Bacon Jam
This sweet & savory bacon jam is the ultimate flavor booster for burgers, sandwiches, and more! Easy to make and packed with bacon goodness!
Why We Love Bourbon Bacon Jam
- It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
- Bourbon adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder, “What’s that secret ingredient?”
- It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have some on hand to elevate your meals.
- Bacon jam is the ultimate condiment for anyone who loves the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, a hint of bourbon, and a touch of maple syrup makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use on just about anything! Trust me—you’ll be making this one on repeat.
What is Bacon Jam Made Of?
BACON: Grab your favorite bacon. Love thick-cut? Go for it. Prefer center-cut (like me)? Grab some. I recommend staying away from odd flavors though. Standard bacon is all you need. If you want to use pepper bacon, that’d be okay, but not the crazy Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored stuff. (Seriously, it’s a thing.)
PRODUCE: We’re using sweet onions to balance out the salty bacon. If they’re on sale, yellow or brown onions would work too, but sweet onions give the best flavor in my opinion.
PANTRY INGREDIENTS: To give this bacon and onion jam some serious flavor grab some brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and your favorite bourbon.
How to Make Bacon Jam
Jump to RecipeSTEP 1 Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s nice a crispy, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain using a slotted spoon. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
STEP 2 Add the onion to the hot bacon grease and stir to get it all nice and coated. Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions until they’re caramelized. This will take about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to stir them every once and a while.
STEP 3 When the onions are good to go, stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook it for about 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
STEP 4 Add the bacon back to the skillet and stir everything together. Simmer the jam for another 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened and gets bubbly.
Tips & Tricks
- The jam will thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind when deciding consistency.
- Not a fan of bourbon? Swap it out for brewed coffee to add depth of flavor without the booze.
- This jam keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Bacon Jam Recipe FAQ
What is bacon jam?
Bacon jam is a type of relish technically. Relishes are condiments made from finely chopped fruits and/or vegetables and have a vinegar component that’s flavored with sugar and spices. So this bacon jam totally fits the bill.
It’s common to see onions and tomatoes in bacon jam recipes. Since jam is usually a fruit-based spread with crushed or chopped fruit, that’s probably how the “jam” part of the name came about.
What do you eat bacon jam with?
There are so many possibilities. Since bacon jam is savory, you might not think to pair it with sweet things, but vanilla ice cream with bacon jam on top is kind of a revelation. You can slather it over a block of cream cheese and serve it as a dip for crackers (like you would pepper jelly). Add a spoonful on top of your breakfast eggs or on your baked potato with dinner. I’ve even used it on a grilled cheese sandwich – total game changer!
Is bacon jam good on burgers?
Hell yes, it is! A nice juicy burger is one of my favorite bacon jam pairings. Spread some mayo on the bun and then slather on the bacon jam. Example A) This crazy good Triple Bacon Burger.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
- Smoky Bacon Salt
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
- Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Bacon Jam
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon chopped
- 2 cups sweet onion peeled and diced
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup bourbon (see note)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the onion to the hot bacon grease in the skillet. Stir to coat in the grease. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup to the skillet. Stir until combined. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the bacon back to the skillet and stir. Continue to simmer the jam for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. (Keep in mind the jam will thicken more as it cools.) Remove from the heat and serve warm or let cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Brewed coffee can be substituted for bourbon for a booze-free jam. Use the same 1/4 cup amount.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
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