If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavor combinations, then you’re in for a treat!
Apricot jam is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be paired with many different types of cheese.
Whether you prefer soft, creamy cheeses or sharp, tangy varieties, there’s a cheese out there that will perfectly complement the sweet, fruity flavor of apricot jam.
From classic pairings like brie and goat cheese to more unexpected combinations like blue cheese and apricot jam, we’ll cover it all.
So, grab a glass of wine and let’s dive into the world of cheese and apricot jam!
Hard Cheeses
Aged Gouda
Aged Gouda is a hard, nutty cheese that pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy apricot jam.
The caramel and butterscotch notes in the cheese complement the fruity apricot jam, creating a delicious balance of flavors. Aged Gouda has a firm texture and a rich, complex flavor that makes it a great addition to any cheese board.
The caramel and butterscotch notes in aged Gouda pair exceptionally well with crackers, toasted bread, and a side of sliced pears or apples. For a more savory twist, try adding slices of prosciutto or salami to the cheese board.
Manchego
Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk.
The taste is characterized by nutty and buttery notes, which are complemented by a subtle tangy aftertaste. When paired with apricot jam, the sweetness of the jam enhances the nuttiness of the cheese. Manchego has a firm texture and is perfect for slicing or grating onto a cheese board.
Add some dried meats like chorizo or prosciutto for a more substantial snack, and you have a perfect platter for any occasion!
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano, also known as Parmesan cheese, is a hard, salty cheese with a nutty flavor. It pairs well with sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for pairing with apricot jam.
The saltiness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the jam, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Parmigiano-Reggiano has a crumbly texture and is perfect for grating over pasta or onto a cheese board.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a type of cheese that is hard and salty, and it is made from sheep’s milk.
It has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of apricot jam. When paired with apricot jam, the cheese brings out the fruity notes in the jam and creates a delicious balance of flavors.
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Texture | Perfect Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged Gouda | Nutty, caramel, butterscotch | Firm | Crackers, toasted bread, pears, apples |
| Manchego | Nutty, buttery, tangy | Firm | Chorizo, prosciutto |
| Parmigiano-Reggiano | Nutty, salty | Crumbly | Pasta, cheese board |
| Pecorino Romano | Salty, sharp, tangy | Hard | Fruits, crackers, charcuterie, bread |
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Asiago
Asiago is a semi-hard cheese that originated in Italy.
When paired with apricot jam, Asiago brings out the fruity and earthy notes in the cheese. It also has a slight sharpness that balances out the sweetness of the jam.
For a complete cheese board experience, add some slices of crusty bread, grapes, and some sliced cured meats like salami or ham.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic semi-hard cheese that is well-known for its sharp and tangy flavor.
It pairs surprisingly well with apricot jam, creating a delicious sweet and savory combination.
The texture of cheddar is firm and crumbly, making it easy to slice and add to a cheese board. Add some slices of crusty bread, some fresh apple slices, and some honey roasted nuts.
When paired with apricot jam, cheddar brings out the nutty and fruity notes in the cheese. It also has a slight saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the jam.
Comte
Comte is a semi-hard French cheese. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with apricot jam.
For an ideal cheese board pairing, add some sliced baguette, figs, and some roasted almonds.
Emmental
Switzerland might be famous for skiing but Emmental, a semi-hard cheese, isn’t far behind.
The texture of Emmental is firm and slightly elastic, making it perfect for slicing and adding to a cheese board. Try adding some slices of crispy French bread, fresh grapes, and some walnuts or hazelnuts.
When paired with apricot jam, Emmental brings out the fruity and earthy notes in the cheese. It also has a slight sharpness that balances out the sweetness of the jam.
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Texture | Perfect Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asiago | Fruity, earthy, slightly sharp | Semi-hard | Crusty bread, grapes, salami or ham |
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy, slightly nutty | Semi-hard | Crusty bread, apple slices, honey roasted nuts |
| Comte | Nutty, slightly sweet | Semi-hard | Sliced baguette, figs, roasted almonds |
| Emmental | Fruity, earthy, slightly sharp | Semi-hard | Crispy French bread, grapes, walnuts or hazelnuts |
Soft Cheeses
Brie
Brie, a traditional soft cheese, makes an ideal match for apricot jam, as its rich, creamy flavor nicely balances the fruity sweetness of the jam.
To savor this delectable combination, add a dollop of apricot jam on a slice of Brie and pair it with a crispy cracker or a slice of bread.
Camembert
Camembert is another soft cheese that goes well with apricot jam. The creamy and earthy flavor of Camembert complements the sweetness of the jam.
Spread a layer of apricot jam on a slice of Camembert and enjoy it with a baguette or a slice of apple. Alternatively, you can bake the Camembert with apricot jam on top for a warm and indulgent appetizer.
Goat Cheese (Chevre)
Chevre, commonly known as goat cheese, is a tangy and creamy cheese that perfectly complements apricot jam due to its sharp and acidic flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the jam.
For a refreshing and flavorful meal, try making a salad with a goat cheese and apricot jam dressing.
Ricotta
Ricotta is a light and fluffy cheese that can be paired with apricot jam for a sweet and creamy snack. An easy way to enjoy it is blending them together and spreading them on top of a slice of bread or a cracker.
Alternatively, you can make a ricotta and apricot jam dip for a party appetizer.
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Texture | Perfect Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brie | Rich, creamy, balanced | Soft | Crispy crackers, bread slices, a dollop of apricot jam |
| Camembert | Creamy, earthy, complements jam | Soft | Baguette, apple slices, baked with apricot jam for an indulgent appetizer |
| Chevre | Tangy, sharp, complements jam | Soft | Salad with a goat cheese and apricot jam dressing |
| Ricotta | Sweet, creamy, light | Soft | Spread on bread or crackers, ricotta and apricot jam dip for party appetizers |