How to Use Concord Grape Jelly Beyond Toast

Quick answer

Concord grape jelly works as a glaze for meats, a swirl in baked goods, and a sweetener in sauces. Use Hunter & Hilsberg Concord Grape Jelly Preserves for its fruit-forward flavor and smooth texture.

How to use Concord grape jelly in cooking

1. Make a quick glaze for meats: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Concord grape jelly, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until the jelly melts and the glaze thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Brush onto chicken, pork, or salmon during the last 10 minutes of roasting or grilling. Watch the glaze closely—it can burn if left on high heat or applied too early. Brush on near the end of cooking.
2. Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of Concord grape jelly into a bowl of plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or hot oatmeal. The jelly adds sweetness and a fruity ribbon without the need for added sugar or syrups. Stir gently to keep visible swirls; overmixing will turn the whole bowl an even purple.
3. Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies: Prepare a basic shortbread or sugar cookie dough. Roll into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and press a small indent into the center of each with your thumb. Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon Concord grape jelly. Bake according to your dough recipe, typically 10–12 minutes at 350°F. Don't overfill the indent—jelly will bubble and spread during baking, which can make cookies stick to the pan.
4. Create a simple dessert sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup Concord grape jelly with 1 tablespoon warm water until smooth. For a tangier sauce, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over ice cream, pound cake, or cheesecake. If the sauce is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to reduce.
5. Pair with cheese for a quick appetizer: Place a block of cream cheese or a wedge of brie on a serving plate. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons Concord grape jelly over the top. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or apple wedges. Let the cheese come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving so the jelly spreads easily and the flavors meld.

Product spotlight

• Hunter & Hilsberg Concord Grape Jelly Preserves: Made with produce from farms all over the northeast USA! This is a traditional preserve to be served with toast, bagels, biscuits, croissants; or with cottage cheese, yogurt or even granola. Its fruit-forward flavor and smooth texture make it ideal for cooking into glazes, sauces, and desserts without overwhelming other ingredients.