Andy Montoya
Fig jam is a versatile condiment that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with a diverse range of cheeses. Its sweet and fruity notes make it a great addition to a charcuterie board, providing a wonderful contrast to the saltiness or tanginess of certain cheeses. Whether spread on bread or crackers, used as a salad dressing, or served as a simple appetizer with cheese, there are endless opportunities to create delicious combinations to suit different tastes and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creamy and soft cheeses | Brie, Camembert, Chevre |
| Tangy and slightly acidic cheeses | Goat cheese, Feta |
| Intense and complex flavor | Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola |
| Semi-hard and aged cheeses | Manchego, Gouda |
| Subtle creaminess | Ricotta |
| Salty tang | Parmesan, Mimolette |
| Crumbly texture | Stilton |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Chevre
Goat cheese, or Chevre, often has a hint of saltiness that pairs well with the sweetness of fig jam. Its tangy and slightly acidic notes create a delightful contrast, resulting in a well-balanced pairing. Chevre can come in many flavours and textures, so it is worth experimenting to find your favourite combination.
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Semi-hard cheeses like Gouda and Manchego
When it comes to semi-hard cheeses like Gouda and Manchego, their smooth and caramel-like flavours blend seamlessly with the sweet and fruity notes of fig jam. The former is a smoky cheese that pairs well with the jam, while the latter, made from sheep's milk, has a buttery yet firm texture with air pockets similar to Swiss cheese.
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be found in varieties such as Roth 3 Chili Gouda and Herbs de Provence Bellavitano, which can be served with fig jam. Its smooth and caramel-like flavours create a balanced pairing with the sweetness of the jam.
Manchego, a cheese from La Mancha, Spain, also complements the sweetness of fig jam beautifully. The nutty and slightly salty flavours of Manchego create a delightful contrast of tastes when paired with the jam.
Both Gouda and Manchego, as semi-hard cheeses, bring a nutty richness that harmonises beautifully with the flavours of fig jam. Their slightly firmer textures provide a nice contrast to the spreadable consistency of the jam, making them excellent choices for a charcuterie board or appetizer.
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Blue cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola
Blue cheese is a generic term for cheese produced with pasteurized milk from cows, goats, or sheep that has been ripened with cultures of the mold penicillium. The mould is what gives the cheese its distinctive flavour and aroma, as well as its characteristic blue veins.
When creating a cheese platter with fig jam, consider including other complementary cheeses such as St Agur, Seaside Cheddar, Fromage d'Affinois, and Herbs de Provence Bellavitano. The diverse range of cheeses will offer a variety of flavour combinations and textures to suit different tastes and preferences.
To elevate your cheese and fig jam pairing, serve it on a charcuterie board with crackers, bread, or toast. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the flavours.
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Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Mimolette
When it comes to hard cheeses, Parmesan and Mimolette are excellent choices to serve with fig jam. Parmesan, a popular and versatile cheese, is crafted from unique cow cattle in Italy called Reggiana. It is typically aged for at least 12 months, resulting in sharp, layered flavours and a nutty, slightly salty taste. The aging process enhances the flavour of Parmesan, making older cheeses more desirable. When paired with fig jam, the subtle creaminess of Parmesan and its salty tang create a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the jam.
Mimolette, on the other hand, is a hard cow's mild cheese produced around the city of Lille in France. It boasts an almost electric orange colour and a caramelized flavour with a smooth finish. Mimolette is typically matured for at least six months, developing its distinctive characteristics. While it may not be as well-known as Parmesan, Mimolette offers a unique experience when paired with fig jam. Its mild flavour and smooth texture provide an intriguing balance to the sweetness and fruity notes of the jam.
Both Parmesan and Mimolette offer distinct experiences when served with fig jam. The key lies in their contrasting flavours and textures, creating a delightful interplay with the sweetness of the jam. The subtle creaminess and salty notes of Parmesan or the mild, smooth character of Mimolette can elevate the tasting experience, making them excellent choices for those seeking a unique and memorable flavour combination.
When creating a charcuterie board with fig jam, consider experimenting with different combinations of cheeses, crackers, meats, and other accompaniments. The versatility of fig jam allows for endless pairing possibilities, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you choose Parmesan, Mimolette, or a combination of both, your guests are sure to be impressed by the complex and complementary flavours on offer.
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Salads with goat cheese, greens, and balsamic vinegar
Fig jam is a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board as it can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Brie, a soft cow's milk cheese, is a popular pairing due to its mild flavour and buttery texture, which complements the consistency of the jam. Other soft cheeses that go well with fig jam include Camembert, goat cheese, and feta. The slight saltiness of goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of fig jam. Blue cheese is another option for those who enjoy its bold and pungent flavours.
Now, here are some ideas for salads with goat cheese, greens, and balsamic vinegar:
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic
This salad features roasted beets, arugula or spring mix, toasted walnuts, thinly sliced shallots, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The sweet and earthy beets pair perfectly with the creamy goat cheese, while the balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy flavour.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad combines fresh greens such as arugula, spinach, and pea shoots with sliced strawberries, cooled walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. A balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil, shallots, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt brings the flavours together.
Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad features apples, raisins, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts on a bed of lamb's lettuce. The sweetness of the apples and raisins pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese, while the honey balsamic vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Goat Cheese Salad with Greens and Balsamic Vinegar
While specific recipes may vary, the key ingredients in this type of salad are greens (such as arugula or spinach), goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans, and seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, can be added for extra crunch and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft cheeses that pair well with fig jam include Brie, Camembert, and Chevre (goat cheese).
Semi-hard cheeses that pair well with fig jam include Gouda, Mimolette, and Manchego.
Hard cheeses that pair well with fig jam include Parmesan, aged cheddar, and Stilton.
Blue cheeses that pair well with fig jam include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and St. Agur.
