeses to make a delicious cheese board!
    • Ambrosia with brie
    • McIntosh with smoked habanero
    • Honeycrisp with blue
    • Gala with cheddar
    Adding apples to a cheese or charcuterie board is great option because the delicious (& healthy) slices function as the perfect crunchy cracker for cheese, meats and dips!
    Keyword Ambrosia Apple recipes, Ambrosia Apples, apple pairing, apple salsa, Apple salsa recipe, cheese and apples, Gala apple recipe, Honeycrisp apple recipes, McIntosh apple recipe, salsa with apples
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I’m James (aka Zimmy), a home chef who loves to grill year-round. In partnership with my wife Elaine, we work with and passionately promote the stories of local farmers, food producers/purveyors, as well as the products of companies who share our passion for quality, innovation and design.

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