There’s something universally appealing about a well-curated cheese board: the textures, flavors, and aromas come together in perfect harmony to delight the senses. While many cheese boards focus solely on the cheese itself, part of the fun lies in discovering accompaniments that enhance each cheese’s character—like sweet jams, fresh fruit, or tangy pickles. One standout companion that has gained popularity in recent years is black garlic, beloved for its mellow sweetness and deep umami punch. When paired thoughtfully, black garlic can transform your cheese-tasting experience, especially with a selection of German cheeses.

This blog post explores the magic of pairing black garlic with some of Germany’s finest cheeses, rounded out with quality butter and hearty bread.

What Makes Black Garlic Special?

Black garlic is made by aging whole bulbs of garlic under controlled heat and humidity for several weeks. This process causes the cloves to turn black, soft, and slightly sticky, while the pungent flavor of raw garlic transforms into something reminiscent of balsamic vinegar, molasses, and dried fruit. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with both mild and robust cheeses, bringing a luxurious umami depth and balancing out saltiness or sharpness.

1. Allgäuer Bergkäse (Allgäu Mountain Cheese)

  • Flavor Profile: Nutty, tangy, and robust

  • Texture: Firm, slightly crumbly

  • Why It Works with Black Garlic: Allgäuer Bergkäse is a classic alpine-style cheese with a well-rounded flavor that’s similar to Gruyère or Emmental but with a more pronounced tang. Its subtle sweetness and nutty depth complement the dark caramel notes of black garlic.

  • Serving Tip: Slice the cheese into bite-sized pieces, top with a sliver of black garlic, and add a thin spread of fresh butter on a rustic rye bread for a hearty, satisfying bite.

2. Cambozola

  • Flavor Profile: Creamy, mild, and buttery with a hint of blue cheese tang

  • Texture: Soft and spreadable

  • Why It Works with Black Garlic: This German invention is a cross between a soft-ripened cheese (like Camembert) and Gorgonzola, giving it a gentle blue-vein flair. The creamy interior and mellow pungency meld smoothly with the sweet, rich umami of black garlic.

  • Serving Tip: Spread Cambozola on a slice of crusty sourdough, finish it with mashed or thinly sliced black garlic on top, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant snack.

3. Tilsiter (Holsteiner Tilsit)

  • Flavor Profile: Semi-hard, slightly spicy, tangy, with a robust aroma

  • Texture: Firm yet elastic

  • Why It Works with Black Garlic: Tilsiter has a flavorful pungency that can handle an equally bold partner like black garlic. The slightly spicy undertones of Tilsiter are tamed by the sweetness of the garlic, creating a complex, layered taste experience.

  • Serving Tip: Cut Tilsiter into thin slices and serve on a fresh baguette or country-style bread with a dab of sweet butter. Top it off with chopped black garlic to accentuate the cheese’s natural zing.

4. Limburger

  • Flavor Profile: Intensely aromatic, tangy, and earthy

  • Texture: Soft to semi-soft, can become runny with age

  • Why It Works with Black Garlic: Limburger is notorious for its strong, “funky” aroma. Yet on the palate, it can be surprisingly mild and buttery. The intense savory notes of black garlic complement Limburger’s earthiness, offering a combination that will thrill adventurous cheese lovers.

  • Serving Tip: Spread Limburger onto slices of dense brown bread (popular in German cuisine), top with a thin layer of salted butter, and finish with a small piece of black garlic. Pair with a crisp, cold lager to balance the richness.

5. Rauchkäse (Smoked Cheese)

  • Flavor Profile: Mild to medium in sharpness, with distinct smoky notes

  • Texture: Semi-firm

  • Why It Works with Black Garlic: Smoked cheeses add a whole new dimension to the pairing. Rauchkäse has a unique wood-smoke flavor that brings out the savory, almost meaty qualities of black garlic.

  • Serving Tip: Serve small wedges of Rauchkäse with a spoonful of black garlic purée on top. Smoked cheese and the sweet, candied quality of black garlic combine for a palate-pleasing contrast. This is excellent on a lightly buttered slice of pumpernickel bread.

Selecting Quality Butter and Bread

The right butter and bread act as the canvas that allows cheese and black garlic to shine:

  • Butter: Choose a European-style butter with a higher fat content (82% or above). Look for varieties produced from grass-fed cows or artisanal creameries. The richer flavor pairs beautifully with cheese, and the added butterfat helps carry the flavors of the cheese and garlic across your palate.

  • Bread:

    • Rye or Wholegrain Loaves: Slightly denser and tangy, German-style rye or mixed-grain breads stand up to the strong flavors of black garlic and robust cheeses.

    • Sourdough: For a subtler tang, sourdough bread is an excellent all-round choice that offers a good crust and soft crumb.

    • Hearty Baguette: If you prefer something more neutral but still with a pleasant chew, a well-baked baguette is a reliable option.

Whichever you choose, make sure the bread is fresh or lightly toasted to add texture—and don’t skimp on the butter.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

  1. Arrange Your Cheese Board Thoughtfully
    Present each cheese with clear spacing so guests can distinguish flavors. Label each cheese if you’re hosting a gathering.

  2. Offer Black Garlic in Multiple Forms

    • Thinly Sliced: Great for placing on top of firm cheeses.

    • Mashed or Puréed: Use as a spread or drizzle across soft cheeses.

    • Whole Cloves: Dramatic presentation; let guests slice or mash themselves.

  3. Accompaniments
    While black garlic may be your star companion, you might also consider adding fresh or dried fruits (like figs or pears), nuts (walnuts, almonds), or honey to offer a variety of flavors and textures.

  4. Beverage Pairings

    • Beer: A crisp, light Pilsner or a malty Dunkel can cut through richness and complement the cheese’s funk.

    • Wine: A dry Riesling or a lightly oaked white wine can balance sweetness and acidity. For something bolder, a light red (Pinot Noir) could also work.

Final Thoughts

A cheese board featuring German cheeses with black garlic, quality butter, and fresh bread is a feast of textures and flavors. Black garlic’s sweet, umami-packed profile elevates German classics—whether it’s the deep nutty notes of Allgäuer Bergkäse, the creamy tang of Cambozola, or the hearty punch of Limburger. By mixing and matching, you’ll discover delightful contrasts and harmonious pairings that showcase the artisanal richness of German cheesemaking and the gourmet appeal of black garlic.

So, gather your favorite cheeses, warm up that loaf of rye or sourdough, and open a new jar of black garlic. With each bite, you’ll find new reasons to fall in love with these bold and balanced flavors!