How to Make the Best Bacon Jam Recipe

The Delicious Flavors in This Recipe

To make the best bacon jam, you need just a few ingredients and a little patience. You are going to build layers of flavor with your smoky bacon for a savory condiment. Starting with the bacon, you can choose any kind for the base of your jam. 

Sweet yellow onions are cooked low and slow until they've reached caramelized perfection. You're gonna finish off that sweet-salty combo with a hint of acid from apple cider vinegar, bring some earthy notes from thyme and minced garlic.

Bacon Onion Jam Ingredients

These are simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The magic happens when we bring them together slowly and build a depth of flavor.

• Bacon- thick-cut bacon or regular are both great 
• sweet onion 
• brown sugar- dark brown sugar adds more molasses flavor
• pure maple syrup 
• small garlic clove
• apple cider vinegar
• water or bourbon (bourbon is optional)
• fresh thyme leaves
• black pepper

Helpful Supplies for Making Bacon Jam

• Large Skillet - a large cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it holds a consistent temperature through the cooking time, but any heavy-bottomed pot will work 
• Slotted Spoon
• Mason Jar or Airtight Container for storage
• Cutting Board
• Paper Towels
• Food Processor- a mini food processor is very helpful here 

Step-By-Step Instructions

This easy bacon jam recipe actually doesn't take a ton of skill. Just be patient and watch the magic happen.

1. Prepare and measure all of your ingredients, especially if this is your first time making this recipe. Slice the bacon and the onions into small pieces.
2. Place your cast iron pan or dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the diced bacon.
3. After the bacon is cooked through and starting to get crispy, remove it from the bacon fat with a slotted spoon and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. 
4. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the pan and reduce the burner to medium heat.
5. Add the onions and stir them well. The moisture from the onions will help deglaze the pan you are cooking in.
6. Let the onion cook for 10-15 minutes. This process is important for developing their sweet flavor.
7. Add the minced garlic and thyme. Stir that in well and continue to cook for 10-15 minutes.
8. While the onions are cooking, transfer the cooked bacon to your food processor and pulse until you have smaller crispy bacon pieces. Set this aside until you are ready to add them back to the onions. 
9. Add the water or bourbon to the pan and increase the heat. Cook the onions for another 2-3 minutes. Now you can add the brown sugar and maple syrup.
10. Add the cooked bacon back to the onion mixture and 1 tablespoon of water.
11. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes and everything will come together. After the water has reduced, repeat the process one more time.
12. Turn off the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Remove from the heat and let cool before serving or transferring to jars.

When to Use Bacon Jam

There are so many ways! My favorite way is to mix it in with Traeger Roasted Brussel Sprouts.

Check out these ideas:

As a sweet condiment on cheeseburgers. Highly recommend this one!

Spread over cream cheese or a topping for smoked creamed cheese makes it a great appetizer or addition to a charcuterie board.

It's also great as an appetizer to spread over crackers.

I love this as a steak topping.

Added to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Just like the brussel sprouts, you can use bacon onion jam to take any green vegetable to the next level including: broccoli, green beans, sautéed kale or spinach. 

Recipe Modifications

Add a tablespoon of bourbon and make this Bourbon Bacon Jam. It adds a special depth of flavor and pulls together all of the caramelized sugars from the onions.

Balsamic Vinegar, white wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar can be substituted for the apple cider vinegar

A pinch Red Pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be added while you are caramelizing the sweet onions for a bright hit of heat

Safe Storage and Shelf Life of Bacon Jam

Store your prepared bacon jam in an airtight jar for up to a week in the refrigerator.

You can throw a ribbon on your jar of bacon jam and give it to the bacon lover in your life as a great gift.