Best Jams for Charcuterie and Cheese Boards, a Guide.

SaltSpring Kitchen Co. started in 2012 when Melanie started selling Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread and a few other flavours at the Saturday Market here on Salt Spring Island. Since then, things have.. escalated.

Crafting the perfect charcuterie or cheese board is about more than piling on meats and cheeses. It's about building layers of flavour and texture that surprise and delight. That's where jams, preserves, and condiments come in. Especially when they bring sweet, savoury, and spicy notes that elevate everything around them. At SaltSpring Kitchen Co., our small-batch gourmet condiments are made to elevate the everyday.

If you're hosting friends, building your first epic board, or figuring out what to do with a jar you picked up (or received as a gift), this guide will help. Learn how to use our preserves and create an unforgettable charcuterie experience. We're talking about a full-on feast here, but everything applies to a plate for one just the same, for a cozy movie night or a quiet hour with your favourite book.

Why Jams and Spreads Matter for Charcuterie Boards

Cheese and meats are the foundation, but jams and preserves are the spark that makes a charcuterie board memorable. A sweet note can balance the richness of a creamy brie. A spicy relish can cut through the fat of aged cheddar. A savoury spread can bring out the best in a slice of salami.

Jams add depth, contrast, and interest, making your guests pause after a bite and say, "Wow."

 

The Science of Pairing Flavours

Pairing is all about balancing contrasting flavours and complementing textures. Sweetness balances saltiness, spice adds excitement, and acidity cuts through richness. Did you know that the sweetness of our Apple & Fig Spread beautifully softens a sharp cheddar's saltiness? Or that the tangy heat of our Raspberry & Habanero Spicy Pepper Spread elevates a creamy brie?

Texture also matters. A smooth, rich cheese pairs wonderfully with the crunch of seeded crackers and the soft texture of fruit preserves. The goal is to create a tasting experience that hits multiple notes with each bite, turning simple ingredients into complex flavour levels.

How to Build a Charcuterie Board with Jams and Spreads

Start with your basics: a few cheeses, some cured meats, and a selection of crackers or bread. Layer in textures like fresh fruit, roasted nuts, and crunchy pickles to take it to the next level. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, a scattering of olives, or edible flowers for colour. Finally, bring in bold flavours with sweet jams, spicy spreads, and tangy chutneys from SaltSpring Kitchen Co. Each jar brings something unique to the board, enhancing the flavours and adding a creative twist.

For more detailed steps, check out our ultimate guide to building charcuterie boards.

Food Safety Tips for Serving Spreads

We want your preserves to be the stars of the show! Here are some simple food safety tips to keep your preserves fresh and safe for longer:

First, always use clean utensils when serving spreads. Cross-contamination from meats and cheeses can shorten the lifespan of your preserves and introduce bacteria.

Want the easiest tip for making your preserves last longer? Don't share them—just kidding (kind of). But seriously, store your opened jars in the fridge and always seal them tightly after use.

Finally, keep utensils separate. Use a different spoon or spreader for each spread to avoid mixing flavours or transferring bacteria.

All of our products are gluten-free, except Charcuterie Mustard, which contains barley from the ale used in its recipe. For anyone with gluten sensitivities, we recommend avoiding this particular spread.

Which SaltSpring Kitchen Co. Preserves Should You Use?

🥭 Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread combines tropical sweetness with a fiery finish. This is our hottest flavour and our best-selling jar overall. It's perfect with creamy brie or soft goat cheese. Spread it on a crostini, layer with goat cheese, and top with a slice of prosciutto for a spicy-sweet bite.

🧅 Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread is rich with caramelized onions and fresh thyme, ideal for pairing with sharp aged cheddar or nutty gouda. Dollop it onto a cracker with cheddar, or swirl it into whipped butter for a unique bread accompaniment.

🍅 Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread is tangy with just the right amount of heat. Pair it with smoked meats and sharp cheeses, especially aged gouda. Spread it on crackers, layer with smoked meats, and top with aged cheddar for a bold, satisfying bite.

🍑 Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread offers delicate sweetness finished with bold, peppery heat. It pairs well with soft blue cheese or ricotta. Serve it over ricotta on toasted bread, or use it as a glaze for grilled peaches, meats, or roasted veggies.

🌶 Raspberry & Habanero Spicy Pepper Spread brings sweet and tart raspberries with a fiery habanero finish. Pair it with creamy brie or tangy goat cheese. For a simple pairing, try it with a cracker, brie, and a dab of this spicy-sweet goodness.

🍔 Candied Jalapeño Relish is sweet, spicy, and addictive. It's the spreadable version of our Candied Jalapeñoes (our best-selling jar in the online shop). It's bold with sharp cheddar or aged gouda. Layer a slice of cheddar, cured meat, and a spoonful of relish on a cracker for a memorable bite.

🍏 Apple & Fig Spread offers rich, sweet apple and earthy fig notes, perfect for simple or elegant boards. Pair it with brie, aged cheddar, or mild goat cheese. Spread over brie and bake in puff pastry for an irresistible centrepiece.

🧀 Rhubarb & Apple Chutney blends tart rhubarb and sweet apple with warm spices. Ideal with hard-aged cheeses or sharp cheddar. Top a seeded cracker with cheddar and a spoonful of chutney for a tangy, spicy-sweet finish.

🥪 Charcuterie Mustard is a tangy, bold addition that pairs beautifully with sharp cheeses and cured meats. It's perfect as an addition to a dressing or spread on rustic bread alongside an array of meats and cheeses for a savoury kick that ties the whole board together.

Vegan-Friendly Pairing Ideas

All of our products are vegan, except Charcuterie Mustard, which contains honey, and our spreads that include wine: Apple & Fig Spread and Cranberry, Sour Cherry & Port Preserve. These exceptions aside, every other preserve is crafted to be enjoyed by those following plant-based diets.

For a vegan charcuterie board, opt for dairy-free cheeses—like cashew-based brie or almond ricotta—and pair them with bold, flavorful spreads. The Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread adds tropical heat to vegan cream cheese, while the Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread is perfect alongside roasted root vegetables. Add roasted nuts, olives, pickled vegetables, and crisp apples to complete your plant-based board. And don't forget hearty crackers and warm baguettes for dipping and layering!

Hosting Tips with SaltSpring Kitchen Co. Spreads

Mix flavours to create contrast and keep your board interesting. Label each item so guests know what they're tasting. Encourage guests to combine flavours—like sharp cheddar with a sweet jam or smoky meats with a spicy spread. For a thoughtful gift, pair a jar of your favourite flavour or one of our collection boxes with artisan crackers or a favourite cheese.

Let's Jam!

Building a charcuterie board with SaltSpring Kitchen Co. spreads is about crafting moments that linger long after the last bite. Each jar is made in small batches, using bold, unforgettable flavours to spark conversations. If you're hosting, gifting, or treating yourself to a little gourmet joy, our preserves bring flair to every board.

Ready to jam? Explore our sweet, savoury, and spicy collections and start building your dream board today! Share your creations on Instagram with us, and say hi to Melanie! Want The Scoop on recipes, articles like this, and the occasional sale? Sign up here.