Roasted Beet Jam Recipe
If you’re looking for a condiment that truly wows with color, flavor, and versatility, Roasted Beet Jam is a kitchen revelation. Imagine tender, caramelized beets transformed into a glossy, sweet-tangy spread with just the right touch of spice and zing. Whether you dollop it on a cheese board, swirl it into yogurt, or layer it on sandwiches, this jam is destined to become your new favorite secret ingredient. The combination of depth from roasting, brightness from citrus, and warmth from ginger turns humble beets into a vibrant, jewel-toned treat you’ll crave all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Roasted Beet Jam so irresistible is how it comes together from a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a starring role. You don’t need anything fancy: just fresh beets, a bit of sugar, and a few clever pantry staples to create a jam that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Red Beets (1 1/2 pounds, trimmed, peeled, and cubed): The earthy backbone of the jam, beets give the spread its signature deep magenta hue and natural sweetness.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps roast the beets to caramelized perfection, enhancing their flavor and keeping them moist.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Balances the earthiness with just the right amount of sweetness, ensuring a classic jam texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds a gentle tang that brightens up the beets and prevents the jam from tasting too sweet.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the jam with fresh citrus notes, making the color pop and lifting the overall flavor.
- Grated Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of warmth and subtle heat, giving each bite a lively finish.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a whisper of spice, complementing the natural sweetness of the beets.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Water (1/4 cup, as needed): Used to control the jam’s consistency, ensuring it’s perfectly spreadable.
How to Make Roasted Beet Jam
Step 1: Roast the Beets
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the peeled and cubed beets with olive oil until they’re evenly coated, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roasting brings out the beets’ natural sugars, turning them meltingly tender and caramelized at the edges. After about 35 to 40 minutes, when you can easily pierce them with a fork, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Puree the Roasted Beets
Once the beets have cooled enough to handle, transfer them to a food processor. Pulse until you reach your desired texture—some folks love a rustic, chunky jam, while others prefer it silky smooth. You’re in charge here! If you want an ultra-smooth Roasted Beet Jam, blend until completely pureed.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Scrape the pureed beets into a medium saucepan. Add the sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, grated ginger, cinnamon, salt, and a splash of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, letting the flavors marry and the jam thicken for about 20 to 25 minutes. If things get too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect, glossy jam consistency.
Step 4: Cool and Jar the Jam
When the jam is thick, shiny, and the kitchen smells irresistible, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for several minutes; the jam will continue to thicken as it chills. Spoon it into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate. This final step locks in all that gorgeous color and flavor, and preps the Roasted Beet Jam for all your snacking and entertaining needs.
How to Serve Roasted Beet Jam

Garnishes
A spoonful of Roasted Beet Jam is a showstopper all on its own, but a few simple garnishes can turn it into a restaurant-worthy bite. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives, or a swirl of creamy goat cheese for a stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
This jam is a game-changer on a cheese or charcuterie board, especially paired with tangy cheeses, crusty bread, or crisp crackers. It’s also delicious alongside roasted meats, spooned over grilled vegetables, or tucked into a sandwich for a sweet-savory surprise.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Dollop Roasted Beet Jam on crostini with ricotta for a party appetizer, swirl into plain yogurt for a vibrant breakfast, or even use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork. The vibrant color and punchy flavor make every dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Roasted Beet Jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious after a day or two.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the jam in airtight containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it again.
Reheating
If you prefer your jam warm, simply scoop out the portion you need and gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until just warmed through. This brings back the jam’s shine and makes it extra spreadable.
FAQs
Can I use golden beets instead of red beets?
Absolutely! Golden beets will yield a slightly milder, sweeter jam with a gorgeous golden hue. The method and other ingredients remain the same, but the final color and flavor will be uniquely your own.
Is Roasted Beet Jam very sweet?
Roasted Beet Jam strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The natural earthiness of the beets, along with vinegar and lemon juice, ensures it’s never cloying—just bright, flavorful, and utterly crave-worthy.
Can I make this jam without a food processor?
You can! If you don’t have a food processor, mash the roasted beets by hand with a potato masher or fork for a chunkier texture. For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan.
How do I sterilize jars for jam?
Wash your jars and lids thoroughly with hot, soapy water, rinse well, and then place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let them air dry upside down before filling with jam. This helps your Roasted Beet Jam stay fresh longer.
What’s the best way to enjoy Roasted Beet Jam?
The possibilities are endless! Spread it on toast, pair with cheeses, spoon over roasted meats, or even use it as an unexpected topping for burgers. It adds color, flavor, and a touch of elegance to all your favorite dishes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how versatile and delicious Roasted Beet Jam can be. Whether you’re making it as a treat for yourself or to impress friends at your next gathering, this vibrant jam is guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Give it a try and let it become your new kitchen staple!
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Roasted Beet Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Beet Jam is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, made by roasting fresh beets and simmering them with sugar, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a condiment for cheese boards, toast, or roasted meats, this vibrant jam offers a unique twist with a hint of ginger and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Beets and Oil
- 1 1/2 pounds red beets, trimmed, peeled, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Jam Mixture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed beets with olive oil to coat evenly, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes or until the beets are fork-tender and caramelized slightly on the edges. Allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Puree the Beets: Transfer the roasted beets to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped or blend until smooth, depending on your texture preference for the jam.
- Prepare the Jam Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the pureed beets, sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, and a splash of water. Stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the Jam: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer, cooking uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. The jam should thicken to a spreadable, jam-like consistency. Add additional water in 1 tablespoon increments if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Cool and Store: Once the jam is thick and glossy, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the jam cool to room temperature, then transfer it to sterilized jars. Refrigerate to firm up further. The jam can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for longer shelf life.
Notes
- This savory-sweet jam pairs beautifully with goat cheese, roasted meats, toast, or charcuterie boards.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam again before jarring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Roasting, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg