Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam

A sweet and savory spread made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar. Perfect on burgers, sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip, this bacon jam adds rich, smoky flavor to any dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) bacon, chopped

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brewed coffee (optional for depth of flavor)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Cook Onions and Garlic:
   Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook in reserved bacon fat over medium heat until caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients:
   Add cooked bacon back to the skillet along with brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until thick and jam-like.

5. Blend (Optional):
   For a smoother consistency, pulse mixture a few times in a food processor or use an immersion blender until desired texture is reached.

6. Cool and Store:
   Allow bacon jam to cool slightly before transferring to a jar or container. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Equipment

• Large skillet

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Slotted spoon

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Food processor or immersion blender (optional)

• Airtight container or jar

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Serving Size
Makes about 2 cups, serves 6–8 as a condiment

Bacon Jam

A sweet and savory spread made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar. Perfect on burgers, sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip, this bacon jam adds rich, smoky flavor to any dish.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:40 minutes mins

Total Time:50 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Slotted spoon
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or immersion blender (optional)
• Airtight container or jar

Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee optional for depth of flavor
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

• Cook Bacon:
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
• Cook Onions and Garlic:
• Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook in reserved bacon fat over medium heat until caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients:
• Add cooked bacon back to the skillet along with brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
• Simmer:
• Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until thick and jam-like.
• Blend (Optional):
• For a smoother consistency, pulse mixture a few times in a food processor or use an immersion blender until desired texture is reached.
• Cool and Store:
• Allow bacon jam to cool slightly before transferring to a jar or container. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings: 8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make bacon jam ahead of time?
Yes. Bacon jam can be made a day or two in advance. Flavors improve as it sits.

Can I freeze bacon jam?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and less smoky.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make it smoother or chunkier?
Yes. Pulse in a food processor for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for more bite.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes. Apple cider vinegar is recommended, but balsamic or red wine vinegar can work for a different flavor profile.

How long does bacon jam last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 2 weeks.

Can I make it without sugar or maple syrup?
Yes, but the sweetness balances the savory bacon, so flavor will be less rich.

Can I use it on things other than bread or burgers?
Yes. It pairs well with crackers, cheese boards, roasted vegetables, or even scrambled eggs.

How do I prevent it from becoming too watery?
Simmer on low heat until most liquid is reduced and the mixture is thick and jam-like.

How To Store Bacon Jam

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container or jar for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer:
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Tips:
Serve as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, dollop on scrambled eggs, or use as a flavorful addition to cheese boards and appetizers.