The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Preserves with Cheese

Posted by Timothy Harley at Quincey Jones Jelly Preserves on 1st May 2023

Listen up cheese lovers, because it's time to get sophisticated. We're talking about pairing preserves with cheese - and trust us, it's the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. So grab your favourite crackers, and let's melt into the delicious world of pairing preserves with cheese.

Like most things of taste, it is important to remember that not all preserves are created equal, and some pair better with certain cheeses than others. So in this gastronomic guide, we will explore the different types of cheeses and some of the best preserves to pair them with.

1. Cheddar Cheese:

Cheddar is a popular cheese that is versatile and pairs well with many preserves. Just make sure to match the intensity of your cheese to your preserve. A sweeter jam like Strawberry Jam will pair well with a young cheddar a mild cheddar with our Ploughman's Pickle, while a bold aged cheddar is great with Red Pepper & Chilli Jam, Pear Chutney or Apple & Cider Paste. Alternatively, pairing cheddar with apricot preserves such as Apricot Paste or Apricot Jam can create a winning sweet and savoury combination.

2. Brie Cheese:

Brie cheese is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour that pairs well with fruity preserves. A popular pairing is brie with Raspberry Jam, which creates a tart and sweet combination. Another great option is brie with Fig Jam, which adds a hint of sweetness and earthiness. A classic pairing is always the trusty Quince Paste and Brie on a crackers. If your more a pickle and cheese person then the combination of Bread & Butter Pickles with Brie can not be missed.

3. Blue Cheese:

Blue cheese has a strong and pungent flavour that pairs well with sweet and tangy preserves. Try blue cheese with a Fig & Ginger Chutney, which has a sweet and spicy flavour that complements the boldness of blue cheese. Another great option is blue cheese with cherry preserves such as our Cherry & Black Pepper Jam, which adds a tart and sweet flavour with a hint of savouriness to the cheese. For a paste we think a blue cheese is perfectly matched with our bold Plum & Port Paste made from rich flavoursome blood plums.

4. Goat Cheese:

Goat cheese has a tangy and slightly acidic flavour that pairs well with fruity and sweet preserves. For a classic pairing, try goat cheese with Rhubarb Preserves such as our Rhubarb & Raspberry Jam, Rhubarb, Strawberry & Rose Jam or Rhubarb Pistachio and Orange Blossom Jam. This Rhubarb-Goats cheese combination creates a sweet and tangy flavour. Another great option is goat cheese with Strawberry & Pimm's Jam, which adds a sweet and creamy taste. As for a paste pairing we believe the Spiced Pear Paste is the best match for Goats Cheese. If your looking for a savoury option then a pairing with our award winning Onion Jam with Goats cheese on a grilled toastie or cracker would be an outstanding choice.

5. Gouda Cheese:

Gouda cheese has a nutty and buttery flavour that pairs well with sweet and spicy preserves. Try gouda cheese with a spicy Red Hot Relish, a zingy Eggplant Kasundi or even a Mango Chutney, which adds a tangy and spicy flavour to the cheese. Another great option is gouda cheese with Cherry Paste, which creates a sweet and savoury combination.

6. Camembert Cheese:

Camembert cheese is a soft and creamy cheese that pairs well with sweet and fruity preserves. One popular pairing is camembert cheese with blackberry preserves such as our Blackberry & Chambord Jam The tartness of the blackberries complements the creamy texture of the camembert cheese, creating a perfectly balanced flavour. Another great option for camembert cheese is Apricot Paste. The sweetness of the apricots pairs well with the creamy texture of the camembert cheese, creating a sweet and slightly tart flavour. Our favourite Relish to combine with camembert cheese has to be our Beetroot Relish, especially on an open melt. This is a highly recommended.

7. Mascarpone Cheese:

Mascarpone cheese is a creamy and sweet cheese that pairs well with tangy and fruity preserves. One classic pairing is mascarpone cheese with Lemon & Vanilla Marmalade. The tangy and sweet flavour of the Lemon and Vanilla Marmalade complements the creamy texture of the mascarpone cheese.

To surmise, pairing preserves with cheese is a delicious and satisfying experience that can elevate any meal or snack. There are endless possibilities for pairing preserves and cheese. Whether you prefer sweet and fruity or spicy and tangy, there is a perfect combination out there for you.

So, grab your favourite cheese and QJJ preserves, and start experimenting to create your own perfect pairing. By all means use our guide above for some trusted combinations but let your own creativity and tastebuds guide you! Whether you prefer sweet and fruity or spicy and tangy, there is a perfect pairing out there waiting for you.