Randy Chandler
Pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be paired with various cheeses to create delicious appetizers, snacks, or grilled sandwiches. When considering which cheese to pair with pepper jelly, the sweetness and spiciness of the jelly should be taken into account. For example, a mild cheddar pairs well with sweet strawberries, while a creamy Brie complements bold fig jam. For those who prefer a sharper flavor profile, pepper jelly can be matched with sharp cheddar, especially when paired with thinly sliced apples in a grilled cheese sandwich. Cream cheese is another popular choice, as the cool, creamy texture balances the sweet and spicy notes of the jelly. For a more indulgent option, pepper jelly can be poured over baked Brie or goat cheese. When creating a charcuterie board, offering a variety of cheeses, crackers, and jellies allows guests to experiment and find their favorite combinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cream cheese, Mozzarella, Sharp Cheddar, Manchego, Mild Gouda, German Butter Cheese, Blue Cheese, Brie, Goat Cheese, Camembert, Chevre, Smoked Cheddar |
| Flavour | Sweet, Spicy, Creamy, Mild, Salty, Tangy, Nutty, Earthy, Fruity, Smoky, Sharp |
| Texture | Soft, Creamy, Buttery, Crunchy, Runny, Hard |
| Colour | Creamy, White |
| Best served with | Crackers, Bread, Apples, Cured meats, Grilled veggies |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Creamy and mild cheeses
- Cream cheese is a classic pairing with pepper jelly, as its soft creaminess and sweet-but-not-too-sweet flavour profile complement the jelly perfectly.
- Brie is another creamy cheese that pairs well with pepper jelly. Its edible rind breaks down the fats and proteins of the cheese, resulting in an increasingly creamy to runny texture over time. Baked Brie with a fruity habanero jelly, such as Peach Habanero or Mango Ginger Habanero, is a particularly delicious combination.
- Camembert, a robust yet mellow cheese with a slight hint of garlic, is also a great match for pepper jelly.
- Mild gouda is a good choice if you're looking for a cheese to balance out the spice of a particularly fiery jelly, such as habanero pepper jelly. Its mild, caramelly sweetness will provide a delightful contrast to the heat of the jelly.
- Havarti is another mild and creamy cheese that can be enjoyed with pepper jelly.
- Goat cheese, known for its pungent aroma and addictive taste, is a full-bodied, grassy cheese with a luxurious softness. Its sweet juiciness pairs well with pepper jelly, especially a variety like Caribbean Mango Pepper Jelly.
When serving creamy and mild cheeses with pepper jelly, it is typical to present them with crackers. Classic crackers with neutral flavours and crisp textures are a safe bet, as they complement the creamy cheese and spicy jelly without overpowering them. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try creative cracker alternatives that add extra flavour and texture to your spread.
Making Puto Cheese: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Bold and flavorful cheeses
Pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of bold and flavorful cheeses. Here are some ideal combinations to try:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular choice to pair with pepper jelly due to its creamy texture and mild flavour, which helps to balance out the sweetness and spiciness of the jelly. It is a quick and easy appetizer that can be served with crackers and bread. For the best results, use cold cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding the jelly.
Cheddar
Sharp cheddar is a favourite among those who enjoy the strong flavour of hot pepper jelly. The mature cheddar has a sharper flavour and a slightly crumbly texture, making it a perfect match for the jelly. A heartier option is smoked cheddar, which provides a good balance to the sweet and spicy jelly with its warmth and sharpness.
Manchego
Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain, is known for its rich, slightly salty, and nutty flavour. The earthy notes of Manchego complement the bell peppers in the traditional pepper jelly, creating a delightful combination.
Blue Cheese
For those who enjoy a pungent and creamy cheese, blue cheese is an excellent option to pair with pepper jelly. A milder, sweeter variety of blue cheese with fewer pockets of mould and a softer texture can create an intriguing contrast of flavours. To enhance the experience, consider adding ground black pepper and green apple slices.
Gouda
If you prefer a milder cheese, Gouda is a great choice to balance out the heat of spicier pepper jellies like the Jalapeno or Habanero varieties. Its mild, caramelly sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the fiery notes of the jelly.
With these suggestions, you can create delicious combinations of bold and flavorful cheeses with pepper jelly, offering a unique sensory experience for your taste buds.
The Perfect Mousetrap: Cheese Placement Strategies
You may want to see also
Soft goat's cheese
Soft goat cheese is a popular choice of cheese to pair with pepper jelly. The cheese is creamy, tangy, and smooth, and is often sold in a log shape, making it ideal for serving as an appetizer or as part of a cheese platter.
To prepare the dish, simply place the goat cheese log on a serving plate and top with red pepper jelly. It is recommended to spread or dollop the jelly on the cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. The jelly can be heated slightly to make it easier to spread. This combination of soft goat cheese and sweet and spicy red pepper jelly creates a unique and pleasant flavour profile.
The soft goat cheese and pepper jelly combination can be served with crackers, bread, or celery sticks. For a more substantial appetizer, it can be paired with thick, robust crackers, such as Jatz or Ritz, to prevent breakage. For those who prefer gluten-free options, Norwegian Crisp Bread from Trader Joe's is a good choice, packed with seeds and a satisfying crunch.
For a warm appetizer, soft goat cheese can be baked with pepper jelly. This dip can be served with veggies, bread, crackers, pretzels, or other dippers of choice.
Pimento Cheese Burger: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aged cheddar
When creating a cheese and cracker spread with aged cheddar and pepper jelly, it is recommended to choose classic cracker options with neutral flavours and a crisp texture. These crackers complement the creamy cheese and spicy jelly without overpowering them. Some classic cracker options include water crackers, saltines, toasted baguette slices, wheat crackers, and butter crackers.
For a more adventurous pairing, consider adding extra flavour and texture to your spread. Some creative cracker alternatives include ak-mak crackers, which are wheat crackers that offer a different texture, or Triscuit Thins.
In addition to crackers, aged cheddar and pepper jelly can be combined with other ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. For example, the Jalapeño Garlic Lime jelly pairs well with aged cheddar, creating a fusion of cultures and flavours. Another option is to pair aged cheddar with thinly sliced apples and sourdough bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich, resulting in a sweet and spicy delight.
When serving aged cheddar and pepper jelly, encourage your guests to experiment with different combinations. Provide a variety of cheeses, crackers, and condiments such as honey, fig jam, or olives to create a memorable and mouthwatering appetizer spread.
Creating a Cheese Plate: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Baked brie
Ingredients:
- Brie cheese
- Pepper jelly (red or any fruity habanero variety)
- Crackers or thinly sliced French bread (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 180°C).
- Remove the brie from its packaging and place it on a chopping board.
- Use a sharp knife to score the top of the brie in a criss-cross pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply; you simply want to create some openings for the jelly to sink into.
- Place the brie on a baking tray. You can line the tray with a silicon mat if desired.
- Spoon the pepper jelly generously onto the cut surface of the cheese.
- Bake the brie for about 10 to 15 minutes. The ideal baking time will depend on your oven, but you want the cheese to be melted and gooey.
- Remove the baked brie from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a heatproof serving platter.
- Serve immediately with your favourite crackers or grilled /toasted bread slices. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
This baked brie with pepper jelly recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It is a quick and easy dish to prepare, and it is sure to impress your guests. You can also experiment with different varieties of pepper jelly to find your favourite pairing.
Bon appétit!
The Best Cheeses to Top Your Spaghetti
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to pair with pepper jelly include goat cheese, mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese.
Yes, the Cranberry Habanero Pepper Jelly pairs well with chevre, while the Peach Habanero flavour goes well with baked brie.
Pepper jelly and cheese are often served with crackers, bread, cured meats, and grilled vegetables.
Yes, you can make a pepper jelly cheese dip using shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices and herbs. This is then topped with pepper jelly and served with crackers.
