Blackberry Jam: Best Paired Cheeses For A Sweet Treat

Blackberry jam is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The key to a successful pairing is finding ingredients that complement each other without overpowering one another. In general, bold cheeses pair well with strongly flavoured jams, while mild cheeses are better suited to more subtle jams. Blackberry jam, with its sweet and tangy flavour and slight bite, is an ideal partner for milder, softer cheeses like Camembert, Chevre, Taleggio, or a milder blue cheese like Blue Stilton. For a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, a combination of sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Manchego or Parmesan, with fresh blackberries, creates an impressive dish. Blackberry jam can also be combined with creamy Brie for a simple yet irresistible grilled cheese sandwich.

Blackberry jam and cheese in a grilled sandwich

Blackberry jam and cheese is a classic combination of sweet and savoury. Blackberry jam is sweet but tangy, with a little bite, and it goes best with milder, softer cheeses.

For a blackberry jam and cheese grilled sandwich, you could try using Camembert, Chevre, Taleggio, or a mild blue cheese. If you want to get a little more creative, you could try a blackberry jam grilled cheese sandwich with jalapeños and bacon. For this, Swiss cheese is a good option.

If you want to stick to the classics, a simple grilled cheese sandwich with blackberry jam can be made with just bread, butter, and Brie. Spread the jam on one slice of bread, add the Brie, and top with another slice of bread. Grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

For a more gourmet option, you could try a sandwich with five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries. You will need sourdough bread, sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Manchego or Parmesan, mayonnaise, onion powder, and Brie. Spread butter on one side of the bread slices and toast them in a skillet. Layer the Brie, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere on four slices of bread, add the blackberries, and top with the remaining slices of bread. Spread the outsides of the sandwiches with the mayonnaise and onion powder mixture and toast until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Blackberry jam and cheese in a grilled sandwich with jalapeños and bacon

Blackberry jam and cheese is a delightful combination, and when you add jalapeños and bacon to the mix, you get a flavourful explosion! This unique sandwich is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savoury, creating a culinary adventure that will tantalise your taste buds. Here's a guide to crafting this mouth-watering masterpiece:

Ingredients:

• Blackberry Jam: The star of the show, providing a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other options like goat brie, Monterey jack, or camembert. The key is to choose a smooth and subtle cheese that won't overpower the other flavours.
• Jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños add a spicy kick to the sandwich. You can adjust the spice level by keeping the seeds or removing them.
• Bacon: Crispy, savoury bacon provides a delicious contrast to the sweet jam and creamy cheese.
• Bread: Sourdough bread is a favourite for this sandwich, but you can also use poppy seed bread or gluten-free options.
• Butter: Butter is essential for frying the sandwich and adding a rich, buttery flavour.

Instructions:

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with aluminium foil.
• Place the bacon on the foil and bake until it reaches your desired crispness, then set it aside.
• Slice the jalapeño to your preferred thickness, removing the seeds if you want to reduce the spice level.
• Cut the bread into moderately thick slices.
• Spread a generous amount of blackberry jam (about 2 tablespoons or more) on each slice of bread.
• Build your sandwich by layering bacon, cheese, and jalapeño slices on the jam-covered bread.
• Preheat a skillet or electric griddle to medium-high heat (around 325°F).
• Place the sandwiches buttered-side down and toast until they reach a golden brown colour. Don't forget to add butter to the top side of the bread while cooking.
• Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it's beautifully crisp and light brown. If the bread is toasting too quickly, lower the temperature to allow the cheese to melt fully.
• Slice the sandwich diagonally for the optimal first bite, and enjoy!

Feel free to customise your sandwich by substituting fresh blackberries for the jam or adding a pinch of chilli flakes for an extra kick. This sandwich is a delightful blend of flavours and textures, perfect for a quick brunch or lunch. So, get your ingredients ready and indulge in this extraordinary grilled cheese creation!

Blackberry jam and cheese pairing suggestions

Blackberry jam is a versatile preserve that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Here are some suggestions for pairing blackberry jam with cheese:

Camembert

Camembert is a classic French soft cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. When paired with blackberry jam, it creates a delightful combination that highlights the sweetness of the jam while complementing its tangy notes. This pairing is a popular choice for those who enjoy a milder cheese option.

Chevre

Chevre, also known as goat cheese, is a soft and young goat cheese with a distinct flavour. When paired with blackberry jam, it offers a delightful contrast between the sweet and tangy jam and the earthy, goaty notes of the cheese. This pairing is perfect for those who enjoy a unique flavour combination.

Taleggio

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind Italian cheese with a strong aroma and a rich, creamy flavour. When paired with blackberry jam, it creates an interesting contrast between the sweet and tangy jam and the strong, savoury notes of the cheese. This pairing is ideal for those who enjoy a more assertive cheese flavour.

Mild Blue Cheese

For those who enjoy a milder version of blue cheese, pairing it with blackberry jam can be a delightful option. The sweetness of the jam complements the mild, salty notes of the blue cheese, while the tanginess of the jam adds a pleasant contrast. This pairing is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavour of blue cheese without the overpowering pungency of some stronger varieties.

Other Considerations

When creating a cheese and jam pairing, it is important to consider the quality of the ingredients. Using high-quality, gourmet jam and cheese will elevate the tasting experience. Additionally, the ratio of jam to cheese is crucial. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is recommended to ensure that neither overpowers the other.

When serving, it is best to present the cheese with the jam as an accompaniment rather than mixing them together. This allows guests to appreciate the individual flavours before combining them according to their personal preference. Chilling the jam and serving it in a separate dish will also help to maintain its firmness and freshness during the meal.

Blackberry jam and cheese as a dessert or meal ender

Blackberry jam and cheese is a classic example of a sweet-and-savoury combination. This pairing can be served as a dessert or a "meal ender", which is something that chases away rich and heavy flavours from the main course and cleanses the palate before dessert.

Blackberry jam is sweet but tangy, with a bit of a bite. It goes best with milder, softer cheeses like Camembert or Taleggio, or milder, sweeter mouldy cheeses like Blue Stilton. Blackberry jam also pairs well with Swiss cheese, which is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

When serving blackberry jam with cheese, it is recommended to chill the jam and serving dish beforehand. This helps to keep the jam firm and fresh in appearance and flavour. The jam should not be poured over the cheese but served separately, so that the flavours complement rather than overpower each other.

Blackberry jam and cheese can be served as a simple pairing on a platter or incorporated into a grilled cheese sandwich. One recipe for a blackberry grilled cheese sandwich includes sourdough bread, sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Manchego or Parmesan, mayonnaise, onion powder, and Brie, in addition to the blackberries and butter. Another recipe suggests adding whole-grain mustard and rosemary to the blackberry jam and spreading the mixture on slices of whole-grain sandwich bread with Brie.

Blackberry jam and cheese as part of a charcuterie board

Blackberry jam and cheese are a great addition to a charcuterie board. The sweetness of the blackberry jam pairs well with the savouriness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. When building a charcuterie board, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses and jams to create a well-rounded and balanced dish.

For blackberry jam, it is recommended to pair it with milder, softer cheeses such as Camembert, Chevre, Taleggio, or a mild blue cheese. These cheeses have earthy and grassy undertones that complement the sweetness of the jam. Blackberry jam also has a tangy bite to it, so it can stand up to slightly stronger cheeses without being overpowered.

When creating a charcuterie board, it is essential to offer a variety of flavours and textures to your guests. Consider including different types of cheese, such as soft, hard, mild, and sharp, to cater to different taste preferences. In addition to blackberry jam, you can also offer other types of jams or preserves to create a diverse spread. Some options include fig jam, apricot jam, quince jelly, and apple jam. These jams have different flavour profiles that can enhance the cheese-tasting experience.

The key to a successful charcuterie board is balance and variety. Offer a range of flavours, from sweet and tangy to sharp and nutty, and allow your guests to experiment with different combinations. Don't be afraid to get creative and include some unique pairings. Remember, the goal is to create a thoughtful, sophisticated adventure for the palate, where flavours complement each other harmoniously.

Additionally, consider the presentation of your charcuterie board. Arrange the cheeses and jams aesthetically, allowing enough space for your guests to easily access and serve themselves. You can also add some fresh herbs, nuts, or dried fruits as garnishes to enhance the visual appeal and provide additional flavour dimensions.

Frequently asked questions