Blue Cheese's Sweet Companion: The Best Jam Pairings

Combining cheese with sweet fruit and fruit preserves like jams, jellies, confits, and marmalades dates back to the Middle Ages. While the pairing is entrenched in Italian and French cuisine, it is enjoyed across Europe. The sharpness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the jam, creating a complementary flavour profile. Blue cheese, a sharp cheese, pairs well with sweet jams like fig jam, apricot jam, and plum jam.

Fig jam

For a simple yet exquisite appetizer, consider spreading fig jam on crostini and topping it with a slice of blue cheese. The crispness of the crostini provides a textural contrast, while the jam and cheese meld together beautifully. This combination is also delightful on a cheese board, served with crackers or fresh bread.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some candied pecans to the mix. The crunch and sweetness of the pecans elevate the pairing, creating a truly indulgent experience. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as French baguette or a heartier loaf.

When choosing a blue cheese to pair with fig jam, remember that the cheese comes in various varieties, from mild to sharp. Opt for the sharpness that suits your taste preference. Additionally, allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavour.

The versatility of fig jam extends beyond its pairing with blue cheese. It can also be enjoyed with mature hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Manchego Viejo. The jam's subtle spice enhances the experience, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Apricot jam

Blue cheese is another suitable pairing, but milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, or Blue Stilton are recommended. The sharpness of the blue cheese will be balanced by the sweetness of the apricot jam.

When serving apricot jam and blue cheese, it is important to remember that the cheese should be the main delicacy. It is also best to serve the cheese at room temperature and to avoid pouring the jam over the cheese. Instead, allow your guests to enjoy the cheese and jam separately, and then let them try combining the two according to their preference.

To elevate the experience, you can serve the apricot jam and blue cheese pairing with wine, bread toast, different fruits, fresh basil, or even ginger.

Blackberry jam

When it comes to specific cheese pairings, blackberry jam is a good match for blue cheese, especially milder varieties such as Blue Stilton. The sweetness of the jam balances out the mild mouldiness of the cheese. Blackberry jam can also complement the creamy, nutty notes of cheeses like Camembert and Taleggio. For goat cheese lovers, blackberry jam is a good choice to bring out the tangy, earthy flavours of a Chevre.

When creating a cheese board, it is recommended to serve the cheese at room temperature and arrange the different cheeses in a clockwise manner, starting with the most delicate cheese and ending with the strongest. Each cheese should be cut or spread in a way that allows guests to taste it at its best. Don't forget to provide homemade bread and arrange the different jams in separate bowls to allow your guests to mix and match according to their preferences.

Plum jam

When pairing jam and cheese, it's important to consider the whole picture and not just settle for a limited few options. You can serve your jam and cheese pairing with wine, bread toast, different fruits, fresh basil, or even ginger. The key is to offer tastes that complement each other and not overpower one another.

It's also important to serve your cheese with its accompaniment, rather than mixing them together. Avoid pouring the jam on top of the cheese. Instead, allow your guests to enjoy both the cheese and the jam separately, and then let them try combining them according to their personal preference.

In general, bold cheeses pair well with strongly flavoured jams, while mild cheeses unite well with subtly flavoured jams. Mature cheeses go well with sweeter accompaniments like jams made from plums, cherries, or pears. You can also try preserves made with raspberries, strawberries, or apricots. Similarly, fresh, softer cheeses go well with sour-tasting jams such as orange, lemon, or tangerine.

Peach jam

Combining savoury cheese with sweet fruit and fruit preserves like jams is a pairing that goes all the way back to the Middle Ages. The custom of pairing cheese with fruits and fruit preserves is especially popular in Italy and France.

When preparing a cheese and jam pairing, it is important to remember that the flavours should complement each other, not overpower one another. The sharpness of the cheese should be balanced by the sweetness of the jam. Additionally, the ratio of jam to cheese matters – a small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is ideal.

For a unique culinary experience, try creating a pizza topped with peaches, creamy blue cheese, and sweet chilli jam. This combination delivers a burst of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours. You can use a sourdough-style pizza base or store-bought bases, such as naan or wraps. Don't forget to add a few crunchy, green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach for added texture and freshness.

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