Frederic Melton
Honey and cheese are a match made in heaven. While there are no strict rules, some honey and cheese pairings are more delectable than others. The perfect pairing depends on the unique characteristics of the honey and cheese, which are influenced by the flowers surrounding the hive and the foliage grazed on by the livestock. When in doubt, it's best to pair honey and cheese from the same region. Honey pairs well with almost any type of cheese, especially mild and creamy cheeses, tangy or acidic cheeses, and sharp, aged cheeses. Blue cheese, goat cheese, and brie are particularly good with honey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Brie, Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Feta, Ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Cheddar, Manchego, Camembert, Keen's Cheddar, St. Agur, Chevre, Parmesan |
| Honey | Bamboo, Buckwheat, Spring, Spicy, Orange Blossom, Lavender, Clover, Firecracker, Spruce Tip, Citrus |
| Type of Honey | Liquid, Honeycomb |
| Texture | Smooth, Crumbly, Gooey, Tangy, Aged, Creamy, Sharp, Firm, Soft, Dense, Spreadable |
| Flavour | Sweet, Mild, Spicy, Earthy, Salty, Pungent, Bright, Fruity, Clean, Nutty, Floral |
| Food Pairings | Nuts, Prosciutto, Figs, Berries, Crackers, Zucchini, Sun-dried Tomato, Poached Egg, Cinnamon, Honey Jam |
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What You'll Learn
- Honey and cheese pairings are subjective, but some honey types are better suited to certain cheeses
- Honeycomb pairs well with triple creme, blue cheese or Parmigiano
- Goat's cheese is complemented by honey, especially raw honeycomb
- Honey with citrus overtones or herbaceous notes like lavender honey, pair well with creamy cheeses
- Ricotta drizzled with honey can be served for breakfast or as a dessert
Honey and cheese pairings are subjective, but some honey types are better suited to certain cheeses
Honey and cheese are a match made in heaven, and the right pairing can elevate your cheese board to an extraordinary gourmet experience. The sweet flavour of honey adds an exciting new element to a cheese plate, and almost any type of cheese is enhanced when paired with honey.
While honey and cheese pairings are subjective, with no hard and fast rules, some honey types are better suited to certain cheeses. Good honey, like good wine, features intriguing layers of flavour and shifts in colour, fragrance, thickness, and texture from varietal to varietal. All plants produce uniquely coloured and flavoured nectars and pollen, which impact the final aroma and taste of the resulting honey. Honey with a nuttier flavour, for example, pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses. Honey with citrus overtones or herbaceous notes like lavender honey, is a well-suited match for cheese with a creamy texture.
When in doubt, go by region. Where do you recognize these flavours from? You might find that there's a really good match that way. For instance, orange blossom honey is likely to go well with sheep's milk cheeses. Similarly, Catskill honey from upstate New York is an excellent combination with goat cheese crafted nearby.
Some classic honey and cheese pairings include baked brie with honey, which caramelizes the top and offers a gooey delight. Blue cheese is heavenly with honey, as the sweet honey will mellow out its strong flavour. Ricotta drizzled with honey can be served for breakfast or as a dessert. This pairing goes well with fruit like figs, apricots, and berries. Honey also pairs well with tangy cheeses like feta and goat cheese, and aged hard cheeses such as sharp cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Honeycomb pairs well with triple creme, blue cheese or Parmigiano
Honeycomb pairs well with triple creme, blue cheese, or Parmigiano. While there are no strict rules for pairing honey with cheese, the right combination can elevate a simple dish. Honeycomb is increasingly becoming a popular choice, adding a unique texture and a visually stunning element to a cheese board.
Triple creme is a smooth, creamy cheese that pairs well with the sweetness of honey. The honey used can be of a similar smoothness, or a more textured, crumbly variety. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the sweetness of the honey creates a delightful combination.
Blue cheese is another excellent pairing with honey. The strong flavor of blue cheese is mellowed by the sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious match. This pairing is especially good with a spicy blue cheese, as the honey complements the spicy notes.
Parmigiano, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, sharp cheese that is delicious with honey. The salty, sharp flavor of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the honey, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile. This pairing is a classic combination, often served as a final course with a dessert wine.
In addition to these three types of cheese, there are many other varieties that pair well with honey. Honeycomb is also commonly paired with goat cheese, enhancing its tangy flavor. Ricotta drizzled with honey is a delicious breakfast or dessert option, especially when served with fresh berries. Aged cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, are also a good match for honey, as the sweetness of the honey complements the sharpness of the cheese.
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Goat's cheese is complemented by honey, especially raw honeycomb
Honey and cheese are a match made in heaven. While honey enhances the flavour of almost any type of cheese, some pairings are particularly delectable. One such combination is that of goat cheese and honey, especially raw honeycomb.
Goat cheese, also known as goat's milk cheese, chevre, or simply chèvre, is a tangy, acidic cheese. It is often described as having a sharp, tangy flavour with a creamy texture. This tanginess is complemented by the natural sweetness of honey. The sweetness of honey helps to mellow out the strong flavour of goat cheese.
When it comes to choosing the right honey to pair with goat cheese, there are no hard and fast rules. It ultimately boils down to personal preference and one's palate. However, to elevate the experience, it is recommended to opt for raw honeycomb. Honeycomb, also known as comb honey, is a unique way to present honey on a cheese plate or board. It adds a visually stunning element and provides a contrasting texture to the creamy goat cheese. The combination of creamy goat cheese and crunchy honeycomb creates a delightful interplay of flavours and textures.
To create a simple yet exquisite pairing, spread some goat cheese on a cracker and top it with a piece of raw honeycomb. This combination is a delightful treat for the senses, offering a contrast of creamy and crunchy textures, as well as a balance of tangy and sweet flavours. For a more sophisticated presentation, consider adding some garnishes, such as nuts, dried or fresh fruits like figs, apricots, or berries, or even a salty element like prosciutto on the side.
Additionally, when choosing honey for your pairing, consider exploring varietal honey, which is named after the flower source of its nectar, such as lavender honey or orange blossom honey. These varietals carry the flavour of their source, creating interesting and nuanced flavour profiles that can enhance your goat cheese and honey pairing.
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Honey with citrus overtones or herbaceous notes like lavender honey, pair well with creamy cheeses
Honey with citrus overtones or herbaceous notes, such as lavender honey, pairs well with creamy cheeses. The creamy texture of the cheese complements the bright, floral notes of the honey.
Some specific examples of creamy cheeses that pair well with these types of honey include Président Brie, Président Triple Crème Brie, or Président Plain Goat Log. These cheeses can be drizzled with honey or served with a piece of honeycomb on the side.
Another option for a creamy cheese and honey pairing is Bleu d'Auvergne, a French cheese with a creamy ivory colour and a smooth texture. This cheese is dotted with blue-green mould, giving it a unique appearance. Its grassy, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavour profile makes it a perfect match for honey with citrus or herbaceous notes.
When creating a cheese and honey pairing, it is also important to consider the seasonality and regionality of the products. For example, a honey with citrus notes may pair better with a creamy cheese during the spring or summer months, while a honey with herbaceous notes could be a better match for a richer, more indulgent cheese during the cooler months.
Additionally, experimenting with different varieties of honey and cheese can lead to some delightful discoveries. For example, a mild and creamy cheese might pair well with a bold, citrus-forward honey, while a more assertive creamy cheese could stand up to a stronger-flavoured herbaceous honey. Ultimately, the perfect pairing comes down to personal preference and what tastes appealing to your palate.
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Ricotta drizzled with honey can be served for breakfast or as a dessert
Ricotta drizzled with honey is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast or as a dessert. This simple yet delicious combination offers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavours, making it a crowd-pleaser treat any time of the day.
For a quick and easy breakfast option, spread some ricotta on toast and drizzle it with honey. The addition of a poached egg can provide a savoury twist, creating a hearty and satisfying morning meal. Alternatively, a sprinkle of cinnamon and some fresh berries or dried fruit can transform this dish into a sweet and indulgent dessert.
To elevate this pairing, consider preparing a whipped ricotta with honey and lemon. This recipe, which has gained popularity on TikTok, involves blending ricotta with honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, salt, and olive oil in a food processor. The result is a light and creamy dip that can be served with toast or crostini for dunking. The bright citrus notes of lemon complement the sweetness of honey, creating a refreshing and elegant flavour profile.
When choosing the right honey for your ricotta, feel free to experiment with different varietals. The unique flavours, colours, fragrances, and textures of honey can enhance the overall taste experience. For instance, a dash of spicy honey can add a delightful kick to your breakfast, while floral or earthy honey can offer intriguing layers of flavour.
In conclusion, ricotta drizzled with honey is a versatile and delightful dish. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a decadent dessert, the combination of sweet honey and creamy ricotta is sure to impress. So, get creative and explore the magic of this simple yet exquisite pairing!
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Frequently asked questions
Brie, goat cheese, blue cheese, and sharp, aged cheeses like cheddar pair well with honey.
Honey with a nuttier flavour, like chestnut or buckwheat honey, pairs well with aged cheeses. Honey with citrus overtones or herbaceous notes like lavender honey go well with creamy cheeses. Honey with a more complex flavour profile, such as those from gourmet stores or farmers markets, can also be a good choice.
Yes, there are several recipes that use honey and cheese together. One example is Président Triple Crème Brie with spruce tip honey. Another is rich, creamy Président Camembert drizzled with honey and topped with rosemary.
Yes, some common cheeses used in honey and cheese recipes include Président Brie, Président Triple Crème Brie, and Président Camembert.
