
There are many different types of jam that can be paired with a cheese board. The key is to balance the flavours of the cheese and jam with other items that offer complementary flavours. For example, quince jam cuts through the nutty smokiness of Manchego or Idiazabal, while apple jelly works well with Gruyere, Asiago or Fontina. You can also try something a little more unusual, like a spicy pepper jelly paired with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Sweet, tart, nutty, smoky, spicy, aromatic, fruity, creamy, robust, warm, zesty, lively, salty, acidic |
| Texture | Creamy, crunchy, smooth |
| Type of jam | Quince, lavender, apple, pepper, peach and ginger, cranberry |
| Type of cheese | Manchego, Idiazabal, Stilton, Kerrygold, Beecher’s, Brillat-Savarin, Mozzarella, Burrata, Ricotta, Brie, Chèvre, Feta, Cheddar, Gruyere, Asiago, Fontina |
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What You'll Learn
- Quince jam goes well with Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Idiazabal, as well as blue cheeses like Stilton
- Apple jam is a good choice for Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina
- Spicy pepper jelly is a good match for sharp cheeses like aged cheddar
- Lavender-infused jam goes well with fresh cheeses like Mozzarella, Burrata, or soft cheeses like Ricotta, Brie, or Chèvre
- Whole-fruit jams are better than jellies for cheese boards

Quince jam goes well with Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Idiazabal, as well as blue cheeses like Stilton
Quince jam is a great addition to a cheese board, especially when paired with Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Idiazabal. The sweet-tartness of the quince cuts through the nutty smokiness of these cheeses beautifully. Quince jam also goes well with blue cheeses like Stilton, as well as cheddars like Kerrygold and Beecher's, and triple-cream cheeses like Brillat-Savarin.
When creating a cheese board, it's important to balance the flavours. The jams are sweet, and the cheese tends to be mild and fatty, so consider adding salty or acidic elements like olives, cured meats, or fruits like apples or citrus. Texture is also important: think crunchy crackers with creamy cheese and whole-fruit jams rather than jellies.
If you're looking for something a little different, try a spicy pepper jelly with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar, or a more unusual jam flavour like lavender, which pairs well with fresh cheeses like mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, brie, or chèvre. For an autumn-themed board, a blend of sweet peaches and zesty ginger can brighten up your selections, pairing well with feta, brie, or fresh goat cheese. Or, for a classic, you can't go wrong with a good apple jam or jelly, which works well with Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina.
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Apple jam is a good choice for Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina
When it comes to creating a cheese board, there are many different jams to choose from. While apple jam may have a reputation for being a little bland, a gourmet apple jam with the right spices can have a robust and layered flavour. Apple jam is a good choice for a cheese board featuring Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina. These cheeses have nutty and savoury flavours with strong sweet undertones that work well with the sweet and slightly tart flavour of apple jam.
Apple jam is a versatile choice that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. It has a flavour profile that bridges the gap between mellow and sharp, making it a good option for those who want a jam that is not too complex but still has some depth of flavour.
When creating a cheese board, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. In addition to apple jam, you may want to include other items that offer complementary flavours, such as salty cured meats or acidic fruits like citrus. For a crunchy texture, pair apple jam with crackers and a creamy cheese.
If you're looking for a more unusual jam flavour to spice up your cheese board, you could try a spicy pepper jelly with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar. Or, for an autumn-themed board, pair a jam with warm spices like lavender or ginger with fresh cheeses like mozzarella, burrata, or goat cheese.
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Spicy pepper jelly is a good match for sharp cheeses like aged cheddar
When it comes to creating a cheese board, there are endless combinations of flavours and textures to play with. One classic pairing is quince jam with Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Idiazabal. The sweet-tartness of the quince cuts through the nutty smokiness of the cheese beautifully.
However, if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, spicy pepper jelly is a great choice. This type of jelly pairs particularly well with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar. The heat of the jelly complements the sharpness of the cheese, creating a flavour profile that is both bold and balanced.
When creating a cheese board, it's important to consider the texture of the jam or jelly as well as its flavour. Whole-fruit jams, for example, tend to pair better with creamy cheeses and crunchy crackers. The smooth, clear consistency of jelly, on the other hand, can provide a nice contrast to chunkier, more textured cheeses.
If you're looking to create a more autumnal cheese board, jams infused with aromatic spices like lavender can be a delightful pairing with aged cheddar. The sharpness of the cheese will complement the sweet and warm spices in the jam. Similarly, a blend of sweet peaches and zesty ginger can add a lively touch to your cheese board, pairing well with cheeses like feta, brie, or fresh goat cheese.
For a more classic flavour combination, apple jam or jelly is a great option. While it may have a reputation for being a bit bland, a gourmet apple jam prepared with proper apples and spices can have a robust and layered flavour. This type of jam works best with cheeses that bridge the gap between mellow and sharp, such as Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina.
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Lavender-infused jam goes well with fresh cheeses like Mozzarella, Burrata, or soft cheeses like Ricotta, Brie, or Chèvre
Jams are sweet, and cheeses tend to be mild and fatty, so it's important to balance the flavours on your cheese board. You can do this by including salty or acidic foods, such as olives, cured meats, or fruits like apples or citrus.
One option for a cheese board is lavender-infused jam, which goes well with fresh cheeses like Mozzarella and Burrata, or soft cheeses like Ricotta, Brie, or Chèvre. This is because the jam has a creamy texture and robust flavour, which complements the sharpness of aged cheddar or the lushness of Brie.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, you could try a spicy pepper jelly with a sharp cheese like aged cheddar. Or, for something more classic, quince jam is a great choice. Its sweet-tartness cuts through the nutty smokiness of Spanish cheeses like Manchego and Idiazabal, and it also pairs well with blue cheeses like Stilton and triple-cream cheeses like Brillat-Savarin.
For a more autumnal cheese board, you could try a blend of sweet peaches and zesty ginger, which goes well with Feta, Brie, or fresh goat cheese. Or, for something a little more traditional, apple jam is a great choice. When made with proper apples and spices, it has a robust and layered flavour that works well with nutty, savoury cheeses like Gruyere, Asiago, or Fontina.
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Whole-fruit jams are better than jellies for cheese boards
When it comes to creating a cheese board, whole-fruit jams are better than jellies for several reasons. Firstly, whole-fruit jams offer a more interesting texture contrast to the creamy cheeses typically found on a cheese board. Crunchy crackers, creamy cheese, and whole-fruit jam create a delightful interplay of textures that is lacking when smooth jelly is used.
Whole-fruit jams also tend to have a more robust and layered flavour profile, which adds depth and interest to the cheese board. While apple jelly, for example, is considered rather bland, a gourmet apple jam made with proper apples and spices can offer a complex, layered flavour that complements the cheese without overwhelming it.
Additionally, whole-fruit jams often contain chunks of fruit, which can provide a welcome burst of freshness to the palate, especially when paired with rich, fatty cheeses. The natural sweetness of the fruit in the jam can also help to balance out the salty, savoury notes of the cheese, creating a more harmonious flavour combination.
Finally, whole-fruit jams simply look more appealing on a cheese board. The vibrant colours and visible chunks of fruit add visual interest and make the board appear more inviting and appetising.
So, while jelly may be a popular choice for those who prefer a smooth, uniform texture, whole-fruit jams offer a superior sensory experience in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
Quince jam is a good pairing with blue cheeses like Stilton.
Cheddar pairs well with quince jam, but if you're looking for something a little different, try a spicy pepper jelly.
Mozzarella goes well with a lavender-infused jam.
Brie goes well with a lavender-infused jam or a peach and ginger jam.
Try a peach and ginger jam with goat's cheese.

























