When you think of jam, you usually imagine spreading it on toast or dolloping it on pancakes. But did you know that jams, especially those made with high-quality, real fruit, like those from Grandma’s Jam House, can elevate savory dishes and add a surprising burst of flavor? The natural sweetness, tang, and complexity of jams can complement savory flavors in unique and delicious ways. If you’ve never considered pairing jam with your dinner, it’s time to think outside the jar. Here’s how you can incorporate jams into your savory dishes for a flavor boost:
A Glaze for Meats
Jams make a perfect base for marinades and glazes, giving meats a sweet and savory twist. Whether roasting chicken, grilling pork, or pan-searing steak, adding a jam glaze can create a perfect balance of flavors. The fruitiness of the jam, combined with a bit of acidity from vinegar or citrus, creates a savory glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• Try this: Brush a layer of Grandma’s Jam House peach, cherry rhubarb, Damson plum, or blackberry jam onto chicken breasts or pork chops about 10 minutes before they finish cooking. The sugars in the jam will caramelize, creating a beautiful, flavorful crust.
A Topping for Cheese and Charcuterie
Adding jam to a cheese board or charcuterie platter is an easy way to enhance the flavors. Sweet jams like red or black raspberry or blueberry pair wonderfully with tangy cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or blue cheese, while savory jams like sweet or hot pepper jelly work perfectly with sharp cheddar or aged gouda.
• Try this: Serve Grandma’s Jam House hot pepper jam with creamy goat cheese or brie to contrast heat and creaminess. Or pair Grandma’s Jam House strawberry jam with a sharp, tangy blue cheese for a sophisticated flavor combination.
A Sauce for Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are delicious, but when you add a jam-based sauce, they go to the next level. The jam’s sweetness and acidity enhance the smoky flavors of the grilled veggies, giving them a complex, rich taste.
• Try this: Mix Grandma’s Jam House apricot jam with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs to create a savory-sweet sauce for grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant. Drizzle the sauce over the veggies right before serving for a burst of flavor.
Incorporate into Salad Dressings
Adding a spoonful of jam to a salad dressing is an easy way to add a pop of sweetness and depth to your greens. Jam can help balance the acidity of vinegar and the richness of oil, creating a well-rounded, flavorful dressing that pairs beautifully with fresh salads.
• Try this: Whisk together Grandma’s Jam House blackberry jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, goat cheese, and walnuts.
A Stuffing or Filling for Savory Pastries
Jams can be used as fillings or stuffings for savory pastries, such as hand pies, turnovers, or tarts. Pairing the sweetness of jam with rich, savory fillings like cheese, meats, or vegetables adds a layer of complexity and indulgence.
• Try this: Use Grandma’s Jam House fig jam or Damson plum jam as a filling for savory pastries, pairing it with crumbled blue cheese or caramelized onions. The jam adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ingredients.
A Dipping Sauce for Appetizers
Jams can also be used as a yummy dipping sauce for appetizers, snacks, and vegetables. The natural sweetness and complexity of the jam balance the savory notes of the dish, creating a harmonious combination that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Try this: Pair Grandma’s Jam House orange marmalade or even our peach jalapeno with crispy fried chicken tenders or grilled shrimp for a flavorful, savory dip. The slight tanginess of the jam enhances the richness of the meat, making it the perfect dipping companion.
Add to Sauces and Soups
If you want to add a subtle depth of flavor to your sauces or soups, a spoonful of fruit jam can work wonders. The jam’s natural sugars and acidity will balance out the flavors, giving your dish a new dimension.
• Try this: Stir a little Grandma’s Jam House apricot, peach, or fig jam into a curry sauce or a hearty soup like butternut squash soup. The fruit jam will add a lovely balance of sweetness that complements the savory spices and vegetables.
A Topping for Grilled Meats and Sandwiches
Sometimes, the simplest way to enjoy jam in a savory dish is to use it as a topping. Add a layer of fruit jam to your grilled meats or sandwiches to infuse the dish with unexpected sweetness and complexity.
• Try this: Spread a bit of Grandma’s Jam House red or black raspberry jam on a turkey or chicken sandwich for a delicious sweet-savory combination. Or top a grilled steak with a spoonful of Grandma’s Jam House blueberry jam for a burst of fresh, fruity flavor.
Incorporate into Stir-fries
A quick and easy way to add a bit of sweetness to your stir-fries is by incorporating jam into your sauce. The jam will add flavor and a slight glaze to your dish, balancing the savory and spicy elements in a satisfying and unique way.
• Try this: Add a spoonful of Grandma’s Jam House apricot, peach, or Damson plum jam to your stir-fry sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The apricot jam will bring a natural sweetness that complements the savory umami of the soy sauce and the heat of the garlic and ginger.
A Marinade for Roasted Meats or Tofu
A jam marinade is another excellent way to infuse your savory dishes with flavor. The jam’s sugar content helps caramelize the meat or tofu, while the fruit’s acidity tenderizes and adds depth.
• Try this: Marinate chicken or tofu in Grandma’s Jam House apricot jam, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil before roasting for a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and savory.
Why Choose Grandma’s Jam House?
Jams are incredibly versatile and can be more than just a sweet spread. Whether glazing meats, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or mixing into a sauce or dressing, jams are the perfect ingredient to elevate your savory recipes. Grandma’s Jam House offers a wide variety of delicious jams, from spicy pepper to sweet berry and beyond, giving you the perfect options to experiment with savory flavor combinations. By thinking beyond the toast, you can add new layers of flavor to your meals and discover just how versatile jam can be.
Ready to try something new? Add some Grandma’s Jam House jam to your next savory dish for an unexpected and delicious twist!
