This easy bacon jam combines crispy bacon with sweet caramelized onions and a touch of balsamic vinegar, creating a savory-sweet spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a unique appetizer. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this delicious jam in no time.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 pounds bacon, chopped
- 1½ cups Vidalia onion, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced (or 3 tablespoons garlic paste)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup water (or substitute with 1–2 tablespoons bourbon)
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional:
- A couple of dashes of cayenne pepper for heat
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (add toward the end)
How To Make Bacon Jam Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nearly crisp, stirring frequently. Once done, drain all but ½ tablespoon of the bacon grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped Vidalia onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic (or garlic paste) and continue to sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Sweeteners and Vinegars: Stir in the brown sugar, sherry or red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and water (or bourbon). Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Season and Simmer: Add the fresh thyme sprigs and season with black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier jam, add a couple of dashes of cayenne pepper. For added sweetness, mix in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup toward the end of cooking.
- Cool and Blend: Remove the thyme sprigs and let the mixture cool completely. For a smoother texture, pulse the jam a few times in a food processor. Alternatively, leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Store: Transfer the cooled bacon jam to airtight jars and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 weeks
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to use, gently reheat the bacon jam. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Tips
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Ensure the bacon is cooked until it’s crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor in your bacon jam.
- Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the bacon, drain the excess fat, leaving only about ½ tablespoon in the pan. This helps prevent the jam from becoming too greasy.
- Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time to caramelize the onions over low heat. This slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the bacon.
- Blend of Bites
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process helps develop a rich, deep flavor in the jam.
- Adjust Consistency: Keep in mind that the jam will thicken further upon cooling. If you prefer a slightly runny consistency, it’s better to remove it from heat while it’s still a bit runny.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers bacon jam to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freeze: Place leftovers bacon jam in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers bacon jam, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until warmed through.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
- Calories: 35
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
More Recipes:
Bacon Jam Recipe
Description
This easy bacon jam combines crispy bacon with sweet caramelized onions and a touch of balsamic vinegar, creating a savory-sweet spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a unique appetizer. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this delicious jam in no time.
Ingredients
Optional:
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nearly crisp, stirring frequently. Once done, drain all but ½ tablespoon of the bacon grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped Vidalia onions to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic (or garlic paste) and continue to sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Sweeteners and Vinegars: Stir in the brown sugar, sherry or red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and water (or bourbon). Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Season and Simmer: Add the fresh thyme sprigs and season with black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier jam, add a couple of dashes of cayenne pepper. For added sweetness, mix in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup toward the end of cooking.
- Cool and Blend: Remove the thyme sprigs and let the mixture cool completely. For a smoother texture, pulse the jam a few times in a food processor. Alternatively, leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Store: Transfer the cooled bacon jam to airtight jars and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 weeks
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to use, gently reheat the bacon jam. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Ensure the bacon is cooked until it’s crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor in your bacon jam.
- Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the bacon, drain the excess fat, leaving only about ½ tablespoon in the pan. This helps prevent the jam from becoming too greasy.
- Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time to caramelize the onions over low heat. This slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the bacon.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process helps develop a rich, deep flavor in the jam.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking process helps develop a rich, deep flavor in the jam.
- Adjust Consistency: Keep in mind that the jam will thicken further upon cooling. If you prefer a slightly runny consistency, it’s better to remove it from heat while it’s still a bit runny.
Bacon Jam Recipe
