Cheese And Pepper Jelly: Perfect Pairing For A Snack

Pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create a delightful balance of flavours and textures. The combination of sweet and spicy in the jelly makes it a perfect match for both mild and bold cheeses. For those who prefer a creamy and mild cheese, options such as cream cheese, brie, mozzarella, and goat cheese are ideal. These cheeses provide a smooth texture and subtle flavours that contrast well with the spicy kick of the jelly. On the other hand, bold and flavorful cheeses like Cheddar, Manchego, and Bleu cheese can also stand up to the sweet and spicy pepper jelly, creating a harmonious pairing.

Cream cheese and traditional pepper jelly

Cream cheese is a great base for many appetizers, and it is easy to work with. It can be softened in the microwave or by leaving it out at room temperature. It is recommended to use softened cream cheese to make it easier to spread on crackers or bread. However, if you are making a cream cheese and pepper jelly dip, you can use cold cream cheese as a base and then heat it in the microwave.

Traditional pepper jelly is made from bell peppers and has a mild flavour. It is sweet and spicy, combining the sweetness of sugar with the savoury notes of salt and the spiciness of peppers. The spiciness can vary depending on the type of peppers used, such as jalapeños or habaneros. The jelly can be store-bought or homemade, and it often comes in festive colours, making it a popular choice during the holiday season.

To make a cream cheese and traditional pepper jelly appetizer, simply top a block of cream cheese with the jelly and serve it with crackers. You can also add some garnishes, such as rosemary sprigs or red pepper flakes, for an extra touch of flavour and festivity. This combination is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and salty flavours. It is a quick and easy appetizer that requires no cooking and can be customised with different types of jelly and crackers.

For a more indulgent treat, you can turn this classic combination into a baked dip by mixing softened cream cheese with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and scallions. Microwave the pepper jelly until slightly melted and then pour it over the dip before serving with crackers. This baked version is an excellent option for holiday parties, as it is sure to be a crowd favourite.

Jalapeno pepper jelly with Manchego

Jalapeno pepper jelly is a sweet and spicy condiment that can be served in a multitude of ways. It can be used as a glaze for meats, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dip for appetisers. One unique pairing that brings out the best of the jelly is the combination of Jalapeno pepper jelly with Manchego cheese.

The Cheese: Manchego

Manchego is a hard cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep. It has a rich, intense flavour with a nutty sweetness and a salty finish. The cheese is dense and slightly salty, making it a perfect match for the earthy notes of Jalapeno pepper jelly.

The Jelly: Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

Jalapeno pepper jelly is made from a combination of jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, sugar, vinegar, and pectin. The jalapeno peppers give the jelly its distinctive spicy flavour, while the sugar balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. The vinegar adds acidity to preserve the jelly and enhance its overall taste. The pectin acts as a thickening agent, giving the jelly its gel-like consistency.

Pairing the Two

When paired together, the salty and nutty flavours of Manchego cheese complement the sweet and spicy notes of the Jalapeno pepper jelly. The cheese's dense texture also provides a nice contrast to the jelly's smooth consistency. This combination creates a unique flavour profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

This pairing can be served in a variety of ways. For a simple yet elegant appetiser, spread the Jalapeno pepper jelly on a block of Manchego cheese and serve it with crackers or toasted bread. You can also include this pairing as part of a charcuterie board, allowing your guests to experiment with different combinations of flavours. Additionally, the jelly can be used as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables, adding a sticky and tangy layer to your dish.

Customisation

The spiciness of the Jalapeno pepper jelly can be adjusted to suit your preference. Leaving the seeds and membranes of the jalapeno peppers will result in a spicier jelly, while removing them will give you a milder version. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as anaheim, habanero, or serrano peppers, to create unique flavour profiles.

Cranberry pepper jelly with Camembert

Cranberry pepper jelly is a sweet and spicy jam with a unique tart flavour. The robust yet mellow profile of Camembert, a slight hint of garlic, makes this pairing a delight for every taste bud. Here are some ideas for serving this combination.

Baked Camembert with Cranberry Pepper Jelly

This is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect as a party starter, appetiser, or part of a cheese platter. It requires minimal effort and delivers maximum deliciousness.

Start by removing the Camembert cheese from the fridge and discarding the packaging. Place the cheese wheel onto a silicon mat in the centre of a baking dish. Use a sharp knife to score the rind in both directions to make diagonal cuts. Place the baking tray into the oven and let the cheese bake for 10 minutes.

While the cheese is baking, toast some chopped walnuts in a pan on the stove using high heat. You can also add the cranberry pepper jelly to a heat-proof jug and microwave it for 1-2 minutes to warm it up.

Once the cheese is done, use oven mitts to remove the baking tray from the oven and place it on a heat-proof surface. Use a flat utensil to gently slide the cheese off the baking tray and onto a serving platter.

Next, dollop the warm cranberry pepper jelly on top of the baked Camembert and sprinkle the toasted walnuts over it. You can also add some dried cranberries for extra flavour and texture.

Finally, place some crackers around the base of the cheese and slide a small cheese knife under it for serving.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly with Cream Cheese

Another simple way to serve cranberry pepper jelly is with cream cheese. You can spread the jelly on a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers. This combination is sweet and tangy with a touch of heat at the end. It's a classic way to serve pepper jelly as an appetiser.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Sandwich

For a savoury option, try the cranberry pepper jelly sandwich. Layer the jelly with creamy goat cheese, salty ham, and fresh arugula. This combination creates a sweet and tangy flavour with a hint of spice.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Glaze

The jelly can also be used as a glaze for meats like ham or pork chops. Simply melt the jelly slightly in the microwave and drizzle it over the meat. You can also add it to slow cooker meatballs or stir it into baked beans.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly with Biscuits

If you're looking for a sweet treat, spread the cranberry pepper jelly on some biscuits or cornbread muffins. The tangy cranberries and spicy jalapenos will give the biscuits an explosion of flavour.

Habanero pepper jelly with Gouda

Habanero pepper jelly is a blazing hot condiment that can be addictive if you can handle the heat. It is a versatile preserve that can be used in various dishes, including grilled sandwiches, stir-fries, and even as a glaze for roasted meats.

When it comes to cheese, habanero pepper jelly pairs exceptionally well with Gouda. Gouda is a semi-hard cheese, typically made from cow's milk, and is rich in flavour and smooth in texture. It is also one of the most popular and nutritious cheeses in the world, containing vitamins K2, A, and D. As Gouda ages, it gets firmer and develops a richer flavour, allowing it to stand up to spicier jellies like the habanero variety.

The combination of sweet and spicy habanero pepper jelly with the mild, caramelly sweetness of Gouda creates a delightful contrast of flavours. The heat from the jelly is balanced by the creamy, buttery notes of the cheese, resulting in a flavourful sensory experience.

To elevate this pairing, consider serving it on a charcuterie board with crackers, cured meats, and grilled vegetables. The jelly can be spread on crackers or used as a dip, providing a unique and tasty addition to your typical cheese and cracker combination.

For a more indulgent treat, try baking Brie in a pastry with a layer of habanero pepper jelly. The creamy texture and mild flavour of Brie complement the jelly, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes.

So, if you're looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a flavourful snack, the combination of habanero pepper jelly with Gouda is a perfect choice. The interplay of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavours will tantalise your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Caribbean Mango Pepper Jelly with Goat Cheese

The Jelly

Caribbean Mango Pepper Jelly is made from the Caribbean pepper, scotch bonnet, which gives it a mouth-watering, tangy, savoury-sweet flavour. It is a relatively new ingredient in swanky restaurants and fine food magazines but has been sold in the US for decades.

The Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is any cheese made from goat's milk. It can be hard or soft, but most of the time when someone refers to goat cheese they mean soft. It is a little more zingy than cow’s milk cheese and has a pungent aroma and a luxurious softness that cow's milk cheeses can't quite match.

The Pairing

The sweet juiciness of the Caribbean Mango Pepper Jelly accentuates the full-bodied grassiness and luxurious softness of the goat cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This pairing works well as a dip with garlicky crostini or crackers. If you want to go low-carb, try serving it with baby carrots, radish slices, celery sticks or baby sweet peppers. You could also serve it on a charcuterie board with cured meats and grilled veggies like carrots and aubergine.

Frequently asked questions