Honey and Cheese Pairing Guide
A Duo That’s Meant to Be
Some pairings stand the test of time—duos so natural they seem destined to meet. Honey and cheese are one of them. Behind their simplicity lies a rich, vibrant world deeply rooted in our terroirs.
In this guide, we invite you to explore pure, 100% local honeys, the cheeses that elevate them, and our best tips for creating boards that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re curious, indulgent, or already a fan, get ready to experience a duo that truly belongs together.
A Timeless Alliance
The honey‑and‑cheese pairing is far from new. As early as Roman times, the gastronome Marcus Apicius was already celebrating its pleasures. His writings include recipes where honey is drizzled over fresh cheese (similar to cottage cheese) with coriander, as well as a cheesecake called Libum, generously soaked in honey after baking.
Celebrating Our Terroirs Through Local Honey
Choosing local honey produced through sustainable practices means savouring more than an ingredient—it’s tasting the flowers, landscapes, and craftsmanship of our region. It’s also a concrete gesture for bees, whose decline—caused by pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change—threatens 80% of the flowering plants they pollinate. Their role in agriculture is essential.
100% Pure Honey, Please
To explore local flavours, you can even shop by region and discover a honey that reflects your own corner of the country… or travel through taste. Regardless of origin, one criterion remains essential: the label “100% pure honey”, a guarantee of a product that is undiluted, minimally heated, and true to its floral terroir.
Which Cheeses Pair Best with Honey?
First rule: there are no rules. This pairing works so well that it’s almost impossible to go wrong. You can play with complementary pairings (strong with strong, mild with mild) or contrast (bold cheese + delicate honey, and vice versa).
Here are our favorite honey‑and‑cheese pairings:
Brie
Soft, creamy texture and mild flavour. Pair with a light honey (acacia, clover) or, for contrast, a more robust wildflower or spiced honey
Ricotta
A fresh Italian cheese, creamy and slightly sweet. Manuka or spiced honey adds depth and contrast. For extra sweetness, orange blossom honey is an excellent choice.
Blue cheeses
Bold, salty, sometimes sharp. Buckwheat honey complements their intensity, while acacia offers a gentler contrast.
Goat cheese
Fresh, mild, and slightly tangy. Pair with delicate honeys like clover or acacia to preserve its finesse.
Cottage Cheese
Less traditional on a cheese board, but delicious whipped. Its natural sweetness pairs well with wildflower, manuka, or spiced honeys.
What Is the Best Honey in Quebec?
It’s difficult to crown a single “best” honey in Quebec — everything depends on taste, floral varieties, and personal preferences. That said, several producers stand out for the quality and uniqueness of their products.
- Le Miel d’Émilie is known for its quality and distinctive flavour.
- Among the well‑regarded producers, Miel & Co also stands out. Based in Portneuf (Capitale‑Nationale), the company produces unpasteurized honeys from its own hives and is dedicated to demystifying beekeeping and raising awareness about the importance of bees.
- Miel Gauvin’s buckwheat honey is appreciated for its robust profile.
- Other notable producers include La Miellerie de Sophie, Miel Boréal, Miel d’Or, and Miellerie St‑Patrice, all of whom offer a diverse range of raw, local, and specialty honeys.
Irresistible Pairing Ideas to Try
For inspiration when building your cheese board, here are some delicious combinations:
- Cracker + goat cheese + fresh persimmon slice + candied pecan + honey
- Rice cracker + salami + green apple + Gouda + honey
- Cracker + bold blue cheese (e.g., Bleu d’Élizabeth cheese) + blackberry + honey
- Goat cheese + pink peppercorn + honey
- Sourdough + La Tomme de brebis de Charlevoix cheese + pistachios + honey
- Sourdough + Le Pizy cheese + honey
Your “Perfect” Pairing Awaits
At the end of the day, the perfect honey‑and‑cheese pairing is the one you enjoy most. Let your cravings guide you—there are no strict rules and no wrong choices. Savour, explore, have fun, and above all, enjoy every bite.