Bushra Griffith
Jam and cheese is a classic combination that has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. The pairing is thought to have originated in Italy and France, where the boldness of the flavours is celebrated. The sweetness of the jam perfectly complements the savouriness of the cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavours. The key to a successful pairing is to ensure that neither element overpowers the other, resulting in a harmonious adventure for your palate. The possibilities are endless, with various types of cheese and jam to explore, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars and tangy lemon jams to sweet strawberry preserves. Whether served on a charcuterie board or as a grilled cheese sandwich, jam and cheese make an unexpected yet delightful duo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | Cheese and jam pairings belong to classic Italian cuisine and date back to the Middle Ages. |
| Purpose | The sweetness of the jam complements the savouriness of the cheese. |
| Considerations | The type of milk used to make the cheese, the intensity of the cheese's flavour, and the desired ratio of jam to cheese. |
| Cheese Types | Cream cheese, brie, cheddar, havarti, ricotta, camembert, mascarpone, goat's cheese, gouda, emmental, stilton, parmigiano reggiano, moliterno, gruyere, pecorino, formaggio di fossa, gorgonzola, bra duro, piave vecchio, robiola, burrata. |
| Jam Types | Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, plum, cherry, pear, raspberry, apricot, orange, lemon, tangerine, peach, forest fruit. |
| Serving Tips | Chill the jam, serve separately, avoid double-dipping, consider pairing with wine, bread, additional fruits, black walnuts, smoked almonds, fresh basil, or ginger. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The history of jam and cheese pairings
The pairing of jam and cheese is a classic Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. During this time, cheese was considered a "meal ender", used to cleanse the palate before dessert. The pairing of cheese with fruits (and fruit preserves) first began in winter and then became a year-round tradition, especially in Italy and France.
The sweetness of jams, marmalades, jellies, and honeys balances the flavours of cheeses, which contain no sugar. The intensity of a cheese's flavour depends on the type of milk used, with goat, cow, and sheep's milk cheeses each having distinct flavours. Soft and fresh cheeses tend to be sweeter, while semi-mature and mature cheeses have more intense flavours. As a result, mature cheeses pair well with sweeter jams, such as those made from plums, cherries, or pears. Fresh, softer cheeses go well with sour-tasting jams like orange, lemon, or tangerine.
When creating a cheese and jam pairing, it is important to consider all the possibilities and aim for complementary flavours that do not overpower each other. The ratio of jam to cheese also matters, as too much or too little jam can affect the overall taste experience. Bold cheeses pair well with strongly flavoured jams, while mild cheeses are better suited for subtly flavoured jams.
Some classic jam and cheese pairings include strawberry jam with cheddar, Gouda, or Emmental; blueberry jam with Manchego or Stilton; and pepper jam with a cheese that can balance its spiciness. Other popular combinations include blackberry jam with cream cheese or American cheese; orange marmalade with Ricotta, Camembert, or Mascarpone; and peach jam with spicy or marbled cheeses.
Cheese and Beans: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Choosing the right jam for the cheese
The pairing of cheese and jam is a delicate balance of flavours. The general principle is to pair something sweet with something savoury, but within that, there are nuances to consider. The sharpness of the cheese, for example, will dictate the sweetness of the jam. The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be.
When choosing a jam, consider the overall flavour profile of the cheese. Mellow, creamy, and sweet cheeses work best with more complex flavours. Zesty and tart flavours from jams such as citrus, berry, quince, cherry, and rhubarb add depth to the cheese without overwhelming it. These cheeses also pair well with more unique savoury jams like onion, tomato, and pepper. A good rule of thumb is that the jam should not overpower the cheese, nor should it act as a mere seasoning. A small dollop per slice of cheese is enough to create a harmonious partnership.
Blueberry jam is a versatile option that pairs well with most moderately aged to old cheeses. It has a well-balanced flavour profile that is sweet yet slightly tangy. Try it with Manchego aged around 4-6 months, classic Stilton, or even something sharper like Parmigiano Reggiano. Strawberry jam, a classic choice, is on the sweeter side and therefore pairs better with stronger cheeses like Moliterno, Manchego, or Gruyere, rather than milder varieties.
For those who enjoy a challenge, try pairing a citrus marmalade with a cheese that is neither too mellow nor too sharp, salty, or overpowering. Rich and buttery cheeses like Gouda, Taleggio, or Emmental can accentuate the sweeter tones of the marmalade while standing up to its zest and tang. Plum jam is another excellent option for milder blue cheese varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce and Danablu, as well as smoked cheeses like Scamorza and Gouda, as it enhances their smokiness without overpowering it.
When creating a cheese and jam pairing, consider the overall dining experience. Will there be accompanying wine, artisan bread, or additional fruits? Chilling the jam and serving it in a separate dish will help keep it firm and fresh for longer, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Remember, the goal is to complement, not overpower, creating a thoughtful adventure for the palate.
The Reuben: To Cheese or Not to Cheese?
You may want to see also
How to serve jam and cheese
Combining cheese and jam has been a staple of European dinner tables since the Middle Ages. The pairing of sweet and savoury is a classic combination. When serving jam and cheese, there are several principles to consider to find the correct balance between the two flavours.
Firstly, the sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be. For example, a mature and aged cheese with a nuttier, richer and savoury flavour will work best with sweet jams that are not too complex. Stick to sweeter fruits like figs, peaches, and apricots, and skip tangy and spicy fruit preserves like citrus marmalades, quince jelly, and zesty berry jams. On the other hand, mellow, creamy, and sweet cheese works best with more complex flavours. Zesty and tart flavours from jams such as citrus, berry, quince, cherry, and rhubarb add depth and complexity to the cheese flavour without overwhelming it.
Secondly, bold cheeses pair well with strongly flavoured jams, whereas mild cheeses unite well with subtly flavoured jams. For example, blackberry jam pairs well with Stilton Blue, Triple Crème, Manchego, or Spicy Blue Cheese. Similarly, apple jam goes well with Mozzarella, Fontina, Grana Padano, or English Cheddar.
Thirdly, the ratio matters. Avoid putting too much or too little jam on your slice of cheese, as this will either be unable to add anything to the cheese flavour or completely overwhelm it. Stick to a small dollop per slice, neither drenching the cheese nor acting like the jam is merely a seasoning.
Finally, it is recommended to serve the jam and cheese separately, rather than mixed together. This allows your guests to enjoy both the cheese and the jam individually before combining them according to their personal preference. It is also a good idea to chill the jam and serving dish beforehand, helping to keep the jam firm and fresh for longer.
The Ultimate Guide to Cheese Sandwich Fillings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The role of sweetness in jam and cheese pairings
The combination of cheese and jam is a classic pairing that dates back to the Middle Ages, when cheese was considered a "meal ender" to cleanse the palate before dessert. While the sharpness of cheese and the sweetness of jam may seem like an unlikely duo, they complement each other to create a balanced flavour profile.
The key to successful jam and cheese pairings is finding the right balance between the two flavours. The sharpness of the cheese should be offset by the sweetness of the jam, creating a harmonious partnership. The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam should be to prevent one flavour from overpowering the other. For example, a strong, sharp cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano pairs well with a sweet and tangy blueberry jam. Similarly, a classic pairing is strawberry jam with cheddar, Gouda, or Emmental, as the sweetness of the jam balances the sharpness of these cheeses.
On the other hand, mild cheeses are better suited for subtly flavoured jams or jellies. Fresh, soft cheeses tend to be sweeter, and they pair well with sour-tasting jams like orange, lemon, or tangerine. For instance, orange marmalade is a traditional pairing with fresh cheeses such as ricotta, Camembert, and mascarpone. Cream cheese and grape jelly is another classic combination.
When creating jam and cheese pairings, it is essential to consider the composition of the cheese, especially the type of milk used. The intensity of a cheese's flavour varies depending on whether it is made with goat, cow, or sheep's milk. Additionally, the freshness and maturity of the cheese play a role in determining the ideal jam pairing. Soft and fresh cheeses are generally sweeter, while mature cheeses have more intense flavours that benefit from sweeter accompaniments.
The ratio of jam to cheese also matters. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is ideal, allowing both flavours to shine without overwhelming each other. Serving the jam and cheese separately first, and then allowing guests to combine them according to their preferences, is a thoughtful way to present this pairing.
Cheese Crust: The Ultimate Guide to Cheesy Goodness
You may want to see also
Jam and cheese pairings with additional items
The pairing of jam and cheese has a long history, especially in Italy and France, dating back to the Middle Ages. The traditional combination involves something sweet paired with something savoury. Here are some jam and cheese pairings with additional items:
- Blueberry jam with moderately aged to old cheese like Manchego or classic Stilton is a classic combination. This pairing also works with slightly sharper cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano. For additional items, consider serving this pairing with artisan bread or walnuts.
- Strawberry jam is a classic choice and goes well with cheddar, Gouda, and Emmental. For a bolder pairing, try it with Moliterno, Manchego, or Gruyere. This pairing works well with artisan bread or smoked almonds.
- Blackberry jam is a great pairing with white cheddar and can be served as a grilled cheese sandwich. For a more well-rounded meal, add some thinly sliced apples or a salad with fresh basil.
- Zesty and tart jams, such as citrus, berry, quince, cherry, or rhubarb, pair well with cream cheese or brie. These jams add depth and complexity to the cheese without overwhelming it. This pairing is delicious on a toasted English muffin or white toast and can be served with a glass of wine.
- Spicy pepper jam is a unique choice and works well with goat cheese. The spiciness of the jam is balanced by the tanginess of the cheese. Serve this pairing on a cracker or bread with some fresh ginger and a glass of artisan beer.
When creating jam and cheese pairings, it is important to consider the ratio of jam to cheese. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is usually enough to create a balanced flavour profile. Additionally, the quality of the jam and cheese is important, with pairings of similar cost and quality resulting in a more palatable experience. Chilling the jam and serving dishes can also help keep the jam fresh for longer.
Pesto Without Cheese: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The combination of sweet and savoury is a classic. Jam and cheese pairings are a part of classic Italian cuisine. The sweetness of the jam balances out the sharp or salty notes of the cheese.
The sharper the cheese, the sweeter the jam. Fresh, softer cheeses go well with sour-tasting jams such as orange, lemon, or tangerine. Mature cheeses go well with sweeter jams like those made from plums, cherries, or pears. Strawberry jam goes well with cheddar, gouda, and emmental.
Jam and cheese should be served separately, allowing people to combine them according to their preference. It is best to serve chilled jam with a separate spoon to avoid double-dipping.
You can serve your jam and cheese pairing with wine, bread toast, different fruits, fresh basil, or even ginger.
