Marmite, the beloved and divisive spread made from yeast extract, has become a cultural icon in Britain and beyond with its incredibly unique flavour profile.

Its strong, salty taste has sparked quite the debate among food enthusiasts, but whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that it is versatile. In this blog post, we'll explore the various uses for Marmite, from the most common to the most unusual. Perhaps you'll be inspired to try something new after learning about the wide range of possibilities this controversial classic has to offer!

Toast and Sandwiches

Let's begin with the most common and traditional use of Marmite – spreading it on a lovely piece of toast or crumpets in the morning. Slather a thin layer on hot buttered toast, and you have a classic British breakfast staple. Marmite also adds that perfect savoury kick to sandwiches, especially when paired with ingredients such as cheddar cheese. Some even like to combine their spreads and pair Marmite with a layer of peanut butter between soft and fluffy bread.

Cooking Enhancer

Marmite's concentrated and intense flavour can transform the taste of many home-cooked dishes. Just a small amount, say a teaspoon, can be added to stews, gravies, or pasta sauces to infuse them with a depth of umami goodness. It works particularly well in vegetarian or vegan recipes, adding a satisfying savoury note that may mimic the taste of meat. For example, pop a teaspoon of Marmite in your bolognese, or cottage pie mix, you won't regret it!

Flavour Booster for Stocks and Broths

For those looking to elevate homemade soups, stocks, or broths, Marmite can be an excellent secret ingredient. Adding a small spoonful to your vegetable or chicken stock lends a rich taste, creating a more complex and robust flavour profile. Perfect for when you're feeling under the weather or in need of something warm and hearty.

Marinating and Glazing

Marmite's distinctive taste also lends itself well to marinating most meats. Its salty and tangy notes add depth to beef, lamb, or chicken, and when combined with other complementary ingredients like garlic and honey, it creates a unique glaze for when you're roasting or barbecuing your meat. Even the Marmite haters won't be able to deny the taste this secret ingredient brings to the BBQ!

Savoury Baking

While it's common to associate baking with sweetness, Marmite can be an exciting addition to savoury baking as well. Incorporate it into bread dough, cheese scones, or puff pastry twirls to impart a rich and slightly bitter flavour that pairs beautifully with most cheeses and herbs.

Salad Dressings and Dips

Surprisingly, Marmite can add a delightful twist to salad dressings and dips. When combined with other ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, and mustard, it creates a robust dressing to drizzle on your leafy greens or roasted vegetables. It also serves as an excellent base for crudite dips, for example Marmite hummus or Marmite-infused aioli. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!

Desserts...?

Now, if we haven't already gone too far, let's venture into the realm of the truly unusual. Some have found success in using a small amount of Marmite in chocolate-based desserts, such as brownies, adding a unique and surprising element that elevates the sweetness. Sort of similar to salted caramel... just a bit more... yeasty?

Marmite Cocktails?!

For the adventurous mixologists out there, Marmite can be infused into various liquids, including alcohol... Some adventurous souls have even tried incorporating Marmite into cocktails, creating intriguing concoctions with hints of saltiness and complexity. Marmite Margarita, anyone?

From its humble beginnings as a simple spread for toast, Marmite has proven itself to be a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of various dishes. Its rich umami flavour and salty tang have found their way into numerous recipes, from traditional favourites to some truly bold and unconventional creations. So, whether you're a devoted Marmite fan or have been sceptical about it, there's no denying the unique and diverse range of uses this sticky spread can bring to your culinary adventures. Let us know via social media whether you give any of these suggestions a go, we'd love to see photos!