Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

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Bacon jam is the ultimate blend of smoky, salty, and sweet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this rich, savory spread in about an hour – perfect for burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or snacking with crackers!

Bacon Jam Recipe

The first time I had bacon onion jam was on a spicy chicken sandwich at a local eatery. It was one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches I’d ever had, and the Bacon Jam was the perfect sweet and savory condiment to top it off!

I later noticed it’s also on the menu at another local Tex-Mex restaurant – featured on their Bacon Jam Burger. I was intrigued by the different bacon jam uses and determined to have it at home anytime I wanted!

After that, I knew I either had to buy some pre-made or make homemade bacon jam. Since the only brand I found locally didn’t impress me, coming up with a recipe for Bacon Jam was my next goal!

What is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a spread made by slowly cooking bacon with onions, garlic, sugar, and vinegar until it turns into a thick, sweet-and-savory mixture.

It’s like a chunky, caramelized onion bacon jam that you can put on burgers, sandwiches, biscuits, toast, or even serve with cheese and crackers on a charcuterie board. And this is the best bacon jam recipe because it’s so easy!

It has also been called bacon marmalade and bacon relish – they’re all pretty much the same sweet and savory condiment made with bacon, onions, brown sugar, and some type of vinegar.

Bacon Jam Recipe

One reason Onion Bacon Jam is so irresistible is the sweet and savory combo. Sometimes called Bacon Onion Jam, this spread is made with simple ingredients: a perfect combination of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and the sweetness of brown sugar! It reminds me of this Candied Bacon recipe – except in a much more versatile sweet condiment.

Bacon jam isn’t just for breakfast. It makes chicken sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even crackers instantly more delicious and fancy. It’s also a fantastic conversation starter at your next brunch or barbecue, giving you major kitchen cred without the fuss. It’s a bacon lover’s dream!

Tools Needed

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Mixing Spoon
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Jars for Storage  

Bacon Jam Ingredients

You only need five basic ingredients to make this easy Bacon Jam.

• Thick-cut Bacon, cut into approximately 1-inch pieces
• Diced yellow onions
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Light brown sugar, packed
• Apple cider vinegar

How to Make Bacon Jam

When I say this is an easy Bacon Jam recipe, I mean it. You are going to love how delicious this stuff is with so little effort!

1. Add the bacon to a large cast iron skillet, place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat, and cook until you have crispy bacon – about 15-20 minutes.* Transfer to paper towels to drain the extra bacon fat.
2. Pour most of the excess bacon grease out of the skillet, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons in the skillet. Add the bacon back to the skillet.

3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the cooked bacon and saute over medium heat until the onion is translucent – about 10 minutes. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to the skillet, bring the mixture to a simmer, and continue to cook over medium-medium/low heat until the liquid is reduced and becomes syrupy, stirring occasionally. 

5. This should take about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a jam-like consistency.
6. Serve immediately with crackers or as a burger or sandwich topping. 

*Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your bacon and how hot your stovetop gets.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many delicious ways to use this Bacon Onion Jam recipe.

• Add a spoonful of bacon jam to burgers, chicken sandwiches, or a grilled cheese sandwich
• Serve with crackers and cheese on a charcuterie board.
• For breakfast, spoon over scrambled eggs or omelets or spread it on a hot biscuit or toast!
• Use as a topping for roasted vegetables
• Add to Egg Flights for a real wow factor!

Pro Tips

• Smooth Jam. For a smoother jam consistency, pulse the jam a few times in a food processor. Just be careful not to overdo it if you like your jam with some texture.
• Don’s rush! Use low and slow cooking for the best texture. Keep the heat on low while you cook the onions and bacon to allow the sugars to caramelize gently without burning. This slow process is key to developing that jammy texture and deep flavor.
• Cool Down. Let it cool to room temperature before storing in a sealed jar. This keeps condensation from forming inside and it guarantees your jam’s texture stays perfect.
• Spicy Bacon Jam. To spice things up, you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapenos to your jam. If you choose fresh jalapenos for Jalapeno Bacon Jam, add it into the skillet in step three with the onion and garlic.

Storage

Store leftover bacon jam in an airtight container or a jar in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Stir it before serving to reincorporate any separated fats. 

You can also reheat it if you prefer to serve it warm.

• Oven. Preheat oven to 300°F. Place the jam in an oven-safe dish covered with foil to keep moisture in and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave. Spoon ynto a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop. Warm the bacon jam gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. This way preserves texture while heating evenly.

FAQ

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