13 Sweet and Savory Recipes You Can Make With a Jar of Jam
Put it to use for breakfast, dessert, and more!
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You've likely been there: You buy a jar of jam, slather it on a few slices of toast, and then it just... sits there. But that lonely jar of jam sitting at the back of your fridge is so much more than a simple breakfast spread! The sweet, fruity goodness can transform into baked treats and even savory dishes that will have you wondering why you didn't start cooking with it sooner.
Jam often includes small pieces of fruit or pulp, giving it a delightful texture and a concentrated burst of fruit flavor. Whether it's a classic strawberry jam, a tangy blueberry jam, tart raspberry jam, or even a special fig spread, that little jar holds the key to so many sweet and savory possibilities. Perhaps there's a homemade jam you want to play around with or a store-bought container is just waiting to be used up. Either way, there are plenty of easy recipes you can make with a jar of jam.
Ever tried a Monte Cristo brunch sandwich with a swipe of jam? What about a tasty Crostini topped with fig jam and goat cheese? Of course, you can also make classic breakfast treats like blueberry bars and homemade pop tarts. There are even no-bake cake recipes that call for both fresh fruit and jam. So, grab a spoon and get ready to browse some jam-packed recipes that will have you looking at your fridge's forgotten fruit spread in a whole new way!
Homemade Pop Tarts
Yes, you can make your favorite toaster pastry right at home! These flaky, buttery pop tarts are filled with your choice of fruity jam flavor, then topped with a sweet glaze and sugar sprinkles for a breakfast treat that's sure to beat any store-bought version.
Get the Homemade Pop Tarts recipe.
Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
Ree calls these "the easiest appetizer ever!" To make them, you'll just pack some fig jam onto toasted baguette pieces. Top it off with blue cheese and garnish with basil.
Get Ree's Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta recipe.
Blueberry Bars
These easy-to-make bars feature a buttery crumble crust and topping with a layer of luscious, no-cook blueberry filling sandwiched between. Try them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Get the Blueberry Bars recipe.
Monte Cristo
This indulgent recipe combines layers of ham and melty cheese between slices of bread that's dipped in a rich egg batter and cooked to golden perfection. The finishing touch? A dollop of your favorite jam for a flavor that's irresistible.
Get the Monte Cristo recipe.
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
This finger food makes it easy to serve a crowd since you can make the cheesy crackers a few days ahead and just fill them with jam right before serving. While this recipe calls for spicy pepper jelly, you can also use apple jelly.
Party Platter
A charcuterie board is perhaps one of the simplest ways to use up that jar of jam in your pantry. There's no end to the combinations you can put together, but you might start with meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and, of course, a bowl of jam.
Get Ree's Party Platter recipe.
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches
When Christmastime rolls around, you'll want to try your hand at these cookie sandwiches ASAP. The adorable gingerbread cutouts are stuffed with orange buttercream and jellied cranberry sauce—or jam!
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches recipe.
Cornmeal Muffins with Blackberry Jam
Whether you whip these up for breakfast, a snack, or a side, these corn muffins are just the right amount of sweet. They taste even better when slathered in butter. Pipe in some blackberry jam for an extra special finish.
Box Brownies
Here's a secret to making box brownies even more delightful: Before baking, just swirl the top of the brownie batter with strawberry jam for added flavor. Bonus: It will look so pretty, too!
Get the Box Brownies recipe.
Blackberry Icebox Cake
Frozen pound cake is the secret to this super simple, yet absolutely scrumptious summer dessert. Whipped cream, blackberry jam, and fresh blackberries really take it to the next level!
Get Ree's Blackberry Icebox Cake recipe.
Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini
This panini is basically the MVP of all leftover recipes. Not only can you make it to use up a jar of jam, but you can also make it to use up your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving. Swipe each slice of bread with fig or apricot jam for added sweetness.
Get Ree's Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini recipe.
Easy Baked Swedish Meatballs
Though this recipe doesn't actually call for jam, you'll definitely want to serve it on the side of these Swedish meatballs for the most delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Easy Baked Swedish Meatballs recipe.
PB&J Banana Pancakes
In the middle of these light and fluffy pancakes, you'll find a dollop of jam tucked inside. Additionally, there's peanut butter and bananas mixed into the batter for a breakfast dish that will delight anyone who takes a bite.
Get the PB&J Banana Pancakes recipe.
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