Our Favorite Homemade Jam and Jelly Recipes to Sweeten Any Day

Roasted Strawberry Compote
Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

The convenience of store-bought ingredients can save tons of time during busy weeks, and there are some things that even the best chefs don't make from scratch. When it comes to jam, though, we're partial to the homemade variety. Jam recipes are the easiest way to add something homemade to your spread without much effort at all. Even novice cooks can throw together a delicious homemade jam on the stovetop or even easier—in the slow cooker. If you went a little overboard buying fresh produce at the farmer's market this week, don't let anything go to waste. Simply make one of our gorgeous jam recipes with the leftovers. With sweet and savory options, our homemade jam recipes can be added to biscuits, burgers, peanut butter sandwiches, cornbread, and more. Plus, if you need a last-minute hostess gift that feels personal, whip up some homemade jam, put it in a mini Mason jar, and tie it with a cute ribbon. Voila! You gave a memorable and delicious gift they'll really appreciate. A jar of homemade jam is one of our favorite staples to always have on hand.

01 of 14

Strawberry-Lemonade Jam

Strawberry-Lemonade Jam
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Strawberry-Lemonade Jam

Not only is Strawberry-Lemonade Jam spread between the layers of our Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake, this sweet-tart jam does double duty as a base for savory sides and entrees.

02 of 14

Bacon-and-Sweet Onion Jam

Bacon-and-Sweet Onion Jam
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Bacon-and-Sweet Onion Jam

We love this sweet and savory condiment on our Pork Tenderloin Sliders.

03 of 14

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Strawberry Jam

Savor the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries long after the season is done with this three-ingredient recipe.

04 of 14

Tomato Jam

Cornmeal Thumbprint Cookies with Tomato Jam
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Tomato Jam

Beautifully sweet and savory, this fresh tomato jam is a true summer treat. It pairs well with biscuits and burgers.

05 of 14

Fig Jam

Fig and Lemon Refrigerator Jam
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Fig and Lemon Refrigerator Jam

Lemon brightens up this sweet, summery jam recipe that's perfect for beginner cooks.

06 of 14

Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam
Evin Photography

Recipe: Bacon Jam

If you want to take your cookout to the next level, just add bacon jam—the neighbors will be in awe of your restaurant-quality burgers.

07 of 14

Pear Preserves

Pear Preserves
Southern Living

Recipe: Pear Preserves

We're carrying late-summer produce all the way through winter with this recipe for Pear Preserves.

08 of 14

Spiced Plum Compote

Spiced Plum Compote
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Spiced Plum Compote

Spiced with ginger and cinnamon, this plum compote is just what you need for the season.

09 of 14

Blueberry Compote

Ricotta Pancakes with Brown Butter-Maple Syrup and Blueberry Compote
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Blueberry Compote

Use this 4-ingredient Blueberry Compote to top a stack of lemon-ricotta pancakes.

10 of 14

Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly

Pair this Red Chipotle Pepper Jelly with cream cheese and crackers and you're on your way to appetizer heaven.

11 of 14

Jalapeño Jelly

Jalapeño Jelly
Southern Living

Recipe: Jalapeño Jelly

Who said jelly has to be sweet? This Jalapeño Jelly has just the savory, spicy kick we're craving.

12 of 14

Blackberry Jelly

Blackberry Jelly
Southern Living

Recipe: Blackberry Jelly

Stew up a big batch of this Blackberry Jelly and gift it to all of your friends as a sign of the season.

13 of 14

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Break out the slow-cooker: this Apple Butter is going to be the gift of the season.

14 of 14

Roasted Strawberry Compote

Roasted Strawberry Compote
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Roasted Strawberry Compote

This Roasted Strawberry Compote is one of our new favorite ice cream toppings.

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