The Best 9 Jellies For Your Charcuterie Board

The Best 9 Jellies For Your Charcuterie Board


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Alex Roig is the owner of Ask Alex Wood Worx, a high-end woodworking site that sells personalized charcuterie boards and other wood products. With 15 years of woodworking experience, Alex is a master of his craft. His attention to detail and passion for his work sets him apart from the competition.

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Do You Put Jam On A Charcuterie Board

Using jam on your charcuterie board is one of the best ways to add unique flavor combinations to your charcuterie board.

Adding a selection of jellies, jams, and preserves is a great way to add some sweetness to your charcuterie board. Spread the jam on a cracker or bread with cheese for an added flavor dimension. You could even create mini crostini appetizers with jam and cheese!

Try different combinations until you find one you love.

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How Do You Serve Jam On A Charcuterie Board

To make your perfect charcuterie board look even more impressive, try arranging the sweet jams in different shapes - like circles or stars - and adding fresh fruit slices around them for color contrast.

Place the jam jars at the center of your board and arrange the other components around it for an eye-catching display.

You should also include a selection of crackers and breads so that your guests have something to spread the jam on. Don't forget to add accompaniments like cheese, nuts, olives, or cured meats for the ultimate charcuterie board experience!

The 9 Best Jams For Your Board

fig jam

1.Fig Preserves

And at the top of our list is the classic choice of Fig preserves. Not only do they pair well with a variety of charcuterie board cheeses and meats, but their sweet and tangy flavor adds the perfect contrast to the savory elements on your board. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. They pair well with many different types of cheese, such as brie, cheddar, and goat cheese, and also work well with meats like prosciutto and salami. The sweet and slightly tangy flavor of fig preserves adds a nice contrast to the saltiness of the meats and the richness of the cheese.

fig jam preserveFig Jam

Natural fruit jam made from seasonal figs in Lazio.

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2.Red Pepper Jelly

Looking to add some zing to your charcuterie board? Look no further than red pepper jelly! This deliciously spicy and sweet option pairs perfectly with a variety of meats and cheeses. The creamy texture of brie and camembert is balanced nicely by the heat of the jelly, while meats like ham and prosciutto get an extra kick of flavor. So why settle for plain old cheese and crackers when you can spice things up with some red pepper jelly? 

3. Apple Butter:

Get ready to spread some deliciousness with Apple butter! Made by cooking apples with sugar and spices until they're thick and smooth, this versatile seasonal fruit preserve is the perfect addition to any charcuterie boards. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of apple butter pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheese and meats.

The sharpness of cheddar and gouda is perfectly balanced with the butter's sweetness, while salty meats like prosciutto and speck are made even more delectable with a dollop of apple butter. Who knew something so simple could be so mouthwatering? Give your taste buds a treat and try apple butter on your next snack spread!

4. Quince Paste:

Quince paste also known as membrillo, is a sweet and dense jelly that is made from quince fruit. It's a traditional accompaniment to Spanish cheeses like Manchego, but it can also be paired with other types of cheese and cured meats. The sweetness of the quince paste works well with the saltiness of the meats and the nuttiness of the cheese.

5. Cranberry Sauce:

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday condiment, but it can also work well on a charcuterie board. It pairs well with many different types of cheese and cured meats, and the tartness of cranberries can help cut through the richness of meats and cheeses. Cranberry sauce is especially good with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

grape jam

6. Grape Jam

Grape jam is another great addition to a charcuterie board. Its sweet and robust flavor pairs well with both cured meats and cheeses, and adds an interesting contrast with the saltiness of the cured meats. The sweetness of the jam can also help balance out the sharpness of certain cheeses.

Grape jam is also a great choice for those who have a sweet tooth as it provides a nice sweetness to any board.  Additionally, it pairs well with a variety of cheeses and crackers. Try pairing grape jam with sharp cheddar on a cracker for an extra flavor punch.

grape jamGrape Jam

Natural fruit jam made from local grapes

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7. Apricot Jam:

Cooking to wow your guests with an elegant and delicious appetizer? This sweet and slightly tart option is the perfect pairing for a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Spread it over a creamy brie or camembert to balance out its richness, or dollop it on some salty speck or prosciutto for an explosion of flavor.

apricot jam
 Apricot Jam
Produced in small batches using only fresh whole fruit and the minimum amount of sugar required for preservation.

8. Cherry Preserves:

Indulge your taste buds with delectable cherry preserves. This scrumptious spread brings a subtle tangy sweetness that will elevate your charcuterie game to new heights. For a creamy experience, pair it with goat cheese or brie, and let the cherries work their magic by perfectly balancing out the cheese's acidity.

Cherry preserves also go well with meats such as prosciutto or ham, making them a versatile addition to any charcuterie board. Savor the goodness and tantalize your senses with cherry preserves.

cheery preserveCherry Preserves

Sweet desert made from 100% Greek fruit

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9. Blueberry Jam:

Blueberry jam is a sweet and slightly tart option that pairs well with many different types of cheese and cured meats. It's especially good with sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda, as the sweetness of the jam helps balance out the sharpness of the cheese.

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The Best Meat and Jam Combinations

  1. Prosciutto with Apricot Jam: The tartness of this jam goes perfectly with the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a unique flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
  2. Salami and Cherry Preserves: Create the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this classic pairing. The sweetness of cherry preserves will help to cut through the spiciness of salami, creating an unbeatable flavor experience.
  3. Ham and Blueberry Jam: This delectable combination brings together two flavors that were meant for each other! The sweetness of blueberry jam complements the smokiness of ham perfectly, making it a great addition to any charcuterie board.
  4. Smoked Turkey and Strawberry Jam: For a unique twist on the classic charcuterie board, try pairing smoked turkey with strawberry jam. This is a sweeter jam and will bring out the flavors of the turkey, creating an unforgettable flavor experience.
  5. Chorizo and Grape Preserves: The smokiness of chorizo pairs perfectly with grape preserves for an unbeatable combination. Enjoy this sweet and spicy duo at your next gathering!
  6. Bresaola with Peach Jam: Bresaola is an Italian cured beef that has a slightly sweet taste, so it pairs perfectly with peach jam for a delicious balance of flavors. This combination is sure to keep guests coming back for more!
  7. Coppa and Fig Jam: The sweetness of a fig jam pairs nicely with the saltiness of coppa, making it a great choice for charcuterie boards. Enjoy this unusual pairing at your next gathering!

wine and jam

The Best Jam and Cheese Pairings

  1. Brie and Apricot Jam: This classic pairing of creamy brie cheese and one of the sweeter jams is a great choice for cheese board. The tartness of the jam complements the creaminess of the cheese perfectly.
  2. Cheddar and Orange Marmalade: Enjoy this unique flavor combination of sharp cheddar and zesty orange marmalade. The sweetness of the marmalade pairs nicely with the richness of the cheese, creating a flavorful experience that will tantalize your taste buds!
  3. Gouda and Raspberry Jam: This sweet jam provides a delicious contrast to rich, nutty gouda cheese, making it an ideal combination for cheese boards.
  4. Chevre and Peach Jam: The tanginess of Chevree goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of this jam, making unique cheese pairings that your guests will love.
  5. Roquefort and Apricot Jam: This salty and sweet combination is sure to add flavor to any cheese board. Enjoy the creamy texture of Roquefort paired with this tart jam for an unforgettable experience!
  6. Camembert & Honeycomb: The smooth creaminess of Camembert fresh cheese is well complimented by sweet honeycomb, creating a delightful harmony between savory and sweet flavors.
  7. Gruyere & Blackberry Jam: Rich gruyère cheese is balanced out perfectly with tart blackberry jam, making it a wonderful choice for your next charcuterie board.
  8. Blue Cheese and Fig Jam: This unique combination of pungent blue cheese and sweet fig jam is sure to delight. The strong flavor of the blue cheese pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of this jam, making this an ideal pairing for any charcuterie board.

Raspberry Jam Recipe

raspberry recipe

What Kind of Jam Goes On A Charcuterie Board

  • Apricot Preserves
    “Fruit preserves make even the most mundane moment feel like a festive occasion” - Ina Garten ina garten
  • Apple Butter
  • Fig Jam
  • Pear and Ginger Preserves
  • Orange Marmalade
  • Rhubarb Chutney
  • Plum and Cardamom Jelly
  • Blueberry Compote
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Onion jam
  • Hot pepper jelly
  • Bacon jam
  • Cherry jam

Conclusion

A charcuterie board is an excellent way to provide a delicious spread of savory and sweet flavors that your guests are sure to enjoy. By adding different types of jellies, jams, butters, preserves, chutneys, and sauces, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone!

With the right balance between tart and sweet ingredients, there’s something for everyone on your charcuterie board. Start with a few of the recipes outlined above and experiment to create your own bold flavors.

You can also add some sweet fruit slices or crackers to complete the spread. With so many options, you’re sure to impress your guests!

"Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links at no additional cost to you."

What are some savory jams, spicy jams, and sweet jams you like to enjoy? Let me know in the comments below.

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FAQ

What do you eat jam with on a charcuterie board?

Jam is a popular addition to a charcuterie board and can be enjoyed with crackers, fresh fruit slices, meats, and cheeses. It adds a sweet and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients on the board perfectly.

What sauces are good on a charcuterie board?

Sauces can be a great addition to any charcuterie board. Popular sauces include chutneys, jellies, jams, mustards, and mayonnaise. Each sauce provides its own delicate flavor that will enhance the other ingredients on the board.

What preserves go best with Brie?

Preserves pair well with a Brie because of their sweet and tangy flavors. Popular preserves to serve with a mild cheese Brie include pear and ginger, fig, blueberry compote, and cranberry sauce.

What crackers are good with jam?

Crackers such as water crackers, rye crisps, and thin wheat crackers are the perfect accompaniment for jam pairings. These simple, yet flavorful crackers provide a great contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of charcuterie board jams and jellies.

What is a savory jam for a charcuterie board?

A savory jam for a charcuterie board is one that combines sweet and tart ingredients. Popular savory jams include fig and rosemary, onion and thyme, apricot and basil, as well as tomato and oregano.

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