Cheese And Fig Jam: Perfect Pairing Recommendations

Fig jam is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, making it a great addition to any charcuterie board. The sweetness of the jam beautifully complements the savoury and rich characteristics of cheese, creating delightful flavour combinations. From creamy and soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert to tangy and salty options such as goat cheese and feta, the possibilities are endless. The intense and complex flavours of blue cheese also create a bold pairing with the sweetness of fig jam. With its versatility and ability to enhance the flavours of cheeses, fig jam is a perfect choice for those looking to experiment with different combinations.

Fig jam and soft cheeses

• Brie: This soft cow's milk cheese, named after the region in France where it originated, has a rich, buttery flavour and a creamy texture. Its mild flavour and edible white rind make it a perfect match for the sweetness of fig jam.
• Camembert: Similar to Brie, Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese that pairs beautifully with fig jam. Its tangy and slightly acidic notes provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the jam.
• Taleggio: This tasty and creamy cheese is another excellent option to pair with fig jam.
• Goat's Cheese: The tangy and slightly acidic flavour of goat's cheese, also known as Chevre, creates a well-balanced pairing with fig jam. The hint of saltiness in goat's cheese complements the sweetness of the jam.
• Blue Cheese: The bold and pungent flavours of blue cheese create a robust and memorable pairing with fig jam. Options like Roquefort or Gorgonzola have intense and complex flavours that stand out when paired with the jam.

When creating a charcuterie board or an appetizer, consider spreading fig jam on bread slices or crackers and topping it with a soft cheese of your choice. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme for an extra kick of flavour.

Creamy and soft cheeses

Brie, a soft cow's milk cheese from the Brie region in France, has a rich, buttery flavour and is best served at room temperature to allow its edible white rind to soften. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it an excellent pairing with fig jam. Similarly, Camembert, a French creamy, soft cheese, has a tangy and slightly acidic taste that beautifully balances the sweetness of the jam.

Chèvre, or fresh goat cheese, has a tangy and slightly acidic flavour that also provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of fig jam. Its fresh and creamy taste enhances the sweet and tangy elements of the jam, creating a well-rounded pairing.

These creamy and soft cheeses provide a luscious base that complements the sweet and fruity notes of fig jam, making them ideal choices for a harmonious flavour combination.

Tangy and acidic cheeses

Goat cheese can come in many flavours and textures. One with a hint of saltiness is awesome with the sweetness of the jam. The same goes for blue cheese, which tends to be salty and sharp with a pungent aroma.

If you're looking for a wilder option, try Crottin goat cheese with jalapeno jelly.

Blue cheeses

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. It tends to be salty and sharp with a pungent aroma. Despite its strong flavour, blue cheese is a surprisingly good pairing with fig jam.

Blue cheese comes in a variety of different strengths, from mild to sharp. A milder blue cheese, such as Cambozola, is a good option for those who are new to the flavour. This cheese is often referred to as "blue brie" due to its similarity in texture to the French soft cheese. A stronger blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, will create a bolder pairing with the fig jam.

Blue cheese and fig jam crostini is a simple and easy-to-make appetizer. To make this, slice a baguette into thin slices, brush with olive oil, and bake until crispy. Then, spread the jam on the toasts and top with blue cheese. This combination also works well on crackers or with bread and thyme.

Semi-hard and aged cheeses

When it comes to semi-hard and aged cheeses, there are several options that pair beautifully with fig jam. These cheeses bring a nutty richness that harmonises perfectly with the jam's flavours. Here are some examples:

Manchego

Manchego, a semi-hard Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, has a nutty and slightly salty flavour that complements the sweetness of fig jam. This combination creates a delightful contrast of tastes.

Gouda

Gouda, a mild cheese that originates from the Netherlands, is typically made from cow's milk. As Gouda ages, it develops more caramel notes and nuttiness, making it an excellent pairing with the sweeter fig jam. The smooth and caramel-like flavours of aged Gouda blend harmoniously with the sweet and fruity notes of the jam.

Havarti

Native to Denmark, Havarti is a semi-hard cheese with subtle sweet and acidic notes. The undertones of hazelnuts in Havarti help to balance the sweetness of the fig jam.

Mimolette

Mimolette is a hard cow's milk cheese produced in France, near the city of Lille. It has a distinctive orange colour and a caramelised flavour with a smooth finish. The nutty and salty characteristics of Mimolette can create an intriguing contrast with the sweetness of the fig jam.

Aged Cheddar

Aged cheddar is a pasteurised grass-fed cow's milk cheese that has been aged for at least a year. It undergoes a stringent grading process to earn the label of "aged". The strong flavours of aged cheddar and fig jam complement each other well, creating a bold and satisfying pairing.

When pairing semi-hard and aged cheeses with fig jam, consider the balance of flavours. The nutty and salty notes of these cheeses contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the jam, resulting in a dynamic and flavourful combination.

Frequently asked questions