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If you can cut up some dried figs and add sugar, balsamic vinegar, water and lemon juice then bring it all to a boil, you can make this delicious balsamic fig jam! That's all there is to it! And check out the post (below) for a zillion ways to use it!
Want holiday entertaining to be a breeze this year? We're sharing the perfect way to get that started. Make a batch of this easy (super easy) Balsamic Fig Jam and you'll have the appetizer course all wrapped up before the season even gets close! You can freeze it now for easy entertaining later. You'll also find lots of other ways to use it for entertaining, as well as for everyday cooking.
Yes, you read right, this recipe uses dried figs. What's so great about that? Well, since you asked, there are several wonderful benefits to being able to use dried figs for this jam. First, you can make this jam any time of year, not just during the short and fleeting fig season (generally August through October, but I don't find them easily once September rolls around).
Another advantage is that you can keep a supply of shelf-stable, dried figs in your pantry. That means that anytime you get a fancy for fig jam, you've got everything you need to make a batch - in less right around 30 minutes!
What's in this Balsamic Fig Jam?
Other than the dried figs, you probably have everything else you need to make this jam. Figs, sugar, balsamic vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice make up the short ingredient list. You'll also need a medium-large pot and a blender, either an immersion (aka stick blender) or a regular blender will work.
Can you can this jam using a hot water bath to make it shelf stable?
You definitely can, although I don't go through all that. I just keep what I want in the refrigerator (good there for up to two weeks) and pop the extra jars in the freezer for longer storage.
What type of dried figs should I use for making this jam?
The most common varieties of dried figs are Black Mission, Calimyrna, and Smyrna (also called Turkish figs). The good news is that they'll all work for this Balsamic Fig Jam. I picked up a large bag of Smyrna figs at Costco last time I was there. They were fabulous for this recipe, but I've also used Mission and Calimyrna with excellent success.
How to use Balsamic Fig Jam
There are so many delicious ways to use this jam. I know once you get used to having a stash of this in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry, you'll come up with lots of your own ideas. Here are a few to get you going:
- Serve as pictured above on a cheeseboard. We love it with a smoky cheddar or Gouda, creamy goat cheese, Manchego, Roquefort, Blue or Gorgonzola. Grapes, apples, pears and a handful of nuts like these Easy Candied Pecans or these Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds all pair nicely with this jam.
- Use it as a topping for baked brie.
- Layer this jam with cheese in a grilled sandwich with turkey, ham, thinly sliced pork or smoked chicken.
- Mix it in yogurt. Add sliced bananas and some toasted pecans, delish!
- Heat it up and drizzle it over ice cream.
- Serve it with yogurt instead of honey or jam.
- Use it as a base for pizza or flatbread.
- Use it as a delicious glaze for pork and chicken.
- Roast some veggies with olive oil and a spoonful of this balsamic fig jam... so good!
- Make a vinaigrette with it.
- Use it as filling between cake layers.
- Make a simple appetizer by spreading goat cheese on little bread toasts and topping each with a slice of prosciutto and a dollop of this Balsamic Fig Jam.
See what I mean? You need this delicious jam in your life! If you 45 minutes to spare you can make a batch, start to finish! Your family, friends, neighbors, (and self) will be thanking you!
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Café Tips for making this Balsamic Fig Jam
- This jam has to simmer for 20-25 minutes. When jam simmers there's the tendency for little bits of it to splash out of the pan, so I like to use a fairly large pot to prevent a mess.
- Figs can be sticky so I like to spray my knife with a bit of cooking spray or rub it with a little oil when chopping up my figs.
- This recipe is easily doubled. It may take a few extra minutes of cooking to achieve the desired thickness.
- Jars of this Balsamic Fig Jam make lovely gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, hairdressers, postmen, etc. Pair it with a nice box of crackers, a wedge of cheese and a bottle of wine for the best-ever hostess gift!
- If you give this jam as a gift be sure to tell your giftee that it should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, for longer storage. If you decide to use the water bath method (below in Tips) it will be shelf-stable.
- I made two types of labels for my jam (shown in the pictures below). Both of them can be printed on white cardstock. One you can punch holes in and tie onto the jar with string. The other is the perfect size to slip under the lid of a 4 or 8-ounce mason jar. If you'd like a PDF of either of these labels for gift-giving, just leave me a comment below and I'll email them to you. The label on the smaller jars is 1½ inches and the one on the mason jar is 2 inches in diameter.
The 1½-inch labels are shown on the left and the 2-inch on the right. Let me know which one you'd like (or both) and I'll send them along with instructions.
- I love these classy Weck Jars for gifting jams and jellies. I also found these fun 8-ounce jelly jars which make really pretty gifts too.
- This jam makes a wonderful addition to a cheeseboard. Check out this post for tips and tricks on how to make a beautiful cheeseboard.
- As mentioned above, this jam can be preserved in a hot water bath to make it shelf-stable. This is a great post on canning with a hot water bath.
P.S. See the cheeseboard above in the post? There's a little white bowl that is filled with Maple Mustard Candied Bacon. Stay tuned for this recipe - oh my, it's AMAZING!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear other’s results and ideas for variations.
Easy Balsamic Fig Jam
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried figs, stems removed
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Chop each fig into 4-6 pieces. Wash enough jars (to hold 24-ounces of jam) in hot soapy water and rinse well. Set aside.
- Combine figs, sugar, water, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice in a medium-large saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to a steady, rolling simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pulse/blend the jam with an immersion (or regular) blender until large pieces are gone but the jam still has a bit of texture. (Use the pulse setting if using a regular blender.)
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the jam is thickened to the desired state. (It will get a bit thicker as it cools).
- Taste the jam. If you would like it a bit tangier, add an extra tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar.
- Transfer to jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2-3 months.
- If you end up cooking the jam too long and it's too thick, it's super easy to remedy. Just add water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it's the desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kelly says
Please send both labels.
This is great! I bought a large bag of figs at Costco. I made about 3.5 X the recipe using the entire bag of figs and a bottle of balsamic. And a lemon. It made 1 pint and 6 1/2 pints of the jam. I am going to give it as Christmas gifts with Manchego cheese and crackers.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's great, Kelly! Sending them your way!
Karen says
I've just found you, and this looks delish! Would you please forward both sets of labels at your earliest? So looking forward to making this as holiday gifts!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Karen!
Nicola Maguire says
Have tried before and will be making for gifts this year. Is the fridge life really only 2 weeks? Would be grateful if you could forward the lables please.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Hi Nicole, that's to be on the safe side. We've kept it for longer. You can always freeze it to store it long term. Happy to send the labels your way!
Sean M Fetterly says
Could I please get a set of the label templates? Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Sean!
Susan says
This looks easy & awesome for gifts! Can you send me the label pdf?
Adrian Jacques says
Nice recipe. I am going to make it to gift to friends. Please send me both types of labels. thank you.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks, Adrian! Sending them now.
Gail Smith says
I am going to try this recipe. Please send me both sets of labels.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Gail!
Lynette says
I would love copies of both sizes of gift tags please! I plan to try this out and give it as gifts. What a great idea.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks, Lynette! Sending them your way.
Judy Killian says
Making for gifts. please send printable label to fit under pint jar ring
I could not find instructions for water bath canning
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Hi Judy, this recipe was designed as a freezer jam so we do not have instructions for canning. Other readers have had success with canning. We are happy to send the labels!
Anne says
I am excited to try the Balsamic Fig Jam recipe. I'd like to get a set of each size of the labels. Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Anne!
Cindy Malinowski says
I am looking forward to tryin the fig jam recipe and giving it as gifts. Please send the labels.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Cindy!
Vicky says
I have a bag of figs and I am looking forward to making the jam. I have vacation rentals and I thought I'd put some in the frig with a little goat cheese as a welcome gift.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Great idea, Vicky!
Zooey says
Sounds amazing, can’t wait to make this! Please send both labels I can print, thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Hi Zooey, the labels could not be delivered. Could there be an error in your email address?
Suzanne AB says
This jam looks absolutely delicious! I can't wait to try this recipe using the Rouge de Bordeaux figs that grow in our garden. Pease could you send the labels? They add the perfect finishing touch. Merci beaucoup!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Suzanne!
Jackie G. says
I just got home from California with a bag of dried Black Mission figs and was looking for a recipe to make a fig spread as a gift for my book club (we love creative appetizers!). Your recipe is perfect! Five **** ! Please send me the 2-inch labels. Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Awesome! Thanks, Jackie! Sending the labels your way.
B arbara W says
My husband and I love fig jam with our cheese and crackers. I plan to make some soon and use for holiday gifts as well. Please send both labels. Thanks
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's great, Barbara! Sending the labels your way.
Dr. Jay J. Beebe says
Awesome fig jam!!! Delicious with cheese and water crackers. Thank you so much for the recipe. I would love for you to send the labels so I can distribute as gifts for the holidays.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks, Jay! Sending the labels your way.
Denise says
I plan to make this for holiday gifts. Please send the round labels.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Denise!
Wendy says
May I have the labels please?
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Wendy!
Linda says
Please send Balsamic fig jam recipe...
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Hi Linda, the recipe is right above the comments 🙂
Linda says
Please send 2” labels
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Linda!
Teresa Christensen says
As with all of your recipes, the Balsamic Fig Jam has been used as gifts. Please send me the 2 inch labels for the Balsamic Fig Jam. Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's great, Teresa! Sending the labels your way.
Carrie Gaboriault says
Chris,
I made this jam and took it to work with my own home-made sourdough rosemary olive bread. It was a fantastic hit. Everyone raved about this jam. I would love to have the labels so I can make this and give as gifts to my co-workers.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That sounds delicious, Carrie! Sending the labels your way.
tina says
The Best!
I plan to gift personalized jars for the holidays!
Please send the labels for the fig balsamic!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Tina!
Jean McCarroll says
As with all of your recipes, I'm sure that this one is great. Please send me the 2 inch labels for the Balsamic Fig Jam. Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Jean!
Esther Wlliams says
This one sounds delish also! Please send labels for gift giving in a few months. Thank you for posting these lip smacking recipes.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Esther!
Nancy Klunder says
Please send easy Balsamic Fig Jam labels. I have made many of your wonderful jam and jelly recipes. I am sure I will enjoy this one. Thank you.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Nancy!