Have you ever received a beautiful jar of homemade Christmas jam and wondered what to do with it?
This festive, spiced fruit preserve is packed with the flavors of the holidays, but most of us just let it sit in the fridge, unsure of its potential beyond morning toast. You know it’s too special to waste.
Christmas jam is a versatile, spiced fruit preserve perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. This guide will show you 13 genius uses that go way beyond breakfast. Get ready to unlock the full potential of that delicious holiday condiment.
Have a Jar of Christmas Jam? Here’s What To Do With It
Receiving an edible gift like Christmas jam is a delight, but it often comes with a small dilemma: how do you make the most of it? You’re in the right place. This is your ultimate guide to unlocking this festive jam’s full potential, with creative ideas for every meal.
Christmas jam is a versatile, spiced fruit preserve perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. You can serve it on classic scones and toast, pair it with baked brie on a cheese board, use it as a glaze for roast turkey or pork, or swirl it into yogurt and desserts for a festive flavor boost.
13 Genius Uses For Christmas Jam From Breakfast To Brie
We’ve organized this list to take you on a culinary journey. We’ll start with festive breakfast ideas and move all the way to show-stopping main courses and desserts. You’ll find easy, creative serving suggestions for any occasion, from a quiet holiday morning to a bustling party.
1. Elevate Classic Scones with Clotted Cream
Pin this classic pairing for your next tea time!
This is the most traditional and beloved way to enjoy a festive jam. The combination of a warm, flaky scone, rich clotted cream, and sweet-tart Christmas jam is a timeless classic for a reason.
What You Need:
- Freshly baked scones, warmed
- Thick clotted cream or Devonshire cream
- A generous bowl of Christmas Jam
How to Serve:
- Split a warm scone in half with your hands or a knife.
- Spread a thick layer of clotted cream on one half.
- Top the cream with a generous spoonful of Christmas jam.
- Serve immediately with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Pro-Tip: The “Devon” method puts cream on first, then jam. The “Cornwall” method is jam first, then cream. For a jam with beautiful texture like this, the Devon method shows it off best!
2. Create a Show-Stopping Baked Brie Appetizer
Save this easy, elegant appetizer idea for your next party!
For a simple but incredibly impressive holiday appetizer, look no further. Warm, creamy brie cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors of Christmas jam, while toasted pecans add a welcome crunch.
Materials Needed:
- 1 (8 ounce) wheel of brie
- 1/3 cup Christmas Jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- A high-quality ceramic brie baker
- Assorted crackers, crostini, or apple slices for serving
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe dish or brie baker.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and slightly melted.
- Carefully remove from the oven. Spoon the Christmas jam over the top of the warm brie.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately with crackers.
- Lesson Learned: Don’t over-bake the brie or it will become a completely melted puddle. You want it soft and gooey, but still holding its shape.
3. Glaze a Holiday Roast Turkey or Pork Loin
Pin this savory surprise for your Christmas dinner menu!
This is where Christmas jam proves its savory versatility. The jam’s sugars caramelize to create a beautiful, glossy crust on roasted meats, while its tartness and spice complement the savory flavors of pork or turkey.
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Christmas Jam
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- A silicone pastry brush for application
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prepare your pork loin or turkey for roasting according to your favorite recipe.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Christmas jam, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- During the last 20 minutes of roasting time, brush a generous layer of the glaze over the meat.
- Return the roast to the oven. Continue cooking, brushing with another layer of glaze every 5-7 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Let the meat rest before slicing and serving.
- Pro-Tip: Applying the glaze only at the end of cooking is crucial. The sugars in the jam will burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
4. Build a Festive Greek Yogurt Parfait
Save this quick and healthy breakfast idea!
Transform your everyday breakfast into something special. Swirling Christmas jam into a yogurt parfait adds a burst of festive flavor and beautiful color, perfectly balancing the tangy yogurt and crunchy granola.
What You Need:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of your favorite granola
- 2-3 tablespoons Christmas Jam
- Fresh berries for topping (optional)
- Clear parfait glasses for serving
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Place a layer of Greek yogurt in the bottom of a glass.
- Add a spoonful of Christmas jam, swirling it slightly into the yogurt.
- Sprinkle a layer of granola over the jam.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full, ending with a final dollop of jam and a sprinkle of granola.
- Top with fresh berries if desired and serve immediately.
- Pro-Tip: For the best texture, assemble the parfait just before serving to ensure the granola stays crunchy.
5. Feature it on a Holiday Charcuterie Board
Pin this charcuterie board inspiration for your next gathering!
A small bowl of Christmas jam is the secret weapon for an amazing holiday charcuterie board. Its sweet and tart flavor is the perfect counterpoint to salty cheeses and cured meats, bridging all the different elements on the board.
Board Components:
- A small bowl of Christmas Jam with a dedicated spreader
- 2-3 types of cheese: a creamy goat cheese, a sharp aged cheddar, and a soft brie
- 2 types of cured meat: salty prosciutto and spicy salami
- A mix of plain and seeded artisan crackers
- Salted nuts like marcona almonds or pistachios
- Something fresh: apple or pear slices
Assembly Tips:
- Place the bowl of jam on the board first to act as an anchor.
- Arrange the cheeses in different areas of the board. Slice a few pieces of the hard cheese to encourage guests.
- Fan out the crackers in a few spots, creating “rivers” through the board.
- Fold and arrange the cured meats near the cheeses they pair well with.
- Fill in all the empty spaces with nuts and fresh fruit slices to make the board look full and abundant.
6. Bake Festive Thumbprint Cookies
Save this classic Christmas cookie recipe!
The vibrant red color and spiced flavor of Christmas jam make it the perfect filling for classic thumbprint cookies. A buttery shortbread dough provides a simple, delicious base that lets the festive jam shine.
What You Need:
- 1 batch of your favorite shortbread or butter cookie dough
- Approximately 1/2 cup of Christmas Jam
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small round spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of Christmas jam. Be careful not to overfill.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pro-Tip: If your jam is very thick, stir it vigorously or warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to spoon into the cookies.
7. Top a Stack of Fluffy Pancakes or Waffles
Pin this delicious upgrade for your weekend breakfast!
Swap your usual maple syrup for something more festive. A spoonful of gently warmed Christmas jam becomes a delicious, syrup-like topping for a hot stack of fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles.
What You Need:
- A fresh stack of hot pancakes or waffles
- 1/4 cup Christmas Jam
- A pat of butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prepare your favorite pancakes or waffles.
- While they are still hot, place a pat of butter on top of the stack and allow it to start melting.
- Gently warm the Christmas jam in a small saucepan or for 20 seconds in the microwave to give it a more pourable, syrup-like consistency.
- Pour the warm jam over the pancakes, letting it drip down the sides.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.
- Lesson Learned: Warming the jam is a game-changer. Cold, thick jam is harder to spread on delicate pancakes, but warm jam coats them perfectly.
8. Craft a Sweet & Savory Sandwich Spread
Save this idea for the best leftover turkey sandwich ever!
Elevate your sandwich game, especially with holiday leftovers. The sweet and tangy jam cuts through the richness of turkey and brie, while peppery arugula adds a fresh bite.
What You Need:
- 2 slices of artisan bread (sourdough or ciabatta work well)
- 2 tablespoons Christmas Jam
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese or mayonnaise
- Sliced roasted turkey
- Slices of creamy brie cheese
- A handful of fresh arugula
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix the Christmas jam with the cream cheese or mayonnaise to create a creamy spread.
- Toast the bread slices lightly.
- Spread the jam mixture evenly on the inside of both slices of bread.
- Layer the turkey, brie, and arugula on one slice of bread.
- Top with the other slice of bread and press gently. Slice in half and serve.
- Pro-Tip: This spread is also fantastic on a simple ham and cheese sandwich, using a sharp cheddar instead of brie.
9. Whisk into a Festive Holiday Vinaigrette
Pin this unique salad dressing recipe for your holiday menu!
This is a truly creative way to use jam in a savory context. The jam adds sweetness and body to a simple vinaigrette, turning a basic salad into a festive side dish perfect for a holiday meal.
What You Need:
- 2 tablespoons Christmas Jam
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A small jar with a tight-fitting lid or a salad dressing shaker
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Combine the Christmas jam, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small jar.
- Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well-combined and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Drizzle over a winter salad with goat cheese, pecans, and sliced pears.
- Pro-Tip: Make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week for quick and festive salads.
10. Spoon Over Cheesecake or Vanilla Ice Cream
Save this simple, elegant dessert idea!
This is the easiest dessert hack you’ll ever find. A simple spoonful of Christmas jam instantly elevates a slice of plain cheesecake or a bowl of vanilla ice cream into an elegant and flavorful dessert.
What You Need:
- Slices of plain cheesecake or scoops of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream
- Christmas Jam
Step-by-Step Directions:
- For a pourable sauce, gently warm the jam in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
- For a thicker topping, use the jam straight from the jar.
- Plate your slice of cheesecake or scoop your ice cream into a bowl.
- Spoon the desired amount of jam over the top just before serving.
- Lesson Learned: The tartness of the cranberries in the jam is the perfect foil for the rich sweetness of cheesecake or ice cream, preventing the dessert from being one-dimensionally sweet.
11. Make a Quick Sauce for Holiday Meatballs
Pin this incredibly easy party appetizer recipe!
For a dead-simple, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this is a winner. The classic combination of chili sauce and jam creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly coats cocktail meatballs in the slow cooker.
What You Need:
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle of chili sauce (like Heinz)
- 1 cup Christmas Jam
- 1 (2-pound) bag of frozen, pre-cooked cocktail-sized meatballs
- A 4-quart or larger slow cooker
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the chili sauce and Christmas jam until well combined.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir gently to coat them completely in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
- Turn the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting for serving. Provide small plates and toothpicks for guests.
- Pro-Tip: For a little extra kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
12. Build a Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Save this ultimate comfort food upgrade!
Take your grilled cheese from a simple comfort food to a gourmet experience. A thin layer of Christmas jam inside the sandwich adds a surprising burst of sweet and tart flavor that beautifully complements sharp cheddar and creamy brie.
What You Need:
- 2 slices of thick, sturdy bread like sourdough
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons Christmas Jam
- 2 slices of sharp white cheddar cheese
- A few thin slices of brie cheese
- A non-stick skillet
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Butter the outside of both slices of bread.
- On the un-buttered side of one slice, spread the Christmas jam.
- Layer the sharp cheddar and brie on top of the jam.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side-up.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Grill the sandwich for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Lesson Learned: Low and slow is the key to a perfect grilled cheese. This ensures the cheese melts completely before the bread burns.
13. Shake it into a Festive Cocktail
Pin this festive cocktail recipe for your holiday happy hour!
This is the most unexpected use of all. The jam acts as the sweetener and flavor base in a simple sour cocktail, adding sweetness, complex spice, and a beautiful festive color all in one go.
What You Need:
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 heaping tablespoon Christmas Jam
- 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy top)
- Ice
- A high-quality cocktail shaker set
- Rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Combine the gin (or vodka), lemon juice, Christmas jam, and egg white (if using) in a cocktail shaker without ice.
- This is called a “dry shake.” Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to emulsify the jam and froth the egg white.
- Now, add a generous amount of ice to the shaker.
- Shake again for another 30 seconds until the shaker is ice-cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries.
- Pro-Tip: The jam replaces the simple syrup typically used in a sour cocktail, adding sweetness, flavor, and a beautiful festive color all in one ingredient.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Using Christmas Jam
- For Breakfast: Don’t just stick to toast. Swirl jam into yogurt parfaits or warm it as a festive syrup for pancakes and waffles.
- For Appetizers: Jam is a cheese board’s best friend. Bake it over a wheel of brie for an instant crowd-pleaser or add it to a charcuterie board to balance salty meats and cheeses.
- For Dinner: Think beyond a condiment. Use it as a base for a flavorful glaze on roast turkey or pork, or whisk it into a vinaigrette for a festive winter salad.
- For Dessert & Drinks: It’s an easy dessert hack! Spoon it over cheesecake or ice cream, bake it into thumbprint cookies, or even shake it into a craft cocktail.
FAQs About what to serve with christmas jam
What cheese goes best with Christmas Jam?
Christmas jam pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of cheeses. For a classic combination, serve it with soft, creamy cheeses like brie, camembert, or goat cheese; the jam’s tartness cuts through their richness perfectly. It also creates a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast with sharp, aged cheeses like cheddar or manchego.
Can I use Christmas Jam instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, absolutely! Christmas jam makes a fantastic alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. It’s typically a bit sweeter and has more complex spice notes, which beautifully complement roasted turkey, chicken, and pork. Simply warm it slightly and serve it on the side as you would cranberry sauce.
Is Christmas Jam only for sweet dishes?
No, it’s incredibly versatile for savory food as well. While delicious on breakfast items, its best uses are often savory. Use it as a glaze for roasted meats, a base for a quick pan sauce, a component in a vinaigrette, or as the secret ingredient in a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
How do you serve jam on a cheese board?
To serve jam on a cheese board, spoon it into a small bowl and give it its own spreader or spoon. This keeps it contained and prevents it from mixing with other items. Place the bowl near the cheeses it pairs best with, such as brie or sharp cheddar, to encourage guests to try the combination.
Final Thoughts
A simple jar of Christmas jam holds the potential for dozens of delicious moments, from a quiet breakfast to a festive party. Hopefully, this list has inspired you to see that jar in your fridge not as a problem to be solved, but as an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen. Go beyond the toast and discover just how versatile this holiday condiment can be.
What’s your favorite creative way to use Christmas jam? Share your ideas in the comments below
Last update on 2026-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
