How long it takes: 1 hour Equipment you’ll need: skillet Servings: makes 1 cup
The Best Bacon Jam
Easy to make. You won’t have to run around looking for exotic ingredients. The jam is is made with mostly pantry ingredients. All you’ll need is a skillet and about an hour of time. It can last for weeks in the fridge. So many ways to enjoy it. Since it is both sweet and savory, bacon jam pairs well with most kinds of cheese, even a block of plain cream cheese. Add buttery crackers or crostini for an amazing appetizer. Try it for breakfast on pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Serve it on burgers or grilled chicken – it’s an amazing flavor-booster!
Ingredient Notes
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon but any type will work (this is not the place for turkey bacon, though!). Vidalia Onion: Any type of sweet onion is fine. Chop the onion finely so the texture of the jam isn’t too chunky. Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds a tart aspect to the jam and balances out the flavors. Maple Bourbon: Regular bourbon works, too, as there is also maple syrup in the recipe, but if you want extra maple flavor, be sure to look for maple bourbon. Strong Brewed Coffee: The flavor of coffee gives the jam mellow undertones. Want to really go all out with the coffee flavor? Try using espresso! Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a rich sweet and savory note. Maple Syrup: Maple is a distinctive flavor that always pairs well with bacon, bourbon, and onions! Make sure to buy pure, real maple syrup, not the artificially flavored stuff. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives this jam lots of sticky sweetness. You could also use dark brown sugar for extra molasses flavor.
How to Make Bacon Jam
Fry the bacon. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until it’s browned and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve a couple tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan. I usually save the remaining grease in case I want to use it later to thin the jam. If you prefer a no-alcohol-added bacon jam, simply omit the bourbon. The jam will have plenty of flavor without it. However, be aware that most of the alcohol will evaporate as the jam simmers. Caramelize the onions. Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Over low heat, cook the onions slowly, allowing the natural sugars in the onion to transform into sweet caramelized onions. Add remaining ingredients to skillet. Add both types of vinegar, bourbon, brewed coffee, maple syrup, and brown sugar to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. In the meantime, chop the bacon into small pieces. The pieces should be small enough so that the jam will be chunky but still spreadable. Add bacon to the pan. Once the mixture has cooked for 15 minutes, stir in the chopped bacon and simmer for 15 minutes more. The jam should be quite thick and sticky. Serve. Allow the bacon jam to cool slightly before serving. It depends how you are using the jam. It can be fairly hot if you are using it to top pancakes or waffles. If you are serving it on sandwiches or as an appetizer, it should be just barely warm.
Recipe Variations
Bourbon alternatives: Use regular bourbon instead of maple bourbon, or swap in a different type of whiskey, whatever is your favorite (rye, Tennessee, blended, etc). Alcohol free: Simply omit the bourbon. Spicy bacon jam: Add a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes is good, too. Spiced bacon jam: Adding nutmeg or cinnamon, which are both warming spices, complements the brown sugar and maple syrup nicely. Smoky bacon jam: Add a couple of drops of liquid smoke or a half teaspoon of smoked paprika to your jam for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast: Bacon jam makes a great topping for breakfast sandwiches, eggs, waffles and pancakes. Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with cheese and crackers. It’s perfect as a topping on my whipped feta recipe. Sandwiches: Try it on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. It really elevates a grilled cheese sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store bacon jam an airtight container or small jar with a lid in the fridge for up to four weeks. For a truly exceptional appetizer, add a few dollops of bacon jam to easy-to-make whipped feta. Serve with crackers or homemade crostini. Your guests will love it! Reheat: I recommend reheating only what you plan to use so that you’re not repeatedly heating and cooling the jam. Place what you need into a microwave safe container and reheat in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring each time, until warm, not hot. You can also reheat the jam over low heat in a skillet or saucepan on the stove.
