Andy Montoya
Jam and cheese may sound like an unusual combination, but it is actually a classic pairing with a long history across Europe, especially in Italy and France. The pairing of sweet and savoury is a complementary match made in heaven, with the sweetness of jams balancing the savouriness of cheeses. When it comes to specific pairings, there are some general principles to follow, but experimentation is also key.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Smooth and spreadable, grainy, soft |
| Cheese type | Goat, mascarpone, brie, blue, cheddar, parmesan, ricotta, robiola, asiago, manchego, cream cheese |
| Jam type | Sweet, savory, spicy, tangy, mild, strong, delicate |
| Jam flavor | Fig, peach, apricot, berry, citrus, cherry, rhubarb, onion, tomato, pepper, apple, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, pumpkin, salted caramel apple, black currant, red currant, cranberry, orange, lemon, grapefruit |
| Serving style | Separate, not mixed together, chilled |
| Accompaniments | Wine, beer, crackers, baguette, artisan bread, black walnuts, smoked almonds, fresh basil, ginger |
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What You'll Learn
Jam and cheese pairings for a party cheese board
Jam and cheese pairings may sound like an unlikely combination, but they can create a thoughtful, sophisticated adventure for your palate. The pairing of cheese and jam goes all the way back to the Middle Ages, when cheese was considered a "meal ender", used to cleanse the palate before dessert. Here are some tips for creating the perfect jam and cheese pairings for a party cheese board:
Choosing the Cheeses and Jams
Select at least five different types of cheese, each with a different level of maturity and made from a different type of milk. The more mature and aged the cheese, the more robust its flavour is likely to be, so opt for sweet jams with less complexity, such as those made with figs, peaches, or apricots. Younger, milder cheeses tend to pair well with more complex, assertive flavours, such as zesty and tart jams made from berries, citrus fruits, quince, or cherry. Cheeses with a tangier flavour, such as goat's cheese, can also be paired with savoury jams like onion, tomato, or pepper.
Preparing the Cheese Board
Cheeses should be served at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge one to two hours before serving. Different cheeses should be cut in specific ways: semi-mature cheeses should be cut into triangular pieces, while mature, grainy cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano should be grated. Softer cheeses, like ricotta and robiola, should be served in slices or spreadable form. Arrange the cheeses in a clockwise manner on the board, starting with the mildest, softest cheese and ending with the most intense, mature cheese. Provide separate bowls of jam for each cheese, along with spoons and homemade bread or crackers.
Creating Complementary Pairings
The key to successful jam and cheese pairings is complementarity. Bold, strongly flavoured cheeses pair well with assertive jams, while mild cheeses are better suited to delicately flavoured jams. The sharpness of the cheese should be balanced by the sweetness of the jam. Avoid pairings where one flavour dominates the other, aiming for a harmonious combination instead. Consider serving your jam and cheese pairings with wine, additional fruits, nuts, or bread for a well-rounded tasting experience.
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The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam
The concept of serving jam with cheese may seem unusual, but it is a classic combination with a long history across Europe, especially in Italy and France. The pairing of sweet and savoury is a complementary one, with the sweetness of jams balancing the savouriness of cheeses.
When it comes to specific pairings, a general rule of thumb is that sharper, more mature and aged cheeses with robust flavours work best with sweeter jams that are not too complex. For example, a sharp cheddar pairs well with sweeter jams like apple jelly or apple butter, or huckleberry jam. Blue cheese also goes well with sweeter jams like blackcurrant or peach jam.
On the other hand, milder, creamier cheeses like goat cheese or brie pair well with a wider variety of jams, including both sweet and savoury options. Goat cheese goes well with fig jam, cranberry sauce or orange, lemon or grapefruit marmalade. Brie is a versatile cheese that can be paired with almost any jam, but a classic combination is brie and strawberry jam.
When creating a cheese and jam board, it is recommended to choose at least five different types of cheese, each from a different milk type and with a different length of aging, to create a range of flavours and textures. The cheeses should be served at room temperature, and it is important to cut each cheese in an appropriate way to allow for the best taste experience.
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Serving jam and cheese with wine
Jam and cheese is a classic combination that dates back to the Middle Ages, when cheese was considered a "meal ender", used to cleanse the palate before dessert. While any jam can be served with cheese, there are some combinations that are more complementary than others.
When serving jam and cheese with wine, it is important to consider the flavour profiles of all three elements. The wine should complement both the jam and the cheese, creating a harmonious flavour combination. For example, a bold, full-bodied red wine might pair well with a strong cheese such as blue cheese or mature cheddar, and a robust jam such as fig or black currant. On the other hand, a lighter, more delicate wine might be better suited to a milder cheese such as brie or goat cheese, paired with a sweeter jam like strawberry or cherry.
When creating your cheese and jam pairing, consider the sharpness of the cheese and the sweetness of the jam. As a general rule, the sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. This contrast between sweet and savoury creates a delightful flavour combination. Additionally, the ratio of jam to cheese is important. Too much or too little jam can throw off the balance of flavours.
The texture of the cheese is also a factor to consider. Semi-mature cheeses should be cut into triangular pieces, while mature, grainy cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano should be cut into small pieces. Softer cheeses, such as ricotta and goat cheese, should be spreadable. This is important to keep in mind when creating a cheese board, as you want to ensure that your guests can easily taste and enjoy the different cheeses and jams.
When serving jam and cheese with wine, it is recommended to chill the jam and serving dishes to keep the jam firm and fresh. This is especially important if the jam is being served with a soft or spreadable cheese, as it will help to create a contrast in textures. It is also advisable to serve the jam separately from the cheese, rather than pouring it over the top, to allow your guests to enjoy the flavours of both elements individually.
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How to prepare a classic board of mixed cheeses and jams
Jam and cheese is a classic combination that dates back to the Middle Ages. While there are many ways to prepare a cheese and jam board, here is a guide to creating a classic mixed cheese and jam board.
Firstly, select at least five different types of cheese, each with a different milk type and varying lengths of aging. Some classic combinations include aged cheddar with apple jelly, apple butter, or tomato jam, and goat cheese with fig jam. Blue cheese pairs well with black currant, peach, or red onion jam, and Brie with strawberry jam or cherry preserves is a perennial favourite. Remember, the sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. Stronger-flavoured cheeses go well with boldly-flavoured jams, while mild cheeses are better suited to delicately-flavoured jams.
Next, consider the presentation. Each cheese should be cut appropriately to showcase its flavour and texture. Semi-mature cheeses should be cut into triangular pieces, while mature, grainy cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano should be cut into cubes. Soft cheeses, such as goat's milk or sheep's milk cheeses, should be sliced or spread, and fresh ricotta and robiola can be served whole with knives for spreading. Arrange the cheeses in a clockwise manner on the board, starting with the most delicate and soft cheeses and ending with the most intense, mature varieties.
As for the jams, each cheese should have its own jam or marmalade, served in separate bowls with spoons to allow guests to create their own pairings. Chilling the jams beforehand will help them stay firm and fresh during the meal. Remember to provide homemade bread, cut into slices and arranged in small baskets, as well as knives for spreading.
Finally, consider adding complementary items to the board. Fresh fruits, nuts like black walnuts or smoked almonds, and fresh herbs like basil or ginger can enhance the tasting experience. If you wish to serve wine or beer with the cheese and jam, seek guidance from experts on pairings that will enhance the flavours of your chosen cheeses and jams.
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Cheese and jam pairings for a grilled cheese sandwich
Jam and cheese is a classic combination that dates back to the Middle Ages. The sweetness of jams balances out the savouriness of cheeses. Here are some cheese and jam pairings that would work well in a grilled cheese sandwich:
- Goat cheese with fig jam and caramelized onions. The tanginess of goat cheese complements the sweetness of fig jam. Adding caramelized onions to this combination makes for a delicious sandwich.
- Aged cheddar cheese with apple jelly or apple butter. The sharpness of aged cheddar is balanced by the sweetness of apple jelly or apple butter.
- Blue cheese with black currant, peach, or red onion jam. The strong flavour of blue cheese pairs well with the assertive flavours of these jams.
- Brie with strawberry jam or cherry preserves. This is a classic combination, with the mild flavour of brie complementing the sweetness of strawberry or cherry.
- White cheddar with blackberry jam. This pairing is a popular choice at a grilled cheese restaurant, with the sharpness of the cheddar balanced by the sweetness of blackberry jam.
- Cream cheese with strawberry or blueberry jam. This combination offers a range of flavours, from sweet to salty to bitter, making for a delightful bite.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good jam and cheese pairings include:
- Blue cheese with black currant, peach or red onion jam
- Goat cheese with fig jam, cranberry sauce or jelly, or marmalade
- Brie with fig jam, strawberry jam, cherry preserves, or red currant jelly
- Aged cheddar with apple jelly, apple butter, huckleberry or tomato jam
- Mascarpone with strawberry jam
- Cream cheese with blackberry jam
The sharper and more mature the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. Mild cheeses go well with mild jams, while bold cheeses pair well with strongly-flavoured jams.
Jam and cheese can be served on a board with homemade bread, or in a sandwich. If serving jam and cheese together with wine, it is recommended to ask a wine connoisseur for advice on pairings. It is also recommended to chill the jam and serving dish prior to serving.
Jam and cheese can be served with additional fruits, black walnuts, smoked almonds, artisan bread, fresh herbs, and wine or beer.
