How to Pair Jams with Cheese, Wine, and Charcuterie: A Gourmet Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to Pairing Jams with Cheese, Wine and Charcuterie: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to elevating your culinary experience, few things are as versatile and delightful as a perfectly paired jam. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated charcuterie board night, planning a romantic wine and cheese evening, or simply looking to impress your guests, pairing jams with cheese, wine, and charcuterie can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. At Suikerbekkie Preserves, we believe that our artisanal jams are more than spreads—they’re the secret ingredient to creating unforgettable flavour combinations. 

In this guide, we’ll explore how to pair jams with cheese, wine, and charcuterie like a pro. From sweet and tangy to rich and savoury, we’ll show you how to create harmonious pairings that will guarantee success.

Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, we are surrounded by incredible small local artisan brands. We will share some of our favourites.

Plus, we’ll share some of our favourite Suikerbekkie Preserves flavours that are perfect for these gourmet combinations. 

1 - Why Pair Jams with Cheese, Wine, and Charcuterie?

2 - How to Pair Jams with Cheese.

3 - How to Pair Jams with Wine.

4 - How to Pair Jams with Charcuterie.

5 - Tips for Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board.

1 - Why Pair Jams with Cheese, Wine, and Charcuterie? 

Jams are a fantastic way to add depth and contrast to your cheese and charcuterie boards. The natural sweetness and acidity of jams can balance the saltiness of cured meats, the creaminess of cheeses, and the tannins in wine. This creates a symphony of flavours that is both complex and satisfying. 

For example, our Suikerbekkie Preserves Spiced Fig Jam pairs beautifully with creamy brie, while our Apricot Jam complements sharp cheddar and a glass of crisp white wine. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.

2 - How to Pair Jams with Cheese. 

Cheese and jam are a match made in heaven. The key is to balance the cheese's flavours and textures with the jam's sweetness and acidity. Here are some classic pairings to try: 

1. Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Goat Cheese) 

Soft, creamy cheeses pair wonderfully with fruity and floral jams. The richness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the jam, creating a luxurious bite. 

Sample Forest Hill's Brie. They are genuine specialists in soft white mould cheese.

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Spiced Fig & Jam or Honey & Lemon Marmalade. 

- Why it works: The earthy sweetness of fig or the tartness of lemon complements the buttery texture of brie or goat cheese. 

2. Hard Cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, Manchego) 

Hard cheeses have a more robust flavour, making them ideal for pairing with bold, spiced, or tangy jams.

The Overberg, a superb local hard cheese from Klein Rivier Cheesery, is an ideal choice.

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Apricot Jam or Sweet Orange Marmalade. 

- Why it works: The tangy burst of Apricot jam or the citrusy zing of marmalade enhances the nutty and sharp notes of cheddar or gouda. 

3. Blue Cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton) 

Blue cheeses are strong and pungent, so they need a jam that can stand up to their intensity. 

Sample Langbaken Karoo Blue from the acclaimed Langbraken Boutique Cheesery situated in the Karoo.

- Pair with: a delicious Onion Marmalade or Suikerbekkie Preserves Blueberry Jam. 

- Why it works: The sweetness of the Blueberry balances the saltiness of blue cheese, while the Onion Marmalade adds a unique twist. 

3 - How to Pair Jams with Wine 

Pairing jams with wine might sound unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to enhance your wine-tasting experience. The key is to match the intensity of the jam with the wine’s flavour profile. 

1. White Wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling) 

Light and fruity white wines pair well with delicate, floral, or citrusy jams. Browse Buitenverwachting's wine collection.

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Lemon Marmalade or Apricot Jam. 

- Why it works: The bright acidity of lemon or apricot complements the crispness of white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. 

2. Red Wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir) 

Bold red wines need a jam with equally bold flavours, such as those with spices or dark fruits. 

Choose something organic at Ladybird Vineyards.

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Plum Jam or Strawberry Jam. 

- Why it works: The deep, rich flavours of plum or strawberry enhance the tannins and fruitiness of red wines. 

3. Dessert Wines (Port, Moscato, Sauternes) 

Sweet wines are a natural match for equally sweet and decadent jams. 

At Jakkalsvlei Vineyards, you'll discover nothing more fitting than a delightful Moscato.

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Strawberry Jam or Gooseberry jam. 

- Why it works: The effervescence of strawberry jam or the balanced sweetness of gooseberry jam pairs beautifully with the honeyed notes of dessert wines.

4 - How to Pair Jams with Charcuterie.

Charcuterie boards are all about balance, and jams can add a touch of sweetness to contrast the savoury flavours of cured meats. 

1. Prosciutto and Jam 

The saltiness of prosciutto is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of jam. 

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Apricot Jam or Honey & Lemon marmalade. 

- Why it works: Honey lemon marmalade and apricot jam pair with prosciutto because their sweetness and tangy acidity balance the saltiness and richness of the cured meat.

Sample Richard Bosman's Procciutto.

2. Salami and Jam 

Salami’s bold, spicy flavour pairs well with tangy or spiced jams. 

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Spiced Fig Jam or Plum Jam. 

- Why it works: The warmth of spices and the bold plum enhance the richness of the salami. Give this hormone-free salami from Hooikraal Farm Butchery a try.

3. Pâté and Jam 

Pâté is rich and creamy, making it a great match for fruity or tangy jams. 

- Pair with: Suikerbekkie Preserves Orange Marmalade or Strawberry jam. 

- Why it works: The tartness of these fruits cut through the richness of pâté, creating a balanced bite. Try Cape Towns best at Blaauwberg Meat.

5 - Tips for Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board 

1. Start with a Variety of Textures: Include soft cheeses, hard cheeses, and a mix of cured meats. 

2. Add Contrasting Flavours: Use jams to balance salty, sweet, and tangy elements. 

3. Incorporate Crunch: Add crackers, nuts, or breadsticks for texture. 

4. Garnish with Freshness: Include fresh fruits, olives, or herbs for a pop of colour and freshness.

Pairing jams with cheese, wine, and charcuterie is an art that invites creativity and exploration. Whether you're indulging in a tangy apricot jam with aged hard cheddar, a spiced fig jam with prosciutto, or a zesty marmalade with a crisp white wine, the possibilities are endless. At Suikerbekkie, we celebrate the joy of combining flavours to create memorable culinary experiences. So, gather your favourite treats, experiment with these pairings, and remember to support local Artisans. Cheers to delicious discoveries and the simple pleasure of sharing good food with great company!