Best Cheeses To Pair With Bacon Jam

Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can elevate any dish, from snacks to gourmet meals. With its unique blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours, bacon jam pairs exceptionally well with cheese. But what type of cheese complements bacon jam the most? The answer may vary depending on personal preference, but some of the best pairings include cheddar, gouda, gruyère, and brie.

Bacon jam and cheese grilled sandwich

Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in a grilled cheese sandwich. The sweet and savoury flavours of bacon jam pair exceptionally well with melted cheese, creating a decadent and indulgent sandwich. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the ultimate bacon jam and cheese grilled sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Onion
• Brown Sugar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Bread
• Butter
• Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, Provolone, Gouda, or Brie)
• Optional: Maple Syrup, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Spices, etc.

Instructions:

• Make the Bacon Jam: Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook them in a pan until crispy. Drain the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Add diced onion to the pan and cook until softened. For extra flavour, you can also add minced garlic and spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes. Stir in the remaining ingredients: brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and optional ingredients like maple syrup, honey, or Dijon mustard. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until it becomes spreadable.
• Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of two slices of bread. On the unbuttered side, place a slice of cheese, followed by a generous spread of bacon jam. If using Brie, you can add another slice of cheese on top of the jam. Cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
• Grill the Sandwich: Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich on the griddle and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt. Flip the sandwich and grill the other side until the cheese is completely melted.
• Serve: Cut the sandwich in half and serve warm. For a classic combination, pair the grilled sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Variations and Tips:

• Cheese Selection: Cheddar and Gruyère are excellent choices for their melt factor and flavour profile, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Provolone, Gouda, or Brie.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add minced jalapeños to your bacon jam or use a spicy variety of bacon jam.
• Sweet and Savoury: If you're feeling adventurous, try a sweet and tangy bacon jam with flavours like maple syrup or honey, which pair beautifully with the saltiness of the bacon.
• Extra Indulgence: For an extra indulgent sandwich, spread a layer of butter on the outside of the bread before grilling, creating a crispy, golden crust.

With its sweet and savoury flavours, the bacon jam and cheese grilled sandwich is a delightful treat for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the perfect combination of melted cheese and bacon jam, and don't forget to serve it with a glass of wine for the full experience!

Bacon jam and cheese on crackers

Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in various ways, and one delightful pairing is with cheese and crackers. Here are some tips and ideas for creating the ultimate bacon jam and cheese crackers:

Choosing the Right Cheese

The key to a successful pairing is selecting a cheese that complements the sweet, savoury, and tangy notes of bacon jam. Go for cheeses with a good melt factor and a flavour profile that marries well with bacon and onion. The top recommendations are Cheddar and Gruyère. Cheddar's sharpness and Gruyère's nutty, sweet, and salty notes provide a beautiful contrast to the bacon jam.

However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as gouda, provolone, brie, American cheese, or even goat cheese. Brie, in particular, is a classic pairing with jam, and its creamy texture and mild flavour will balance the bacon jam's richness.

Selecting Crackers

When it comes to crackers, opt for a variety that can withstand the weight of the cheese and bacon jam. Hearty, thick crackers or crostini are excellent choices. You can also use classic water crackers, sesame breadsticks, or crunchy multi-seed crackers for added texture.

Assembly

Now, for the fun part—assembling your crackers! Start by spreading a generous amount of bacon jam on a cracker. Top it with a slice of your chosen cheese, or if using softer cheeses like brie or goat cheese, spread them on another cracker. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make mini grilled cheese sandwiches by placing a slice of cheese between two crackers and toasting them in a panini press or oven until the cheese melts.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When presenting your bacon jam and cheese crackers, arrange them on a charcuterie board with other meats, cheeses, and accoutrements. Add some candied walnuts, olives, grapes, or dry salami for a touch of sweetness or savouriness. Don't forget to include a glass of wine, preferably a Chardonnay or Zinfandel, to elevate the flavours and create a truly indulgent experience.

So, there you have it! Bacon jam and cheese crackers—a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours. Get creative, experiment with different cheeses and crackers, and enjoy this delicious treat with a glass of wine.

Bacon jam and cheese on toast

Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Onion
• Butter
• Bread
• Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, Provolone, Gouda, or Brie)
• Additional ingredients for bacon jam (brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, etc.)

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Jam

To make the bacon jam, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and set it aside. In the same pan, cook diced onions until softened. You can also add garlic and spices like chilli powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Stir in the remaining ingredients, including brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and water. Simmer the mixture for a few hours until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.

Step 2: Assemble the Toast

Butter one side of a slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese, such as Cheddar or Gruyère, on the unbuttered side. Spread a generous amount of bacon jam on top of the cheese. If desired, add another layer of cheese, such as Brie. Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich on the griddle and grill it until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. This should take around 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the sandwich in half and serve it warm. For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Bacon jam and cheese on toast can be served at brunch, lunch, or dinner, and it goes exceptionally well with a glass of wine.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and bread to find your favourite combination. You can also adjust the spiciness of the bacon jam to your liking. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this savoury and sweet delight!

Bacon jam and cheese in a burger

Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes, and it goes exceptionally well with cheese. When it comes to creating a burger with bacon jam and cheese, there are numerous mouth-watering combinations to consider. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese Selection

As bacon jam has sweet and savoury notes, it pairs exceptionally well with cheeses that have a good melt factor and a complementary flavour profile. Cheddar and Gruyère are excellent choices due to their melting ability and versatility in pairing with various ingredients. The sharpness of Cheddar and the slight nuttiness of Gruyère can stand up to the bold flavours of the bacon jam.

Burger Construction

When constructing your burger, consider the following steps:

• Start with a hearty base: Choose a bun that can withstand the weight and juiciness of your burger. A sturdy brioche bun or a crusty sourdough roll are excellent options.
• Build the foundation: Place a slice of melted cheese, such as the aforementioned Cheddar or Gruyère, on the bottom bun. This will act as a barrier and prevent the bun from becoming soggy.
• Add the patty: Use a beef, lamb, or vegetarian patty, cooked to your desired doneness. Season it well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavours.
• Spread the bacon jam: Generously spread a layer of bacon jam on top of the patty. The sweet and savoury jam will complement the meat and provide a unique flavour profile.
• More cheese, please: Add another slice of melted cheese on top of the bacon jam. This will create a delicious, gooey layer that will enhance the overall taste and texture of the burger.
• Top it off: Finish your burger with your choice of toppings. Consider crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickled red onions, or even a fried egg for added decadence.
• Bun it up: Place the top bun on your burger, and you're almost ready to serve!
• Optional: Toast the bun: If you want to take your burger to the next level, lightly toast the bun before assembling the burger. This will add a subtle crunch and bring out the flavours of the bread.

Side Dishes and Condiments

To complete your burger meal, consider serving it with a side of crispy, golden French fries or a refreshing green salad. For condiments, offer a selection of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or even a special sauce that combines sweet and savoury elements to complement the bacon jam.

Presentation

When plating your burger, consider adding a decorative toothpick to hold it together and a side of crispy, golden fries or a handful of potato chips. Garnish the burger with a pickle spear or some freshly chopped herbs for added colour and flavour.

In conclusion, creating a burger with bacon jam and cheese is a delightful way to elevate this classic dish. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours from the bacon jam, the creaminess of the melted cheese, and the juiciness of the burger patty is sure to tantalise the taste buds and impress your guests. Get creative and experiment with different cheese and topping combinations to make it your own!

Bacon jam and cheese on a charcuterie board

Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can elevate any charcuterie board. The sweet and savoury flavours of bacon jam pair exceptionally well with a variety of cheeses, making it a delicious addition to your spread. Here are some tips to create a mouth-watering charcuterie board with bacon jam and cheese:

Cheese Selection:

When it comes to cheese, there are endless options that complement bacon jam. Here are some recommended varieties:

• Cheddar: Cheddar is a classic choice for a reason. Its melt factor and flavour profile make it an ideal pairing with bacon jam. Whether you opt for a sharp or mild cheddar, it will add a nice tanginess to your board.
• Gruyère: Gruyère is another excellent melting cheese with a unique flavour that stands up well to the sweetness of the bacon jam.
• Brie: Brie is a soft and creamy cheese that goes perfectly with the tanginess of bacon jam. It adds a rich and decadent element to your charcuterie board.
• Goat Cheese: If you're looking for something a little different, goat cheese is a fantastic option. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour create a beautiful balance when paired with bacon jam.

Additional Items:

While cheese and bacon jam are the stars of this board, you can include other items to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread:

• Crackers: Include a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, sesame breadsticks, or crunchy Multi-Seed Crackers. These provide a neutral base for your guests to create their own flavour combinations.
• Bread: Sliced bread, such as country white bread or sourdough, allows your guests to create mini sandwiches with the bacon jam and cheese. Toasting the bread beforehand adds a nice touch.
• Fruits and Nuts: Add some sweetness and crunch to your board with candied walnuts and fresh grapes. These provide a nice contrast to the savoury elements.
• Meats: Include a selection of cured meats, such as black pepper dry salami, to give your board a heartier feel and add a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the bacon jam.
• Olives: Offer a mix of green and Kalamata olives for a briny contrast to the other flavours on the board.

Presentation:

When arranging your charcuterie board, aim for a visually appealing and balanced composition:

• Place the cheeses around the board, leaving spaces between them for the other items.
• Add small piles of crackers and bread slices, fanning them out to create a sense of abundance.
• Scatter the walnuts and olives across the board, filling in any gaps.
• Roll or fold the meats and place them in small clusters.
• Finally, add a small jar or bowl of bacon jam to the centre of the board, allowing it to be the focal point.

Frequently asked questions