How To Pair Honey and Cheese?

The custom of pairing cheese with honey dates back to the ancient Roman era. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the salty flavor of the cheese. This is one of the simplest appetizers to prepare for guests and a well-liked combo of platters. Many attendees are unimpressed with the standard fare at numerous dinners and parties, so adding honey to your cheese board will uplift the savory experience. 

Wildflower honey beautifully complements blue cheese as it bears a somewhat flowery taste that matches the cheese's piquancy. Given that every single type comes with a signature flavor, you can always get one that adequately fits the cheese you have at hand. You will be struck by how much the taste improves when it is sweetened with this golden elixir. After tasting it, you might not want to serve a cheese board without honey ever again. 

To bring out the distinct aromas and textures of both ingredients, a balance must be maintained when combining these two ingredients. This calls for a careful strategy that takes into account several important variables that affect how well they complement one another. Here's a closer look at the fundamentals of pairing them:  

• Mild Honey and Mild Cheeses: Mild honey like acacia or clover will go nicely with fresh cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta. These pairings are palatable and subtle since their subtleties are allowed to shine without overpowering each other.
• Bold Honey and Strong Cheeses: The ideal pairings for stronger, older cheeses like aged Gouda or blue cheese are darker honey like buckwheat or chestnut. The strong taste of the honey on cheese is delectable, making for a well-balanced and gratifying combination.

• Creamy Cheeses with Thick Honey: The creamy, smooth texture of soft cheeses like Camembert or Brie seems outstanding with thicker, more viscous honey. Its thick, delicious texture contrasts with the deep creaminess of the cheese.
• Firm Cheeses with Runny Honeys: More fluid, runny honey combines optimally with firmer cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The combination of the creamy, flowing sweetener and the thick, crumbly cheese is delicious.

• Italian Cheeses and Honey: An aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and Italian chestnut honey together make an exquisite pairing that accentuates Italy's rich culinary heritage.
• French Cheeses and Honey: A creamy Camembert cheese and a touch of lavender honey from France make a refined and fragrant blend that captures the grace of French cooking.

Selecting honey for cheese isn’t as daunting as you might think since almost all types taste good with cheese. The majority of honey products seen in grocery shops are a combination made from different types of flower sources and are usually pasteurized to avoid crystallization. While this type has a mild, pleasant taste, it often lacks the complexity needed to truly enhance a cheese plate. 

Go to a farmers market or gourmet store to find the best type that is more unique and nuanced. Look for jars labeled with the names of certain flowers, such as clover, lavender, or sourwood, as these names suggest the kind of bloom the bees were feeding on nectar. They have spectacular notes that work superbly with various kinds of cheese. You can also experiment with flavored ones that have been infused with:

• Orange
• Raspberry
• Truffle

These infused honey enrich the richness of your cheese combinations, adding an enjoyable and fascinating touch.

The delicate sweetness of clover honey blends well with the mild, creamy texture of ricotta. This blend is crisp and light, which makes it ideal for a light dessert or brunch spread.

Together, the creamy, buttery texture of Brie and the subtle floral undertones of blueberry honey produce an opulent and sophisticated combination. You may serve it as a scrumptious appetizer with a baguette.

The deep, earthy richness of chestnut honey tastes incredibly delectable with the nutty, caramel-like manchego. Chestnut honey’s bold flavors complement the robust and slightly salty profile of Manchego, making each bite an irresistible treat. Serve with thin slices of Serrano ham and Marcona almonds to transport your taste buds to Spain.

Buckwheat honey's rich, dark shade counterbalances the salty, umami tones of Parmesan cheese. It works nicely for giving salads or pasta dishes a gourmet flair. Drizzle this pairing over arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and roasted pine nuts for an elevated dish.

The sweet, zesty taste of orange blossom honey balances out the harsh, pungent taste of Gorgonzola.  Those who like strong flavors will love this combination! 

The soft sweetness of wildflower honey is balanced by the deep, nutty taste of aged cheddar. This combination is great when served with almonds and dried fruits on a cheese board.

The woodsy, fragrant overtones of rosemary honey meld well with the savory, slightly smokey grilled halloumi. With a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs for a Mediterranean flair, serve this pairing as a warm appetizer. 

The rich undertones of tupelo honey accentuate the tart, strong flavor of Stilton. It is perfect for a sumptuous cheese course or upscale dessert. Tupelo honey’s buttery texture and slight floral notes elevate the creamy, pungent Stilton, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. 

Lavender honey's flowery notes perfectly balance the creamy flavor of Roquefort. Lavender honey's aromatic qualities mellow the bold, tangy Roquefort, creating a balanced and fragrant experience. You can enjoy as a decadent treat with some crusty bread slices and a glass of sweet dessert wine. 

Think about enhancing the textures of your platter with a range of suitable accompaniments. Start with a variety of crackers or pieces of baguette to give the cheese and honey a solid foundation. Then, incorporate savory elements like sliced meats to make your plate more substantial and satisfying. Serrano ham, prosciutto, and salami are cured meats that go perfectly with different types of cheeses and give a succulent contrast to the sweetness. 

Olives are another excellent addition. Combining black and green olives gives visual interest and diversity, and their salty taste balances the cheese's consistency. Well-known options such as Manzanilla and Kalamata olives are also highly recommended. Moreover, fruit and honey cheese are a perfect combination and brighten your dish while providing numerous health advantages. The top choices include:

• Berries 
• Grapes 
• Apples
• Pears

Dried fruits such as apricots are also a mouthwatering addition because of their sweet, chewy texture that seems ideal with nuts. Think about including some almonds in your dish to balance it out. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts offer a nutty touch and crunchy texture that elevate the overall flavor profile. 

Trying out different varieties of honey can improve the whole experience by offering a pleasant blend of flavors and textures, making your platter ten times more palatable. You may turn a plain cheese platter into a culinary feast that pleases the palate and amazes your guests by choosing premium ingredients. 

Looking for the highest-quality honey to try the best pairings? At Smiley Honey, we have an extensive line, each with a one-of-a-kind flavor, so visit our website or Instagram page to discover and experiment with different Honey Products!