What to Do With Extra Homemade Jam: 20 Easy Ways to Use It

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If you’re anything like me, making homemade jam is a little addictive.

Every summer I tell myself I’m only going to make a few batches, and before I know it my pantry shelves are lined with jars of strawberry jam, blueberry jam, raspberry jam, peach jam, blackberry jam, and whatever other fruit happened to be in season.

Then canning season rolls around again, and I open the pantry thinking, What in the world am I going to do with all this jam?

Canning Expertise: Rachel Paxton is a certified Master Home Food Preserver with over 25 years of hands-on experience in safe home canning and food preservation.

The good news is that homemade jam is much more versatile than you might think. Here are some of my favorite easy ways to use it.

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If your pantry is overflowing with homemade jam, this list is for you! Discover simple ways to use strawberry, peach, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and rhubarb jam on pancakes, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, cheesecake, ice cream, sandwiches, and more. Great ideas for anyone who loves home canning and homemade food.

1. Spread It on Toast

The classic for a reason. Homemade jam makes an ordinary slice of toast feel special.

2. Serve It on Warm Biscuits

Fresh biscuits and homemade jam are one of the easiest breakfasts you’ll ever make.

3. Spoon It Over Pancakes or Waffles

Skip the syrup and use your favorite homemade jam instead on your pancakes and waffles instead.

4. Stir It Into Plain Yogurt

Mix a spoonful of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or peach jam into plain yogurt for an easy fruit yogurt without all the extra ingredients found in many store-bought versions.

5. Add It to Cottage Cheese

Jam and cottage cheese make a quick breakfast or high-protein snack.

6. Swirl It Into Oatmeal

A spoonful of jam instantly sweetens a bowl of oatmeal while adding delicious fruit flavor.

7. Make Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches

Sometimes simple really is best. Homemade jam takes a classic peanut butter sandwich to the next level.

8. Top Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm a few spoonfuls in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzle over vanilla ice cream.

9. Spoon It Over Cheesecake

Whether your cheesecake is homemade or store-bought, fruit jam makes an easy topping.

10. Fill Crepes

Spread your favorite jam inside warm crepes for an easy breakfast or dessert.

11. Spread It on English Muffins

English muffins and homemade jam make a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

12. Add It to a Charcuterie Board

Serve homemade jam alongside crackers, Brie, goat cheese, cheddar, or cream cheese for an easy appetizer.

13. Stir It Into Barbecue Sauce

Peach, blackberry, raspberry, or apricot jam can add wonderful sweetness to homemade barbecue sauce.

14. Brush It on Pork or Ham

Warm a little jam and brush it over baked ham or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a quick fruit glaze.

15. Mix It Into Lemonade

Stir strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jam into fresh lemonade for an easy fruit-flavored drink.

16. Sweeten Iced Tea

A spoonful of fruit jam adds just the right amount of sweetness and flavor to iced tea.

17. Fill Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re baking cookies, homemade jam makes the perfect filling for thumbprint cookies.

18. Give It as a Gift

Homemade jam makes thoughtful gifts for neighbors, teachers, friends, Christmas baskets, or hostess gifts.

19. Rotate Your Pantry

Use your oldest jars first and place newly canned jars toward the back of the shelf. A simple first-in, first-out system helps ensure your homemade jam is always enjoyed at its best.

20. Eat It Before You Make More!

If your pantry is overflowing like mine, the easiest solution might be to start using a jar every week before canning season comes around again!

How Long Does Homemade Jam Last?

Properly canned homemade jam typically keeps its best quality for about 12 to 18 months when stored in a cool, dark place.

While it may still be safe beyond that if the seal remains intact, the color and flavor gradually decline over time. Labeling your jars with the month and year makes it easy to use the oldest jars first.

More Homemade Jam Recipes

If you’re looking for another delicious flavor to add to your pantry, be sure to check out these homemade jam recipes:

Whether you’re making your first batch or you’ve been canning for years, I hope these ideas inspire you to enjoy every last jar. Homemade jam is too delicious to sit forgotten on the pantry shelf!

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