How to Make Bacon Jam
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How to Make Bacon Jam
Get ready to treat your taste buds and learn How to Make Bacon Jam with this delicious recipe! Packed with garlic cloves, onion, maple syrup, smoked paprika + a touch of red pepper flakes, this jam is bursting with flavor. It's the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, adding a punch to any dish. Spread it on burgers for a gourmet twist, grilled cheese, crackers, pizzas, or even as a topping for baked potatoes! Totally Gluten-free + Dairy-free.
Bacon holds a special place in many hearts, and I'm no exception. I believe that adding bacon to any dish instantly elevates its flavor – who can resist a bacon-grilled cheese, right? But just when you thought bacon couldn't get any better, enter Bacon Jam, the game-changer you never knew you needed.
I use bacon jam for everything! It's awesome on crackers, burgers (This BBQ Ranch Turkey Burger is NEXT LEVEL), sandwiches (especially on this air fryer grilled cheese), pizza + even baked potatoes. And for breakfast, it's killer on omelets! Plus you definitely want to make candied bacon next if you haven't already!
Once you've got the hang of making bacon jam, you'll find it's got this amazing mix of tanginess, savoriness, smokiness, and just a hint of sweetness—it's seriously delicious! You can make a batch ahead and stash it in the fridge for whenever you're in the mood. Trust me, you'll be reaching for it all the time! It's that perfect combo of onions, garlic, maple syrup for sweetness + smoky bacon that makes this jam absolutely irresistible.
Jump to:
What Is Bacon Jam?
Bacon jam is a delicious spread made from cooked bacon, onions, garlic, a sweetneer like maple syrup or sugar + spices. It's sweet, savory, and has a hint of smokiness from the bacon. You can use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or serve it with cheese and crackers. It adds a tasty kick to just about anything!
How To Make Bacon Jam
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook your chopped bacon until crispy ---Then, add onions + garlic in the bacon grease. Allow the onions to caramelize. Next, add the remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer until it thickens and the onions become "jammy,". Keep in mind that it will thicken more as it cools. NOTE: Be sure to allow everything to cool completely before transferring to a sterilized mason jar or airtight container.
Ingredients
BACON JAM:
- Organic bacon. Cut into 1-inch pieces (You can sub with turkey bacon if desired)
- Onion. Finely chopped is best.
- Garlic cloves. Minced.
- Brown sugar. Light or dark.
- Pure maple syrup. You can sub with honey if desired.
- Apple cider vinegar. You can sub with white vinegar, balsamic, or sherry if desired.
- Smoked paprika. Adds a nice element of smokiness.
- Garlic powder. For some extra umami flavor.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes. If you don't like spice you can skip it!
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SAUCE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Bacon Jam recipe. Everything from whisks, blenders, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Use Bacon Jam?
There are countless ways to enjoy a batch of homemade bacon jam! Here are some of my fave ways:
- Spread it on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use it as a topping for shredded chicken, lamb chops, or steak.
- Stir it into pasta dishes for a savory twist.
- Serve it with cheese + crackers as a tasty appetizer.
- Use it as a pizza topping
- Mix it into scrambled eggs or omelets for a savory breakfast.
- Spread it on toast or bagels for a delicious morning treat.
- Use it as a filling for savory pastries like or hand pies.
There's no end to the delicious possibilities with homemade bacon jam!
Why You Will LOVE Homemade Bacon Jam
- Strikes the ideal balance between savory, spicy, smoky + subtly sweet flavors
- Simple + easy-to-find ingredients.
- Elevates every bite to the next level.
- Homemade goodness--- better than store-bought options
- Loved by all -- this bacon jam is sure to be a hit at with the whole family!
- Perfect for prepping ahead + keeping in the fridge!
What Bacon Should I Use To Make Bacon Jam?
When I make this jam --- I like to use organic thick-cut bacon. It handles the long cooking time better and keeps that delicious bacon-y texture. If you feel like switching things up, Hickory smoked bacon or turkey bacon are tasty options too!
Common Q + A's For Homemade Bacon Jam
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 5-7 days once properly stored in an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerated. To reheat, be sure to only warm portions (in the microwave or stovetop) being served so that it gets reheated once during each serving.
Yes, you can freeze homemade bacon jam. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bacon jam can be served hot, warm, or cold, depending on personal preference and how it's being used. It's delicious when served warm as a topping for burgers, grilled meats, or baked potatoes. However, it's also fantastic when served cold or at room temperature as a spread on sandwiches, crackers, or toast
Yes! All the ingredients are GF.
Yes, you can adjust the consistency of bacon jam by cooking it for a longer or shorter period of time. Cooking it longer will result in a thicker, more jam-like consistency while cooking it for less time will result in a looser, more spreadable texture.
More Tasty Homemade Sauces + Dressings
Explore these mouthwatering sauce recipes that your whole family will adore after falling for this downright delicious homemade bacon jam recipe.
- Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
- Spicy Restaurant Style Salsa
- Homemade Pesto Sauce
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
- Creamy Chipotle Dressing
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Bacon Jam recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
How to Make Bacon Jam
Ingredients
BACON JAM:
- 1 lb. organic bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (You can sub with turkey bacon if desired)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup organic brown sugar, light or dark
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (You can sub with honey if desired)
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar (You can sub with white vinegar, balsamic, or sherry if desired)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
TO FRY THE BACON:
- To begin, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat and add chopped bacon pieces. Sauté and stir as the bacon pieces begin to fry and become crispy. NOTE: No need to add any oil or butter since bacon naturally excretes oil as it fries. Remove from pan.
TO MAKE THE BACON JAM:
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat (with the bacon fat), add the onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to stir until the onions becomes caramelized---about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and cooked bacon, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and allow everything to simmer until all liquid has thickened and the onions are "jammy-like" in texture----about 7-10 minutes. NOTE: That once it cools, it will become more jammy.
- Be sure to allow everything to cool completely before transferring to a sterilized mason jar or airtight container. Serve with your favorites like crackers, rustic bread, cheese, or atop a burger, fries, sandwich, etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
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