Serve Fig Jam alongside Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Brie, Blue Cheese, and Camembert.
Goat Cheese
Goat Cheese is a favorite for many because of its mild and creamy flavor.
For something lighter, swap in Camembert instead.
With so many varieties and styles of cheese to choose from, it can be a daunting task.
But never fear - this article will provide all the information and tips you'll need to create an impressive cheeseplate, no matter whether you prefer firm or semi-soft cheeses.
From exploring textures and flavors to presentation suggestions, your dream cheese plate is right around the corner.
Read on for everything that you need to know about how to pair delicious cheese with sweet fig jam.
12 Cheese Varieties That Complement Fig Jam
Cheeses and jams, two of the most delicious snacks, can be just as enjoyable together as they are apart.
Fig jam is made with crushed figs, sugar, and lemon juice, resulting in a sweet yet tart flavor.
Combining this jam with the right cheese can help create a unique and flavorful snack that no one will want to miss out on.
Having cheese and jam together brings out each food's best qualities: the sweetness of the jam blends beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese to create an unforgettable flavor experience.
Many types of cheese go well with fig jam, so it's important to consider all your options before deciding which pairings to serve.
For savory sandwich inspiration that pairs well with fruity spreads, see cold ham sandwich cheese options for compatible selections.
Pairing Cheese with Fig Jam Options
Cheese and fig jam is a classic combination that's been enjoyed for centuries.
The sweet and nutty flavor of figs is wonderfully complemented by the salty and creamy texture of cheese, making it a meal or snack that is perfect for any occasion.
There are many different types of cheese that pair well with fig jam, depending on your particular taste preferences.
Below, we've outlined twelve of the most popular cheeses to try with homemade or store-bought fig jam.
For heartier pairings that include protein, review meats for mac and cheese pairings to find 13 compatible meats.
1. Goat Cheese
Goat Cheese is a favorite for many because of its mild and creamy flavor.
It also has a feta-like texture and can be eaten on its own or melted in salads, sandwiches - or compared with cheese for cold roast beef sandwiches guide - and even in sauces like Carbonara.
As it goes so well with sweet flavors like fig jam, goat cheese is one of the best accompaniments for this type of jam.
Add some to your cheese board or sandwich platter to give it an extra touch of sweetness and make it more interesting.
2. Cheddar
Cheddar is a widely popular type of cheese, believed to have originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset.
It is known for its sharp and tangy flavor, varying from mild to extra-sharp intensity.
When paired with fig jam, it brings out a unique sweet and savory flavor combination.
Cheddar also pairs well with various types of beers, wines and spicy dishes.
The texture of mild cheddar goes with the softness of fig jam in an excellent way that you can truly savor.
Extra-sharp cheddar provides a strong contrast to the sweetness of fig jam and makes for an unforgettable cooking experience.
Cheddar's savory profile pairs well with classic biscuit accompaniments; see Cheddar Bay Biscuits side dishes for compatible side ideas.
3. Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that is usually made from cow's milk.
French Brie is typically an unpasteurized cheese and has a rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor with an edible white mold rind.
The Brie cheese is often served at room temperature to bring out its full flavor.
It can be enjoyed as part of a cheese tray or platter with fig jam, crackers, fruits and vegetables.
When pairing with fig jam, it's best to allow the sweetness of the fruit to contrast with the salty-sweet taste of the brie for a truly decadent experience.
Both does brie taste great when paired with fig jam but it also melts extremely well making it well suited for use in baked recipes such as tartlets or tarts.
When serving warm baked Brie, consider Brie en Croute side dishes to round out the plate with complementary textures and flavors.
4. Blue Cheese
There are so many wonderful varieties to choose from.
Of course, the type of blue cheese you choose will depend on your preferences and the flavor of the fig jam.
When pairing blue cheese with jam, look for more mild blues like a Stilton or Gorgonzola Dolce.
They both provide a nice earthy flavor that complements figs nicely.
For those who want something with a bit more funk, try Bleu d'Auvergne or Fourme d'Ambert.
Alternatively, creamy blue cheeses like Roquefort can add an unexpected sweetness and richness to your pairings.
No matter which type of blue cheese you select, it's sure to be an enjoyable flavor adventure.
For sandwich pairings with a strong, savory meat, consult cheeses that go well with pastrami to see which blues and other varieties stand up to bold flavors.
5. Camembert
Camembert cheese is a medium-soft cow's milk cheese with a bloomy white edible rind.
Its flavor is creamy, rich and pungent, with underlying buttery and mushroom notes.
Also, the taste of this cheese intensifies as it ages, but at the same time, its texture becomes even creamier.
The combination of Camembert cheese and fig jam creates a delicious savory and sweet experience in each bite.
The intensity of both components creates an enjoyable contrast that complements one another perfectly.
Together they make for a nice cheese board appetizer when served with crackers or French baguette slices.
6. Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a semi-soft texture and nutty flavor.
It's made from raw cow's milk that is heated and then pressed into wheels or blocks.
This cheese pairs well with fig jam because of its salty, sweet, nutty taste.
Its buttery notes also go with the fig's natural sweetness.
Try serving Gruyere cheese on toasted baguettes or grilled sandwiches with fig jam for an easy, delicious appetizer or snack.
7. Feta
Feta is a brined, soft, and usually crumbly white cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk.
It has a salty, tangy flavor that is perfect for crumbling over materials like salads, pizzas and vegetables or even making savory tarts.
When pair with fig jam, feta cheese can bring out the sweet yet mildly tart flavor of the jam.
A nice combination for any occasion.
For a dairy-free take on tangy feta-style spreads, try vegan whipped feta dip recipes with tangy, salty bite that echo feta's bright flavor.
8. Gouda
Gouda is one of the oldest recorded cheese varieties, coming from Holland where it was created in the twelfth century.
Known for its slightly nutty taste, Gouda is anywhere from semi-soft to hard, and has a respective buttery to grainy texture.
It pairs well with not just fig jam, but any sweet pairing as it helps cut through its somewhat sharp flavor.
Whether young or aged, Gouda can be served on crackers or melted over meats like pork and beef - perfect for any occasion.
9. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese from Denmark.
It is buttery and slightly sweet with flavors that vary from mild to mature, depending on the age of the cheese.
Havarti is distinguishable by its small, irregular holes and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
When combined with fig jam, it brings out a nutty flavor that amplifies the sweetness of the jam while its mild flavor contrast nicely.
The pleasant combination makes a wonderful appetizer or snack, paired with crackers or some crusty bread.
10. Mozzarella
Mozzarella may not be an obvious choice for a cheese to pair with fig jam, but it is surprisingly delicious.
Mozzarella originated near Naples, Italy and is now made all over the world.
Classically, it is a fresh cheese made from cow's milk but can also be made from sheep or buffalo milk.
Mozzarella has a mild flavor with a slightly off-white color and a soft, pliable texture.
It melts well and pairs exceptionally when combined with fig jam on focaccia or crostini - or explore dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks to expand flavor ideas.
11. Colby Jack
Colby Jack is an American cheese composed of equal parts Colby and Monterey Jack.
It has a mild, mellow taste with an open texture and stands up well when melted.
Its milky sweetness goes well with the natural tartness found in fig jam, adding an interesting contrast to your favorite snack.
It can be used on burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, salads, and other gourmet creations.
Colby Jack is available in pre-sliced deli slices or blocks that allow you to cut it into custom sizes for your own recipes.
12. Edam
Edam is a semi-hard cows milk cheese that hails from the Netherlands.
It has a mild, slightly salty and nutty flavor, with a firm but creamy texture and small round eyes throughout.
The pale yellow to orange-red wax coating and smooth, light brown exterior make it quite recognizable.
Edam is an excellent choice if you're looking for a mild cheese accompaniment to pair with fig jam.
Its soft creaminess will contrast nicely against the tartness of the jam and its subtle finish won't overpower the sweeter flavors in the spread.
This cheese can be served cold or at room temperature to enhance its creamy texture.
Grate it onto salads, snack platters or just enjoy it with some fresh bread or crackers for a simple treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goat Cheese Goat Cheese is a favorite for many because of its mild and creamy flavor. It is known for its sharp and tangy flavor, varying from mild to extra-sharp intensity.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. Goat Cheese Goat Cheese is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Caesar salad toppings can shift the overall bite; see cheese for Caesar salad options and pairings. Buffalo chicken benefits from bold, melty cheese choices - cheese for Buffalo chicken suggestions lists suitable varieties.