Kamil Perry
Combining cheese with sweet fruit preserves like jams and marmalades has been done since the Middle Ages. It is especially popular in Italy and France, where bold colours and flavours are used to bring out the best in even the simplest ingredients. The key to a successful pairing is to find ingredients that complement each other, creating a thoughtful, sophisticated adventure for your palate. When it comes to apricot jam, a good sharp cheddar is a classic combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese that goes with apricot jam | Parmigiano Reggiano, Gran Padano, Monterey Dry Jack, Gran Queso, Gruyere, Asiago, Fontina |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Apricot jam and cheese in a grilled sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices of country bread
- 4 oz. of cheese, sliced (Kerry Gold's Dubliner, Cheddar, or Gouda)
- 2 tablespoons of apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon of salted butter
- A few leaves of fresh arugula
Method
- Preheat a large skillet or sandwich press to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of apricot jam on one side of a slice of bread.
- Top the jam with a double layer of cheese slices and a second piece of bread.
- Generously butter the outsides of both pieces of bread.
- Put the sandwiches in the skillet and toast until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the sandwiches from the pan and carefully peel apart the bread.
- Place the arugula inside and replace the top slice of bread.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Tips
- For a more sophisticated flavour profile, opt for a cheese with a slight sweetness to complement the apricot jam and spicy arugula.
- If you prefer your grilled cheese with a savoury twist, consider adding ingredients like sliced tomato, avocado, or crispy bacon.
- For a simpler variation, omit the arugula or replace it with another leafy green, such as spinach.
Cheese and Jam Pairing
When pairing cheese with apricot jam, the key is to find a combination that complements each other without overpowering the other. Apricot jam has a sweet and ripe flavour profile, so it pairs well with complex and robust cheeses.
Some recommended cheese pairings for apricot jam include:
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Pecorino Romano
- Grana Padano
- Blue Cheese (especially milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, or Blue Stilton)
Cheese and Turkey Burgers: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Apricot jam and cheese crostini
Ingredients:
- 16 teaspoons of apricot jam
- 16 slices of baguette
- 16 slices of cheddar cheese
- Microgreens (optional)
Method:
- Toast the baguette slices.
- Spread an even layer of apricot jam on the baguette slices.
- Top with cheddar slices and microgreens (optional).
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a more elegant presentation, consider using smaller slices of baguette, closer to bite-sized.
- If you're looking for a more substantial snack, larger slices of bread, such as ciabatta, can be used.
- This combination of apricot jam and cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Gran Padano, or Monterey Dry Jack.
- To elevate your crostini, try adding some fresh arugula or pairing it with a glass of wine or artisan beer.
Sweet Potato's Cheesy Affair: Best Cheese Pairings
You may want to see also
The best types of cheese to pair with apricot jam
Apricot jam is a classic example of how ripe, sweet flavours can work with complex and robust flavours. The best types of cheese to pair with apricot jam include:
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Pecorino Romano
- Grana Padano
- Blue cheese, but a milder variety such as:
- Gorgonzola Dolce
- Danablu
- Blue Stilton
When pairing jam and cheese, it is important to remember that the goal is to complement each other's flavours, not overpower them. The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. Apricot jam is sweet, so it is best to avoid mild cheeses.
Apricot jam and cheese can be served in a variety of ways, such as on a grilled cheese sandwich or on a crostini.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Cheese for Hot Dogs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving apricot jam and cheese together
Apricot jam is a versatile preserve that can be served with a variety of cheeses. When serving jam and cheese together, it is important to remember that the goal is to offer tastes that complement each other, rather than overpower one another. The right combination will bring out the subtler undertones, add complexity to the flavour profiles, and balance the sharper qualities.
Cheese and Jam Pairing Principles
The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. Mature and aged cheeses have more robust flavours that are often nuttier, richer, and savoury. These varieties work best with sweet jams that are not too complex. Stick to jams made from sweeter fruits like apricots, and avoid tangy and spicy preserves like citrus marmalades, quince jelly, and zesty berry jams.
Mellow, creamy, and sweet cheeses work best with more complex flavours. Zesty and tart flavours from jams made with citrus fruits, berries, quince, cherry, or rhubarb can add depth and complexity to the cheese without overwhelming it. These cheeses also pair well with more unique savory jams like onion, tomato, and pepper.
The ratio of jam to cheese is also important. Even a perfect flavour combination can be ruined if there is too much or too little jam on the cheese. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is recommended, so as not to drench the cheese or reduce the jam to a mere seasoning.
Recommended Cheeses for Apricot Jam
Apricot jam is a classic example of how sweet and ripe flavours can work well with complex and robust flavours. The following cheeses are recommended for pairing with apricot jam:
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Pecorino Romano
- Grana Padano
- Gran Queso
- Blue Cheese (milder varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce, Danablu, or Blue Stilton)
Serving Suggestions
When serving jam and cheese, it is best to chill the jam and serving dish beforehand. This will help keep the jam firm and fresh in appearance and flavour for longer. It is also recommended to avoid double-dipping or spooning jam onto cheese and then returning the spoon to the jam jar. Cheese is a living culture that can be introduced to the jam in this manner, reducing the shelf life of the product. Instead, serve the jam from a separate dish, adding more as needed.
Apricot jam and cheese can be served in a variety of ways, such as:
- On a cheese board or platter, with the jam and cheese served separately and accompanied by wine, additional fruits, black walnuts or smoked almonds, artisan bread, and fresh basil or ginger.
- As a grilled cheese sandwich, with a thin layer of apricot jam, a few leaves of fresh arugula, and cheese (such as Kerry Gold's Dubliner cheese) between slices of country bread.
- As crostini, with slices of toasted French baguette topped with apricot jam and sharp cheddar cheese.
Veal Parmesan: Choosing the Perfect Cheesy Topping
You may want to see also
The history of pairing cheese with jam
The pairing of cheese with jam, or fruit preserves, can be traced back to the Middle Ages. At this time, cheese was considered a "meal ender", used to cleanse the palate before dessert. The pairing of cheese with fruits or fruit preserves was first observed in winter and then year-round, and has a long history across Europe, especially in Italy and France. These countries are known for their bold flavours, colours, and their ability to bring out the best qualities in even the simplest of ingredients.
The combination of cheese and jam has endured as a staple on European dinner tables and party platters because these two ingredients complement each other, bringing out subtler undertones, adding complexity to flavour profiles, and balancing sharper qualities.
When pairing jam and cheese, it is important to consider all the possibilities, including wine, additional fruits, black walnuts or smoked almonds, artisan bread, and fresh basil or ginger. The goal is to offer tastes that complement one another, not overpower one another. It is also important to acquire the highest-quality cheese and a discerning jam.
When serving jam and cheese, it is best to chill the jam and the serving dish to keep the jam firm and fresh in appearance and flavour.
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Gran Padano
- Monterey Dry Jack
- Gran Queso
Cheese and Pasta: Perfect Pairing for a Delicious Dish
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmigiano Reggiano, Gran Padano, Monterey Dry Jack, and Gran Queso are some cheeses that go well with apricot jam.
Apricot and cheddar crostini are a great, simple, no-cook appetizer.
Grilled cheese with apricot jam and arugula is a delicious sandwich option.
The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. Mellow, creamy, and sweet cheeses work well with more complex, zesty, and tart jam flavours.
