Tomato Jam's Perfect Cheese Pairings: A Guide

Tomato jam is a versatile condiment that can be paired with various cheeses to create delicious appetizers, sandwiches, or cheese plates. From grilled cheese sandwiches to crostini, the sweet and savoury flavours of tomato jam complement a range of cheeses, including aged cheeses such as Pecorino or sharp cheddar. For a spicier option, chilli pepper can be added to the jam, which pairs well with aged Tuscan pecorino or spicy provolone. The jam can also be served with eggs, spread on a BLT, or used as a topping for flatbread. When creating a cheese plate, consider including a variety of cheeses, such as aged Cheddar, Gruyere, and white cheddar, to enjoy with the jam.

Pecorino Sardo and green tomato jam

Pecorino Sardo is a strong-tasting cheese from the Italian island of Sardinia. It is often paired with tomato-based dishes, such as pasta sauces, and is the preferred grating cheese for the Sardinian dish, Malloreddus Campidanese.

Pecorino Sardo is also a wonderful choice to accompany a cheese plate, as it pairs beautifully with tomato jam. In particular, green tomato jam, which is made from unripe tomatoes, has a unique flavour that is surprisingly delicious. The author of a food blog, Authentic Suburban Gourmet, was inspired by their trip to Chicago, where they enjoyed an imported cheese plate at RPM Italian. The cheese plate included Pecorino Sardo, which was accompanied by green tomato jam and fresh bread. The aged Pecorino was described as having a beautifully balanced flavour that paired perfectly with the jam.

To make green tomato jam, you will need unripe red tomatoes, lemon, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. The tomatoes are chopped and cooked with the other ingredients over medium heat until they reach a thick, jam-like consistency. This process can take up to an hour or more, so it requires a bit of patience. However, the end result is well worth the wait.

Once the jam is ready, it can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a month. If you plan to keep the jam for longer, you can follow the canning process, which involves sterilising jars and using a hot water canner to preserve the jam for up to 12 months.

When assembling a cheese plate, consider including other complementary elements such as fresh bread, crackers, and olives. You can also offer a variety of cheeses in addition to Pecorino Sardo, such as aged Cheddar or a spicy provolone, to create a well-rounded and delectable tasting experience.

Grilled cheese with spicy tomato jam

Ingredients

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons of tomato jam
• Butter, at room temperature, for spreading
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 slices of cheese (Gruyere and white cheddar)

Tomato Jam

• 1 pound of tomatoes, drained and diced (heirloom, cherry, or tinned tomatoes work well)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Sugar, to taste
• Lemon zest
• Cumin, to taste

Garlic Butter (optional)

• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Method

First, make the tomato jam. Combine the tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, and cumin in a medium pan. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a light boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-60 minutes until thickened.

Next, prepare the garlic butter by mixing the softened butter, parsley, garlic, and salt in a bowl.

Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread the garlic butter on one side of a slice of sourdough bread. Flip the bread over and spread 1/4 cup of tomato jam on the other side.

Add 1/4 cup of each cheese to the bread, then top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up.

Place the sandwich in a pan over medium-low heat and cook for 5-7 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve warm and enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savoury!

Jam on the cheeseboard

Tomato jam is a great addition to a cheeseboard. It is a sweet and savoury jam that pairs perfectly with cheese. When creating a cheeseboard with tomato jam, it is important to consider the type of cheese that will complement the jam. Here are some ideas and tips for creating a delicious and harmonious pairing:

Cheese suggestions

• Pecorino: A traditional Italian cheese, pecorino is a sheep's milk cheese that can be aged, which helps to take away any "gamy" taste. It pairs beautifully with tomato jam, as the jam's sweetness balances out the sharpness of the cheese.
• Cheddar: A classic, sharp cheddar can also work well with tomato jam. Look for aged cheddars with interesting flavour notes, such as hints of coffee grounds.
• Goat Cheese: For a sophisticated pairing, try goat cheese with tomato jam. The tanginess of the goat cheese will contrast nicely with the sweet and savoury notes of the jam.
• Provolone: If you're looking for a spicy kick, pair your tomato jam with a spicy provolone. The heat of the cheese will be balanced by the sweetness of the jam.
• Gruyere and White Cheddar: For a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato jam, a combination of gruyere and white cheddar cheeses is a perfect choice. The melty, gooey texture of these cheeses pairs wonderfully with the jam.

Tips for serving

When serving tomato jam with your cheeseboard, consider the following tips:

• Quantity: Make sure to have enough jam to balance out the cheese. A little jam goes a long way, but you don't want to run out!
• Presentation: Place the jam in a small bowl or jar alongside the cheeses. Provide a small spoon or knife for spreading the jam onto crackers or bread.
• Accompaniments: Offer a variety of crackers, bread, and fresh or dried fruits to complement the jam and cheese.
• Wine Pairing: A light- to medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Sangiovese, can enhance the flavours of the tomato jam and cheese.

So, the next time you're planning a cheeseboard, don't forget to include some delicious tomato jam! It's a unique and unexpected addition that will impress your guests and elevate your cheese-eating experience.

Jam with eggs, BLT, or flatbread

Jam with Eggs

Tomato jam can be used as a spread in egg sandwiches. A ciabatta egg sandwich with tomato jam, for instance, can be made by smearing the bottom half of a ciabatta roll with tomato jam and topping it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

Jam with BLT

Tomato jam can be used in BLT sandwiches to add a sweet and tangy flavour. The jam can be spread on top of goat cheese on crostini or paired with pepper jelly bacon.

Jam with Flatbread

Tomato jam can be used as a topping for flatbreads. For instance, flatbread with Taleggio cheese, tomato jam, and olives can be made by spreading tomato jam on flatbread, topping it with Taleggio cheese, and then adding castelvetrano olives and oregano.

Jam with goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or mascarpone on crostini

Goat Cheese

The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of tomato jam, creating an irresistible combination that will impress your guests. To make goat cheese crostini with tomato jam, start by slicing a baguette into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Brush both sides of the slices with extra virgin olive oil and bake in the oven until the edges are slightly golden.

While the bread is toasting, prepare the tomato topping by mixing quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the bread has cooled, spread a layer of goat cheese on each slice, followed by a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Arrange the crostini on a serving platter, finishing with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Sharp Cheddar

Tomato jam can also be paired with sharp cheddar for a delicious contrast of flavours. To create this appetiser, start by making the tomato jam. Cut heirloom or cherry tomatoes into small pieces and cook them with lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, and cumin over medium-high heat until they reach a thick consistency.

For the cheese plate, select a well-aged sharp cheddar, such as Pecorino Sardo, to reduce the "gamy" taste that sometimes accompanies this type of cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar will complement the sweetness of the tomato jam. Serve the cheddar alongside the tomato jam and some fresh bread for a simple yet elegant appetiser.

Mascarpone

For a decadent and creamy option, pair your tomato jam with mascarpone cheese. Grill slices of Italian or French bread brushed with olive oil, then spread mascarpone on the grilled slices and season with salt and pepper. Return the bread to the grill over indirect heat to warm the cheese. Top the crostini with grilled tomatoes and scallions, then finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Whether you choose goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or mascarpone, your crostini with tomato jam is sure to be a hit. Each cheese offers a distinct flavour profile that will enhance the sweetness of the tomato jam, creating a sophisticated and delicious appetiser for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions