Sweet and salty flavor combinations go together like, well, peanut butter and jelly. We love them! Today, chefs are expanding on classic sweet and salty dishes and setting trends with new combinations such as sea salt with caramels or chocolates, watermelon topped with feta—even bacon-infused ice cream!

You can try experimenting with sweet and salty flavor combinations in your own kitchen with Real California Cheese. With a natural salt content acquired during the cheesemaking process, it’s the perfect canvas to create new flavor favorites.

Try these delicious combinations the next time you’re entertaining, snacking, or whenever you need a sweet salty fix. With 250 varieties and styles of Real California Cheese available, the possibilities are endless.

• Drizzle honey on semi-hard and hard cheeses such as California Manchego
• Fill dates with California Blue, wrap in bacon and bake until the bacon is crispy
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic over roasted beets and top with California cow’s milk feta
• Shave California Asiago or Dry Jack over fresh fruits such as melon with prosciutto and basil
• For a decadent grilled cheese, smear apricot or raspberry jam on buttered baguette slices, top with California Brie and cook on the grill or in a pan until the bread is golden brown
• Wrap California Cheddar around pieces of sweet apple such as Braeburn or Honeycrisp for a delicious snack
• Reduce balsamic vinegar with a little brown sugar and drizzle over Aged California Gouda, and serve with sweet and tangy green grapes
• Fan thin slices of pear or apple over California Brie and top with caramelized walnuts or pecans

For a decadent sweet and salty dessert, try our recipe for Salted Butter Milkshakes Shooters.