What Do You Eat Chilli Jam With? 7 Pairings You’ll Actually Love
What goes well with chilli jam?
If you’ve ever opened a jar of chilli jam and wondered what else it goes with (besides cheese and crackers), you’re about to become a true convert. Chilli jam is one of those magic condiments that works with sweet, savoury, and everything in between - adding a gentle kick and glossy sweetness that makes almost anything irresistible.
Here are seven easy ways to use chilli jam — all tried and tested at chilli HQ and/or by trusty customers.
🧀 1. With Cheese (of course)
The classic. Try it with a creamy Brie, a crumbly goat’s cheese, or a proper mature cheddar.
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Original Chilli Relish (Chilli Jam) loves a mellow cheese.
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Smokin' Hot Red Onion Chutney works beautifully with strong cheddars.
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Pepper & Fear is for the brave (and brilliant) Stilton fans.
👉 Perfect for: grazing platters, toasties, or your next cheeseboard.
🥩 2. Glazed Over Meats
Spoon a little chilli jam over sausages, chicken, or roast lamb just before the end of cooking. It caramelises beautifully, giving you a sticky, spicy glaze without any faff.
👉 Try with: Caramelised Red Onion Chutney for a Sunday roast or Spiced Plum Jam for something richer. Original Chilli is perfect over salmon seaks.
🥪 3. In Toasties & Sandwiches
Swap your usual chutney or relish for a layer of chilli jam — it adds a sweet-heat kick that wakes up even the plainest sandwich.
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Ham & cheddar with Original Chilli Jam
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Turkey & brie with Pepper & Pear Relish
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Bacon butty with Caramelised Red Onion or Zest Intentions (if it's available)
Try out the infamous Original Chilli and Cheddar Toastie in the Cooking Inspo section
🥗 4. As a Salad Dressing Base
Whisk a spoonful into olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of vinegar for an instant sweet-heat dressing. Works wonders with roasted veg, halloumi, or cold meats.
I've found that Pepper & Pear Relish is really good for this, so are the sweeter chilli jams and chilli marmalades.
🍳 5. With Eggs (trust us)
Whether it’s a fried egg on toast or a fancy brunch, chilli jam gives eggs a spicy-sweet lift.
👉 Try: Lime Shred on poached eggs, or Orange & Turmeric Marmalade on a breakfast muffin. Pepper & Pear is a firm favourite here too.
🍔 6. On Burgers & BBQs
It’s the secret weapon for homemade burgers and BBQ glazes. Forget ketchup — a spoon of chilli relsih adds real depth.
👉 Try: Smokin' Hot Red Onion Chutney or Italian Marinade for the ultimate burger upgrade or add to your spare ribs recipe. Both have a smokey/not smokey thing going on for those of you who can't stand the usual barbecue sauces - and Italian Marinade is extra garlicy but no onions!
🍰 7. With… Desserts?!
Oh yes. A dab of chilli jam with dark chocolate, cheesecake, or even ice cream works better than you’d think. The heat balances the sweetness beautifully.
👉 Try: Spiced Plum Jam (bake it into cakes too!) or Orange & Cinnamon Marmalade for somethign sweet and warming but not eyebrow raising. Limited editions are a good shout here too if you’re feeling experimental.
❤️ Love the chilli jam? Spread the chilli love.
However you use it, chilli jam is about flavour, not rules.
If you’ve tried one of these or invented your own twist, share it with us on Instagram with #SpreadTheChilliLove — we might just share it in our next post.
TL;DR
Can you cook with chilli jam?
Yes! It makes a quick, flavour-packed glaze for meat, fish or roasted veg. Or just use it as a dip on the side of your plate to look a bit fancy!