If you’ve never drizzled honey over cheese, you’re seriously missing out. It’s one of those food pairings that shouldn’t work but absolutely does; like fries and milkshakes, or peanut butter and bacon (don’t knock it till you try it).
But why does honey and cheese taste so damn good together? And how do you know which honey goes with which cheese? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Let’s break it down.
Why Honey and Cheese Just… Works
If you’re wondering, "Is honey and cheese a good combo?", the answer is a loud, enthusiastic YES. It’s a match made in food heaven because:
- Sweet meets savoury: The saltiness of cheese + the natural sweetness of honey = pure bliss.
- Texture contrast: Thick, gooey honey against creamy, crumbly, or firm cheese? Absolute perfection.
- Flavour magic: Honey enhances cheese’s natural richness, making every bite more complex and delicious.
It’s no surprise that this combo has been around for centuries, from ancient Greek feasts to modern charcuterie boards.
The Basic Rule: Light Goes with Light, Bold Goes with Bold
If you’re new to pairing, follow this simple rule:
● Mild cheeses → Delicate honeys (light, floral, or citrusy)
● Strong cheeses → Bold honeys (earthy, dark, or spicy)
Why? Because you don’t want a punch-you-in-the-face honey overpowering a delicate cheese, and you don’t want a barely-there honey getting lost against an intense cheese.
But now, let’s get into the fun part—actual pairings.
Perfect Honey & Cheese Pairings
1. Goat Cheese + Lavender Honey (Fresh & Floral)
The tangy, creamy goodness of goat cheese + the mild, floral notes of lavender honey = an easy, crowd-pleasing combo.
- Best with: Fresh fruit, walnuts, toasted sourdough
- Vibe: Light, bright, and perfect for spring picnics
2. Brie + Acacia Honey (Delicate & Buttery)
If Brie was a person, it would be that effortlessly cool friend who never tries too hard. And Acacia honey, with its mild, floral sweetness, is the perfect complement.
- Best with: Crusty bread, almonds, fresh figs
- Vibe: Soft, creamy, and oh-so luxurious
3. Blue Cheese + Oak Honey (Bold & Unexpected)
Blue cheese is like that one friend who speaks their mind no matter what—sharp, funky, and a little wild. It needs a honey that can handle its intensity, and oak honey (deep, malty, almost molasses-like) does exactly that.
- Best with: Pear slices, walnuts, dark rye crackers
- Vibe: Adventurous, complex, and not for the faint-hearted
4. Aged Cheddar + Wildflower Honey (Sharp & Sweet)
Aged cheddar is bold, salty, and deeply savoury, which makes wildflower honey an amazing pairing. It’s complex, slightly herbal, and brings out the richness of the cheese.
- Best with: Apple slices, pecans, oat biscuits
- Vibe: Classic, comforting, and always a winner
5. Parmesan + Chestnut Honey (Salty & Nutty)
Parmesan isn’t just for pasta. A chunk of aged Parmesan drizzled with chestnut honey (which has a deep, slightly bitter flavour) is a chef’s kiss.
- Best with: Prosciutto, roasted hazelnuts, balsamic glaze
- Vibe: Bold, nutty, and full of depth
What is Good Honey for Cheese?
Now that you’ve got the cheese down, let’s talk honey.
If you’re standing in the honey aisle, confused by the options, here’s a cheat sheet:
● Mild & floral honeys (lavender, acacia, orange blossom) → Soft cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, ricotta
● Medium-strength honeys (wildflower, sage) → Aged cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, Comté
● Bold & dark honeys (oak, chestnut, manuka) → Strong cheeses like blue cheese, Parmesan, Stilton
If in doubt, wildflower honey goes with everything.
What Pairs Nicely with Honey & Cheese?
If you want to level up your cheese & honey experience, add some of these to your board:
● Crackers & Bread: Think sourdough, baguette slices, or seeded crackers. They give everything a nice crunch.
● Fruits: Grapes, figs, pears, or apples cut through the richness beautifully.
● Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and pecans add crunch and warmth.
● Charcuterie: Prosciutto or salami bring a savoury depth to balance the sweetness.
● Wine: White wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay) or light reds (Pinot Noir) work wonders with honeyed cheese.
Conclusion
The right honey and cheese pairing can transform your snack game, impress your guests, or just make a Tuesday night feel a little more special. So if you’ve never tried it, consider fixing that immediately.
Grab some good honey, and a chunk of cheese, and experiment because the best part of food is finding new combos you never knew you needed.
References
The Spruce Eats (2020). Essential Tips for Pairing Cheese and Honey. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/pairing-cheese-and-honey-the-perfect-contrast-591303
The Cheese Professor (2022). Why It's Worth Exploring the Magic of Honey Paired with Cheese. Retrieved from https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/blog/honey-cheese-pairing