This article will provide you everything you need to know about the 13 tasty cheese options that go splendidly with fig jam.
From mild and light to tangy and salty, there is a wonderful array of choices to satisfy any palate.
So, why wait? Let's read on to take your flavor combinations up a notch.
Cheeses That Pair Perfectly with Fig Jam
There are plenty of options that can take your palate on a delicious journey.
It's all just a matter of choosing the right cheese for the right occasion.
We've rounded up 13 cheeses that go well with fig jam:
1. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese provides a mild and creamy flavor, which is a good match for the sweetness of fig jam.
Often served as a crumble over salads or crostini appetizers, goat cheese crumbles also make great dips when mixed with cream cheese.
Be sure to look for higher quality artisanal goat cheeses that won't be overpowering and will melt perfectly over whatever you're serving.
Examples of this type of cheese include Campo de Moncaleano, Humboldt Fog, Chevrotin des Aravis, Bucheron and La Tur.
2. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a hard, sometimes sharp-flavored cheese that has a semi-firm texture.
It is thought to have originated in the caves of Cheddar Gorge in England in the 11th century and has been made often since then.
Cheddar pairs especially well with fig jam, as the sweet and savory mix creates a unique flavor that is sure to please any palate.
The cheese itself has no artificial colors or flavors and can be used for things other than making cheese platters, such as melted on toast or even grated into salads.
Whether it's mild, medium- or extra-sharp cheddar, this traditional cheese makes for a delicious accompaniment to fig jam.
3. Brie Cheese
Brie is one of the most popular cheeses to pair with fig jam or other sweet condiments.
Its creamy, mild flavor and smooth texture make it perfect for creating a modulated flavor.
Brie goes great with any type of fig jam, from mildly sweet fig confiture to bold-flavored fig jam with spices.
The richness of brie is a great balance to the sweetness of the fig, resulting in a delicious bite every time.
If brie isn't your favorite cheese choice, there are other options to consider when pairing cheese with a fig spread such as gouda or camembert.
4. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a strong, pungent cheese with a firm texture and crumbly appearance.
It goes with the sweetness of fig jam perfectly, while fighting its flavor with its own strong saltiness.
Pack it in some sandwiches or put it on crackers as an appetizer - it pairs very nicely with fruity jam.
Some popular blue cheeses include Roquefort, Stilton, and Gorgonzola.
Be sure to wait until your cheese is just ripe enough - blue cheese can turn extremely salty if overaged.
5. Camembert Cheese
Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese that is traditionally produced in Normandy, France, and has a unique salty and earthy flavor.
The characteristic bloomy, white rind surrounding the cheese gives it its namesake which translates to "earth-colored" in Old French.
This aromatic cheese pairs especially well with fig jam as the sweetness of the jam balances out the saltiness of Camembert.
Enjoy this delicious pairing on toast or crackers for a tasty snack.
6. Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere is a hard, Swiss cheese traditionally used for fondues and other melted dishes.
This creamy cheese is often touted for its nutty and sweet flavor, which are complemented perfectly by fig jam.
Gruyere can also be melted into fig jam sauces, added to quiches or mixed with fruit chutneys to make a tasty side dish.
As it has quite a strong flavor, it can be enjoyed in smaller amounts as slices or cubed on cheese boards.
The combination of sweet fig jam and earthy Gruyere will leave your palate singing.
7. Feta Cheese
Feta is a salty, crumbly cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk.
It has a mild and creamy taste with just a hint of tanginess.
Feta is often found as part of Mediterranean diet dishes, as it seasoned dishes such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and moussaka (eggplant dish).
Feta is also used on salads for its zesty flavor.
When served with fig jam, feta lends an unexpected twist to the item being served, making it enjoyable for both novice and experienced food eaters alike.
8. Gouda Cheese
Gouda, originating from a Dutch town of the same name, is an absolute classic.
It's mild and slightly sweet flavor works surprisingly well with fig jam, while the creamy texture adds an element of luxury to the pairing.
This cheese has a smooth, natural rind and can sometimes have small holes throughout, giving it a distinctive appearance that adds interest to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
Gouda is a great option for those who prefer milder cheeses, as it won't overpower the sweet flavor of fig jam.
9. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a cow's milk cheese from Denmark.
It is semi-soft and a golden color, with tiny eyes throughout.
Havarti is creamy and has a buttery flavor, making it an ideal companion for fig jam.
When serving, try grating on top of pastas or salads, or in tartines or sandwiches.
Its smooth texture makes it the perfect pairing to go with the fig jam's sweet and fruity notes.
10. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is a great choice for pairing with fig jam.
It's mild, milky flavor makes it the perfect balance to the sweet, slightly tart flavors of the figs.
The creaminess of mozzarella also helps to offset some of the intense, sharp notes in some types of fig jams.
It can be enjoyed simply on its own or served as part of a grilled cheese sandwich with a generous amount of fig jam on top.
To further improve the flavour combination, try sprinkling shaved Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese over your favorite mozzarella before adding it to your sandwich - each type has its own unique take on a delicious flavor pairing with fig jam.
11. Colby Jack Cheese
Colby Jack cheese is a mild, semi-hard cow's milk cheese featuring two distinct flavors - Colby and Monterey Jack.
It is an American original that was first created in the late 1800s by a Wisconsin cheesemaker.
The cheese is marbled with orange and off-white, since the Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses are swirled together.
The texture of Colby Jack cheese ranges from smooth and supple to firm, depending on how long it has been aged.
Its flavor is mild but tangy and slightly sweet, perfect for pairings with fig jam.
To get the most out of the flavor combination, we suggest pairing this cheese with fig preserves rather than traditional jam.
12. Edam Cheese
Originally from the Netherlands, Edam is one of the few firmly pressed, medium-hard cheeses available on the market.
Aged for around four to five weeks, this mild cheese has a slightly sweet finish that blends nicely with fig jam.
Its texture is quite dry, so it crumbles easily and pairs well with crackers and flatbreads for a quick snack.
Despite its mild taste, Edam cheese counts among its benefits a rich level of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that support overall health.
13. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan is an intensely flavorful hard cheese and adds a pleasant, salty note to any dish.
Its slight sweetness balances out tart figs every time.
Aged Parmesan would also work great, as the intensity of its flavor will be sure to improve the fruity sweetness of the jam.
You could grate some Parmesan over pastries or crackers that have been spread with fig jam, or use it in salads or as a topping for dishes that include fig jam as an ingredient.
With its strong nutty taste, Parmesan is sure to impress in any recipe you choose to pair it with fig jam.
Selecting Cheese for Fig Jam Pairings
It's important to keep in mind the strong flavors of each ingredient.
You'll want to look for slightly sweet, creamy and more mild cheeses to go with the intensely sweet flavor of fig jam.
From Italian classics like Mascarpone, Stracchino and Taleggio to French favorites like Comté and Roquefort and even rich Chevre, there is a wide range of cheeses that are sure to please-all that's left is trying them out.
We hope that this guide has provided some insight into the best cheese pairings for fig jam.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite ingredient from the range available in this article.
- Collect all the necessary items to make the recipe.
- Use the instructions provided to prepare a delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →When pairing sides with What Cheese Goes with Fig Jam, consider texture as much as flavor. Creamy dishes benefit from something crisp; grilled preparations love a bright, herby accompaniment.
To balance the meal nutritionally, add a leafy green side and a fiber-rich starch like quinoa or sweet potato alongside your main.
Cover loosely with foil and keep in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C). For delicate greens, dress just before serving to prevent wilting.
A complete, balanced plate includes protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate or vegetable, and something with brightness - an acid-dressed green or pickled element rounds everything out.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
