Introduction

Welcome to the flavorful world of bacon jam! If you’re a bacon lover looking for a unique and delicious condiment to elevate your meals, you’ve come to the right place. Bacon jam is a versatile spread that combines the irresistible smoky and savory flavors of bacon with a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, slathering it on burgers, or using it as a dip for your favorite snacks, bacon jam is sure to add a burst of mouthwatering flavor to any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this bacon jam recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a jar of bacony goodness that will last for weeks. Additionally, bacon jam is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches, a topping for grilled meats, or even as a base for a unique pizza sauce. The possibilities are endless! Lastly, bacon jam is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a barbecue, or a casual get-together, serving bacon jam will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more.

Ingredients

To make this delectable bacon jam, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound bacon, diced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier jam, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper. Likewise, if you prefer a sweeter jam, you can add more maple syrup. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible bacon jam:

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour, or until it reaches a thick and jam-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the bacon jam cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the bacon jam to a food processor and pulse a few times until the desired texture is achieved. If you prefer a chunkier jam, pulse it less. For a smoother consistency, pulse it more.
Allow the bacon jam to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Pro Tip: To save time, you can make a larger batch of bacon jam and freeze it in smaller portions. This way, you’ll always have a stash of bacon jam ready to go whenever you need it.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your bacon jam turns out perfectly every time:

Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon works particularly well in this recipe.
For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
Be patient and let the bacon jam simmer until it reaches a thick and jam-like consistency. This will ensure a rich and concentrated flavor.
Feel free to customize the sweetness and spiciness of your bacon jam by adjusting the amounts of brown sugar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different variations by adding ingredients like chopped jalapenos, diced apples, or even a splash of bourbon.
When pulsing the bacon jam in a food processor, be careful not to over-process it. You want to retain some texture and small bacon bits for added interest.

Variations and Substitutions

While this bacon jam recipe is already a winner, there are endless possibilities for variations and substitutions:

1. Maple-Bourbon Bacon Jam: Add a splash of bourbon to the recipe for a boozy twist.

2. Spicy Bacon Jam: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapenos for an extra kick.

3. Apple-Bacon Jam: Toss in some diced apples during the cooking process for a hint of sweetness and texture.

4. Vegetarian Bacon Jam: Replace the bacon with tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make bacon jam that suits your unique taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon jam is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

1. Spread it on toast or bagels for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.

2. Use it as a condiment for burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs to add a burst of flavor.

3. Dollop it on top of grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, for an extra layer of savory goodness.

4. Serve it alongside a cheese board for a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

5. Mix it into scrambled eggs or omelets for a hearty and flavorful breakfast.

6. Use it as a dip for crispy potato wedges, tortilla chips, or pretzels.

Feel free to get creative and find your favorite way to enjoy bacon jam. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Q: How long does bacon jam last?

A: Bacon jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Q: Can I freeze bacon jam?

A: Yes, you can freeze bacon jam. Portion it into smaller containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes?

A: While the flavor and texture may vary, you can certainly experiment with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes to make a version that suits your dietary preferences.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences. Keep in mind that sugar helps to balance the flavors and contribute to the caramelization process.

Final Thoughts

Bacon jam is a true culinary delight that adds a burst of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor to any dish. This easy-to-make condiment is versatile, delicious, and sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying it on toast for breakfast or using it to elevate your favorite recipes, bacon jam is a must-try for any bacon lover. So grab your skillet, cook up a batch, and let the intoxicating aroma of sizzling bacon fill your kitchen. Once you taste the addictive combination of bacon, caramelized onions, and sweet and tangy flavors, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without bacon jam in your life. Happy cooking!

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Servings

⏱️

Prep time

minutes

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Cooking time

minutes

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Calories

160

kcal

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Add thinly sliced onion to the skillet with bacon grease and cook until caramelized.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
Return cooked bacon to the skillet, then add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and simmer mixture for about 1 hour until thick and jam-like, stirring occasionally.
Remove skillet from heat and let bacon jam cool for a few minutes.
Transfer bacon jam to a food processor and pulse to desired texture.
Allow bacon jam to cool completely before storing in a jar or airtight container.