Cheese And Fig Jam: The Perfect Pairing

Fig jam is a delicious condiment that can be used to add a smoky, savoury element to your meals. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in breakfast, lunch, or dessert! When it comes to cheese, there are several types that pair well with fig jam, creating a perfect blend of flavours. The sweetness of fig jam complements the sharpness of blue cheese, the softness of brie, and the saltiness of feta. For a unique twist, try pairing fig jam with ricotta, gouda, gruyere, or edam. Whether spread on crackers, bread, or pastries, these cheese and fig jam combinations are sure to impress.

Blue cheese and fig jam crostini

Ingredients:

• French bread or baguette
• Olive oil
• Fig jam
• Blue cheese
• Fresh rosemary (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)

Method:

Firstly, slice the baguette on a diagonal into thin slices and brush them with olive oil. Bake these slices in the oven at 400°F until they are just crispy, which should take around 10 minutes. You are looking for a nice, toasty texture—avoid letting the bread brown, except maybe around the edges.

Once the bread slices have cooled down, spread the fig jam on them and top with a slice of blue cheese. You can also sprinkle some fresh rosemary and black pepper on top for an extra kick of flavour.

Tips:

• You can substitute the fig jam with peach or apricot jam for a scrumptious alternative.
• Blue cheese comes in a variety of sharpness levels, from mild to sharp—choose whichever suits your taste preference.
• For the best texture, assemble the crostini right before serving to avoid the bread becoming soggy.
• This recipe pairs well with a glass of wine!

Brie and fig jam bites

Ingredients:

• Phyllo pastry cups/puff pastry
• Brie cheese
• Fig jam
• Thyme/rosemary
• Walnuts/pecans

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350-400°F. Place the phyllo cups/puff pastry onto a baking sheet. Cut the rind off the brie and add cubes of cheese to each cup/pastry shell. Top with a small spoonful of jam. Bake for 5-19 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Top with fresh thyme/rosemary and chopped walnuts/pecans. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If using puff pastry, cut into squares and line miniature muffin wells, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to prevent shrinking.
• Brie can be cubed ahead of time, but assemble just before baking to ensure phyllo pastry remains crunchy.
• For a different flavour, try raspberry, cherry, apricot, or blackberry jalapeño jam.
• Swap nuts for toasted sliced almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or candied walnuts.
• Drizzle with honey instead of jam.
• Make them spicy and dollop on some chili crunch.
• For a simple, sweet, and savoury snack, spread fig jam and soft brie on French bread slices or crackers.

Baked brie with fig jam

Ingredients:

• Brie cheese (an 8 oz wheel or a wedge)
• Fig jam (2-3 tablespoons)
• Fresh rosemary (optional)
• Dried fruits (such as dried figs, apricots, cranberries, or cherries)
• Nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds)
• Baguette or crackers

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-375°F.
• Place the brie in an oven-safe dish, such as a small cast-iron skillet. You can use a wheel or a wedge of brie, but a wheel will give you a more grand presentation and allow for more toppings.
• Spread the fig jam on top of the brie. You can also add some fresh rosemary for extra flavour if desired.
• Top the brie with your choice of dried fruits and nuts. You can mix and match different combinations, such as raspberry jam with dried cherries and almonds, or apricot jam with candied ginger and pistachios.
• Bake the brie for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The brie is done when the edges start to collapse and melty cheese begins to peek through.
• Let the baked brie sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and settle, ensuring it is still gooey but not scorching hot.
• Serve the baked brie with a sliced baguette or crackers. You can also add other accompaniments such as grapes, sliced apples or pears, or fresh figs or cherries.

Tips:

• You can prep the brie with the jam and nuts ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Then, pop it in the oven 15 minutes before your guests arrive.
• The baguette slices can also be toasted ahead of time and kept at room temperature.
• For a different presentation, you can wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. Simply pull the edges of the puff pastry over the brie and seal with an egg wash.
• If you prefer a more intense flavour, you can remove the rind from the brie before baking. However, the rind is edible and adds complexity to the flavour, so it is optional.

Fig jam and cheese bites

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need French bread, fig jam, and Brie or Camembert cheese. You can also add some fresh thyme or oregano leaves for an extra kick of flavour. If you are unable to find French bread, a plain cracker such as Melba toast can be used instead.

Preparation

Start by cutting the bread into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread each slice with a generous amount of fig jam, followed by a layer of soft cheese. If you are using herbs, sprinkle some chopped thyme or oregano leaves on top. For an extra touch of sophistication, add some freshly ground pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the prepared bites on a pretty platter and serve them to your guests. If you want to make them ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap and leave them at room temperature to keep the cheese nice and melty. These bites pair well with mixed nuts, and you can also offer a selection of crackers for your guests to create their own bites.

Cheese Variations

While Brie and Camembert are excellent choices for these bites, you can also experiment with other soft and spreadable cheeses. Blue cheese, for example, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fig jam. Soft goat cheeses are another delicious option, and if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a grilled cheese sandwich with fig jam and a melting cheese like Gruyère or Swiss cheese.

Grilled cheese with fig jam

A grilled cheese sandwich with fig jam is a delicious and simple dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. The sweetness of the fig jam is perfectly complemented by a sharp, salty cheese. This combination of flavours makes for a great comfort food, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.

Ingredients

• Fig jam
• Bread (sourdough or French bread are popular choices)
• Cheese (blue cheese, brie, gruyere, or swiss cheese are recommended)
• Butter
• Fresh thyme (optional)

Method

• Butter the outsides of two slices of bread.
• Spread a tablespoon of fig jam onto the inside of one slice of bread.
• Add grated or shredded cheese to the sandwich.
• Cover with the other slice of bread.
• Cook the sandwich in a pan or on a griddle over medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately.

Variations

For a more sophisticated take on the classic grilled cheese, try adding some crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and fresh figs. This combination adds a sweet and salty contrast to the sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or French bread, to find your preferred texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions