Jam Companion For Gruyere Cheese: Best Pairings

The pairing of cheese and jam is a heavenly combination that dates back to the Middle Ages. The sharp, salty notes of cheese are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of jam, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. When it comes to Gruyère, a beloved Swiss cheese with over 900 years of history, there are several jams that can enhance its unique flavour profile.

A 6-month-old Gruyère with mild, fruity notes pairs beautifully with fig jam, while a 12-month-old Gruyère with savoury, meaty flavours is complemented by the fruity crunch of pears. For a 14-month-old Gruyère, honey and apples bring out the cheese's fruity and floral notes. Alternatively, green tomato jam, known for its tangy flavour, is a versatile option that can be paired with mature cheeses like Gruyère.

Apple jam

The nutty and savory flavours of Gruyere, with its strong sweet undertones, work great with apple jam. For a real treat, try apple jam with a 14-month-old Gruyere, which has fruity and floral notes, as well as hints of apple and pineapple. The jam will beautifully compliment the cheese's fruity and floral notes.

For a quick and tasty appetiser, try making some Easy Apple Jam and Gruyere Cheese Puff Pastry Bites. Simply spread some apple jam and sprinkle some almonds on squares of puff pastry, top with a cube of Gruyere, and bake in the oven.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, apple jam and Gruyere also work well in a grilled cheese sandwich. Try pairing them with some tart Granny Smith apples and serving them in a panini or a cast-iron pan.

Fig jam

For a more sophisticated take, try a Gruyère, apple, and fig jam panini. The tartness of Granny Smith apples adds a unique twist to the classic combination of nutty Gruyère and sweet fig jam. This sandwich can be made in a panini press, a cast-iron pan, or a George Foreman grill.

When creating a cheese plate with Gruyère, fig jam is an excellent addition. The jam's sweetness enhances the fruity notes in the cheese, creating a delightful contrast. To build an impressive cheese plate, include other accoutrements such as pears, honey, and toasted hazelnuts. You can also add prosciutto to balance the salty and fruity flavours.

The key to a successful pairing of cheese and jam is finding the right balance. The sharpness of the cheese should be complemented by the sweetness of the jam. Fig jam, with its subtle spice, is an ideal match for sharp, mature cheeses like Gruyère. This combination is a testament to the long history of pairing cheese with fruits and fruit preserves in Europe, especially in Italy and France.

Honey

For a simple breakfast or snack, try a Gruyère cheese crostini with honey. Cut a French baguette at an angle, spread with butter, add grated Gruyère, and bake until the cheese melts. Drizzle with honey and serve hot with a cup of tea or coffee.

For a more indulgent option, try honey and Gruyère baked in puff pastry. Sprinkle cubes of Gruyère with thyme, drizzle with hot honey, and bake in puff pastry until gooey. Serve with a simple green salad and a glass of rosé for a delicious lunch or holiday hors d'oeuvre.

The key to pairing honey with Gruyère is to balance the salty, nutty flavours of the cheese with the sweetness of the honey. Whether you opt for a simple crostini or a more elaborate dish, the combination of honey and Gruyère is sure to delight your taste buds.

Pear

The pairing of cheese with fruit is heavenly, and the French have a saying that goes: "God has never made a marriage as successful as that between the pear and the cheese."

Gruyère has a range of flavours depending on the wheel, from caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms to pineapple and ripe pears. The 6-month-old Gruyère has a mild taste with notes of cooked milk, grass and a slight apple flavour. The 12-month-old Gruyère has more savoury notes, with flavours of caramelized onions, broth and roasted meat. The 14-month-old Gruyère has fruity notes of floral, apples and hints of pineapple.

When pairing pear with Gruyère, the pear notes marry perfectly with the fruity element of the cheese. Pear also counterbalances the salty notes of the cheese with a fruity, juicy crunch.

• Cut the Gruyère into triangles or rectangles.
• Pair the cheese with pear slices or cubes.
• Add other complementary foods such as prosciutto, nuts, crackers, or bread.
• Include other items with contrasting textures, such as crunchy crackers or nuts with creamy cheese.
• Consider the visual display and arrange the pear, Gruyère, and other items on a wooden or slate cheese board.
• Chill the pear and serving dish before serving to keep the pear fresh and firm.

Prosciutto

For a simple yet impressive starter or snack, prosciutto and Gruyère can be combined in a pinwheel. To make these, spread a sheet of puff pastry with Dijon mustard, then layer with prosciutto and grated Gruyère. Roll up the pastry, chill, and slice into pinwheels before baking.

For a more sophisticated sandwich, try an open-face prosciutto, Gruyère, and tomato sandwich. Brush slices of white bread with olive oil and toast until golden. Rub one side with garlic, then sprinkle with white wine and kirsch. Top with prosciutto, tomato, and Gruyère, then broil until the cheese is bubbling.

When creating a cheese board with Gruyère, prosciutto can be folded and placed in the centre of the plate, with the cheese cut into triangles or rectangles. Add some fruit like apples, pears, or dried apricots, and some nuts or crackers for texture.

Frequently asked questions