Blueberry Compote

Easy

You’ve probably seen it on menus, heard people talk about it, perhaps on the Great British Baking Show, or even seen recipes, but what exactly is blueberry compote? And how is it different from its more common cousin, jam?

I’ve been making jam for years, and I had the same question - What’s the difference?  Well, I finally did a little research and found out.  I hope you find it helpful and the recipe that follows delicious!

Compote vs. Jam: What's the Difference?

While both compote and jam are delicious fruit spreads, their key differences lie in texture and preparation.

Blueberry Jam

• Compote: Think of compote as a chunky, fruit-forward sauce. It's made by slowly cooking whole or large pieces of fruit in a sugar syrup, similar to a jam, but you don’t cook it as long. The goal is to soften the fruit while allowing it to maintain its shape. The resulting consistency is looser and more syrupy than jam, making it perfect for spooning over dishes.

  
  

• Jam: Jam, on the other hand, is typically made from chopped fruit that's cooked with sugar until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. The fruit breaks down more during the cooking process, resulting in a more uniform texture.

  
  

In a nutshell, compote is more like a chunky sauce, while jam is fruit that is smooth enough to spread.

Delicious Ways to Use Blueberry Compote

Now for the fun part! Blueberry compote's versatility is what makes it a true kitchen hero. Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast Boost: Elevate your morning routine by swirling blueberry compote into yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding. Personally, I love it as a topping for pancakes (even my Carrot Pancakes - oh my…yum), waffles, and French toast.

  
  

• Dessert Dream: What could be better than spooning warm blueberry compote over a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a Summer evening?  But just because blueberries are at their height in Summer, don’t let that stop you.  You can use frozen blueberries to make fantastic toppings for cheesecake, pound cake, or angel food cake in the winter.

  
  

• Savory Surprise: Don't be afraid to think outside the sweet box! Blueberry compote can be a delicious accompaniment to savory dishes. Try it with a baked brie and crackers or as a glaze for pork or poultry.  Here’s another new idea: spread blueberry compote on sourdough bread, add brie, and make a grilled cheese sandwich!

  
  

So next time you have a pint of fresh or frozen blueberries, consider whipping up a batch of homemade compote. It's a simple way to add a touch of homemade goodness to any meal.

Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020.  Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook.  Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking.  Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.