Jam-Infused Brunch Board

A jam-infused brunch board is my answer to gathering friends and family for a vibrant spread that looks stunning and tastes even better. Inspired by the jam girl summer vibe this sweet and savory board brings the best of seasonal fruit jams artisan breads rich cheeses and a pop of color from fresh fruit making every bite a celebration of summer flavors.

I first put together a jam brunch board for a weekend book club and it instantly became our go-to tradition. The variety always sparks fun conversations and no one ever leaves hungry.

Ingredients

• Strawberry jam: offers a bright sweet base pick jams with visible fruit for rich flavor
• Apricot preserves: add a tangy note go for preserves with real pieces and low added sugar
• Blueberry jam: brings deeper sweetness look for deep blue color as a sign of freshness
• Honey: rounds out the sweetness buy local or raw honey for best taste
• Whipped butter: gives creaminess use unsalted to control salt levels
• Brie cheese: is creamy and luxe choose brie with a soft ripe center
• Sharp cheddar: brings a savory bite look for aged cheddar for stronger flavor
• Fresh goat cheese: offers tang and creaminess avoid dry or overly crumbly varieties
• Baguette and sourdough: provide crunch and contrast select breads with crisp crusts and tender interiors
• Multigrain crackers: add texture pick those with seeds or whole grains
• Fresh strawberries blueberries grapes and peaches: offer pops of color and taste select ripe and blemish-free fruit
• Roasted almonds: give crunch always taste-test to ensure freshness
• Dried apricots: for chewy sweetness look for bright orange color
• Fresh mint leaves: for garnish not only add color but a refreshing note

Instructions

Set Out Spreads and Bowls:

Start by spooning strawberry jam apricot preserves blueberry jam and honey into small bowls. Space these evenly on your board so guests can easily reach each spread.

Add Butter:

Place whipped butter in its own bowl near the jams since it goes well with bread and fruit.

Arrange Cheeses:

Slice brie cheddar and crumble goat cheese keeping them separate for visual appeal. Place cheeses near bread for easy pairing.

Layer Breads and Crackers:

Fan out slices of baguette and sourdough next to the cheeses. Create a small stack of crackers on one side for crunch.

Distribute Fruits:

Arrange clusters of strawberries grapes blueberries and peach slices to add bursts of color and keep them close to spreads for simple matching.

Scatter Nuts and Dried Apricots:

Drop roasted almonds and dried apricots in open spaces to fill gaps and offer bite-sized contrast.

Garnish and Finish:

Tuck fresh mint leaves along the board for brightness and a fresh scent. Do a final check for visual balance and accessibility.

Serve and Enjoy:

Bring out the board as soon as it is built. Encourage guests to combine different flavors on bread crackers and cheese for unique bites.

Save

Brie is my forever favorite on this board—its creaminess pairs beautifully with strawberry or apricot jam. I remember my grandmother would always bring out brie at family gatherings and we would race to pile it onto the fresh bread before it was gone. Those moments of laughter and first bites are exactly what inspired me to make this board a staple.

Storage Tips

Leftover ingredients can be stored separately. Place jams and honey in airtight containers in the fridge. Cheeses and fruit last up to two days if kept cool and wrapped. Bread and crackers stay crisp in a sealed bag at room temperature and nuts stay fresh for a week.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap any cheeses you like—try gouda or blue cheese for extra variety. Gluten-free crackers and bread are easy replacements. For vegan options pick plant-based butter and cheeses. Switch jams with flavors like fig raspberry or cherry for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Fill a large wooden board if hosting a crowd or make individual mini boards for each guest. Pair with rosé sparkling wine or fresh-squeezed juice for a brunch that feels festive. Double up fruit if serving in summer or add more nuts in fall and winter.

Cultural and Historical Context

Brunch boards build on European grazing traditions where communal eating centers around breads cheeses and preserves. The jam trend draws inspiration from English afternoon teas and French countryside picnics. Mixing both sweet and savory elements honors hospitality around the world.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use figs blackberries or plums in late summer for extra flavor Swap citrus fruit in winter for brightness Include edible flowers or berries in spring for visual appeal

Helpful Notes

Cheeses taste best at room temperature take them out thirty minutes early A drizzle of honey elevates even simple bread Small bowls help keep spreads tidy on your board

Success Stories

My friends always ask for this board at every gathering. One neighbor loved it so much she recreated it for her own anniversary brunch and sent me photos. Kids enjoy picking and mixing their favorite bites making this family friendly.

Freezer Meal Conversion

While jams fruits and breads are best fresh you can freeze cheese and nuts to prep ahead. Thaw cheeses overnight and toast bread straight from the freezer for a fresh taste.

Save

This brunch board brings together sweet jams creamy cheeses and crisp breads in a way that delights every guest. Enjoy curating your own vibrant spread and watch guests discover new favorite combinations.

Recipe FAQs

→ What jams pair well with the brunch board?

Strawberry, apricot, and blueberry jams offer varied flavors, while fig or cherry jam can add extra depth and sweetness.

→ How can I make the board gluten-free?

Simply substitute gluten-free crackers or bread to accommodate dietary needs while keeping great texture and flavor.

→ Which cheeses work best for this board?

Brie, sharp cheddar, and goat cheese provide creamy, tangy, and savory notes for delicious variety on your board.

→ Can I add meats to the board?

Yes, prosciutto or smoked salmon make great additions for those who wish to include non-vegetarian options.

→ What wine pairs well with this brunch board?

A light rosé or sparkling wine complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

→ How should I garnish the brunch board?

Fresh mint leaves make a vibrant garnish, adding aroma and a pop of color to the assembled board.