Homemade Spreads and Preserves That Pack a Punch of Flavor

From sandwiches and toast to waffles and muffins, preserves can turn even the blandest of dishes into a wow-worthy experience for all ages. And they’re even better when they’re homemade! You get to play chef for a day, experimenting with different fruits and flavor profiles to offer just the right amount of sweetness. Get ready to grab a spoon and spread a little joy. These flavorful homemade spreads and preserves will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!

Triple Berry Preserves

Literary Barbara Johnson once said, “If we give someone a piece of bread and butter, that’s kindness, but if we put jelly or peanut butter on it, then it’s loving kindness.” Triple berry preserves may not be jelly or peanut butter, but after one bite, you’ll certainly think it’s loving kindness. Combining blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries creates deliciously sweet preserves with a hint of tartness. You can use equal parts of each berry for a balance of sweetness and tartness, or increase the amount of blueberries for slightly sweeter preserves. 

Tahini Honey Spread

Tahini honey spread is the perfect way to elevate your sandwiches. It’s made with just two ingredients (tahini and honey) and requires zero cooking. Start with a one-to-one ratio of tahini and honey and stir until well combined. Add more tahini or honey to taste. You could even add cinnamon for a bit of spice.

Serve your spread on whole-grain bread or use it as a dip for apples and other fruit and veggies. Tahini honey spread sandwiches also make a great packable travel meal or snack for vacations with kids!

Strawberry Basil Preserves

Bottle up the taste of summer with strawberry basil preserves! The slightly peppery and anise flavor of basil complements the fresh, sweetness of strawberries perfectly. Just remember to use fresh basil in your preserves, which has a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried basil. These sweet and savory preserves will go well with everything from freshly baked bread to ice cream!

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Spinach and Artichoke Spread

Put your own twist on the fan-favorite appetizer with a spinach and artichoke spread! Start by sauteing garlic and spinach, then squeeze the mixture to remove excess moisture. Melt cream cheese in the microwave or on the stove and add the spinach mixture, chopped artichoke hearts (frozen will work!), mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and you’re done. Whether you spread it on crackers or have it on bread, it’s a tasty way for everyone in the family to get their veggies in!

Zucchini Peach Preserves

While peaches and zucchinis may sound like an odd pairing, they go surprisingly well together. Peaches offer a sweet contrast to the mild, slightly savory flavor of zucchini.

There are many uses for fruit preserves beyond toast. Mix it into your oatmeal for a fruity boost, add a spoonful to yogurt, or put a dollop on the kids’ pancakes. They’ll never know they’re eating vegetables!

Citrus Blueberry Preserves

Level up simple blueberry preserves with a splash of citrus. A little bit of lemon zest and lemon juice or puree adds the perfect citrus touch that balances sweet blueberries. Any of your other favorite citrus fruits would make a welcome addition, oranges, grapefruits, limes, and more. Just be sure to balance out the tangy citrus flavor in your preserves by adding a smidge more sugar or blueberries.

Basil Walnut Spread

Looking for something more savory? Basil walnut spread will make a delicious addition to your repertoire. Combine fresh basil leaves, chopped walnuts, olive oil, cream cheese, and parmesan in a food processor and process until smooth. You could also use pecans if you’re not a fan of walnuts. No matter which nuts you choose, everyone is sure to love the creamy, pesto-like flavor of this spread!

Rhubarb Raspberry Spread

Strawberries aren’t the only berries that pair well with rhubarb! The subtle tart and sweet flavors of raspberries make a great counterpoint to tart rhubarb, creating a vibrant and flavorful combination. It also delivers a bold, beautiful red color that’ll pop on pastries and bread.

Blackberries and apples would also complement your fruit spread. You could even add ginger or cardamom to create a more complex flavor profile. Don’t forget to safely can your fruit preserves to keep them fresh!

Strawberry Kiwi Preserves

While strawberries definitely hold their own, their perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness allows them to pair with a wide variety of flavors and textures, including kiwi. The classic flavors of strawberries meet the sweet, tart, tropical undertones of kiwi for these crowd-pleasing preserves. Stir in a tablespoon of candied ginger to add a slightly sweet and spicy finish.

Strawberries go together with tons of other fruits in preserves. Get creative with your kids in the kitchen and try combinations that include:

• Mangoes
• Peaches
• Citrus fruits
• Pineapples
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Berries
• Papayas

Spreads and Preserves Jam-Packed with Flavor

Pairing various fruits and vegetables can create great flavor combinations that’ll impress even the most discerning kid’s taste buds. Use fresh herbs and real fruit puree (not frozen) from a trusted supplier for bolder, fresher flavor in your preserves. It’ll also allow you to use less sugar in your preserves to really let the natural flavors of your fruits shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. You may just create something amazing.