August is one of the best months to enjoy local food in Ontario. Farmers' markets are full, peaches are at their peak, and many of the season's best flavours are ready to be paired with artisan cheese.
A great cheese pairing does not need to be complicated. Often, one local ingredient is enough to bring out new flavours in a familiar cheese. Here are five Ontario foods that work especially well on a summer cheese board, at a backyard gathering, or as part of a simple seasonal meal.
1. Ontario Peaches
Fresh Ontario Peaches are sweet, juicy, and slightly tart, making them a natural match for rich and creamy cheeses.
Try them with:
- Brie or Camembert
- Fresh goat cheese
- Burrata
- Mild blue cheese
- A young cheddar
Serve the peaches fresh, grill them briefly for a deeper caramelized flavour, or slice them onto crostini with soft cheese and a drizzle of honey.
For an easy summer appetizer, top grilled bread with fresh goat cheese, sliced peaches, cracked pepper, and fresh basil.
2. Local Honey
Honey is one of the easiest ways to add sweetness to a cheese board. Its floral flavour can soften a strong cheese, including washed-rind styles known for their pungent, savoury character, or add contrast to something salty and savoury.
Honey pairs especially well with:
- Blue cheese
- Aged cheddar
- Goat cheese
- Brie
- Washed-rind cheeses
A small drizzle is usually enough. Serve it directly over the cheese or place a small dish on the board so guests can add their own.
Different Ontario honeys can also create different pairings. Clover honey is usually mild, while wildflower honey may have a stronger and more complex flavour.
3. Ontario Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is not only for breakfast. Its deep sweetness pairs beautifully with sharp, salty, and smoky cheeses.
Try maple syrup with:
- Aged cheddar
- Smoked gouda
- Blue cheese
- Alpine-style cheese
- Firm sheep's milk cheese
Use it sparingly as a finishing touch, or combine it with mustard to create a simple glaze for grilled cheese sandwiches, baked brie, or cheese-topped burgers.
Maple-roasted nuts also make an excellent addition to a cheese board.
4. Ontario Craft Cider
Ontario craft cider is refreshing, food-friendly, and well suited to summer entertaining. Its acidity helps balance rich cheese, while its apple flavour complements both mild and bold varieties.
Dry cider pairs well with:
- Aged cheddar
- Gouda
- Gruyère-style cheese
- Blue cheese
- Firm goat cheese
A sweeter cider can work well with creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.
For a simple tasting experience, choose two or three cheeses and compare how each one tastes with the cider. It is an easy way to make a casual gathering feel more special.
5. Local Preserves
Ontario-made jams, jellies, chutneys, and preserves add colour, texture, and flavour to any cheese board.
Popular pairings include:
- Peach preserves with Brie
- Apple jelly with aged cheddar
- Fig jam with blue cheese
- Tomato jam with goat cheese
- Pepper jelly with cream cheese or mild cheddar
- Onion chutney with smoked or aged cheese
Preserves are especially useful when fresh fruit is not available, and they make it easy to feature local flavours throughout the year.
Build an Ontario-Inspired Cheese Board
To create a simple Ontario-inspired cheese board, begin with three cheeses: one soft, one firm, and one bold. Add sliced peaches, a small jar of honey or preserves, crackers, nuts, and a bottle of local cider.
The goal is not to create a perfect board. Choose flavours you enjoy and give guests a few different combinations to try.
Shopping locally also creates opportunities to discover new Ontario producers. A cheese board can bring together cheesemakers, orchards, beekeepers, cideries, and preserve makers in one simple spread.
Visit Farmhouse Artisan Cheese before your next summer gathering. We can help you select artisan cheeses that pair beautifully with Ontario peaches, honey, maple syrup, craft cider, and locally made preserves.