Easy Southern Fig Jam Recipe

One of my very favorite quick appetizers to have on hand is fig jam, brie, and crostinis! It’s something you can whip together at moment’s notice for last-minute entertaining. It all starts with my grandfather’s Southern fig jam recipe!

Growing up, I have so many memories picking figs off my grandparent’s fig tree in South Carolina. My grandfather could make this fig jam in his sleep, and we always left their house with jars and jars of fig jam every summer.

My grandfather taught my Mom and she taught me, and it’s about time I share my family’s homemade fig jam recipe with you! Right?

This recipe is a delicious combination of figs, sugar, thinly sliced lemon and Grand Marnier (the magic touch in this recipe). The result is a sweet, spreadable jam that’s absolutely delicious – even non-fig lovers will find themselves enjoying it!

It’s the best treat to have on hand for easy appetizers. Pair the jam with brie on mini toasts for an easy hors d’oeuvre. My husband and I will often pair this with wine and grilled vegetables for a full dinner. Just bake your brie on a baking sheet until warm, and serve alongside the fig jam and toast or crostini.

Try my Baked Brie Bites with this fig jam recipe!

How to Make Southern Fig Jam

First off, you’ll want to wash your figs in cold water and drain. Then, cut the stems off and slice in half. Place them in a large heavy saucepan and cover with sugar. Let them stand overnight.

On the second day, you thinly slice your lemon and remove seeds. Add these slices to the fig pan and cover medium heat until it starts to bubble! Be sure to stir often. After it begins bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. It’s worth the wait!

Remove from the stove and cool. Then puree in a blender. Add the Grand Marnier and stir until blended. Pour the fig jam into sterilized jars with tops. I love these cute tulip jam jars! Refrigerate until needed, maximum two weeks.

Hint: To sterilize a jar, boil a clean jar upright in a large pot of water for 15 minutes.

I hope you can see that making fig jam is really easy, no fancy equipment needed!

My Favorite Ways to Serve Fig Jam

• Alongside brie and crostini, on charcuterie boards, etc.
• Served warm over ice cream or pound cake.
• On toast for a quick breakfast.
• Alongside lamb or pork
• Spread on sandwiches or flatbreads

Keep in mind you can warm fig jam and it will turn into a more pourable “sauce” that’s perfect for using as a glaze over meats or drizzled over dishes.

I hope you love this fig jam as much as my family has for generations! The full recipe is posted below.

What cheeses pair well with Fig Jam?

• Brie
• Goat Cheese
• Camembert

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can! Or you can use a sugar substitute. In our family, we’ve found this recipe to be the perfect balance of sweetness and fig flavor, but you can certainly cut back on the sugar.

I’m off to have some brie with fig jam on toast! Yum! For a few of my other favorite easy appetizer ideas, check these out below:

• Spinach + Artichoke Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Easy Veggie Dip
• Cranberry & Almond Baked Brie