Name: Easy Bacon Jam Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Bacon; 1 onion; 4 shallots; 2 garlic cloves; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup maple syrup; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp chili powder

Bacon jam is a delightful, savory-sweet spread that can elevate any charcuterie board, sandwich, or burger. This easy recipe combines bacon, onion, shallots, and a blend of sweet and tangy ingredients to create a rich and flavorful jam that is sure to impress.

Photos of Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, you may need to pick up shallots and apple cider vinegar if they're not commonly found in your kitchen. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to regular onions, and apple cider vinegar provides a unique tanginess to balance the sweet elements.

Ingredients For Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

bacon: A rich and salty base for the jam, adding a savory depth of flavor.

onion: Caramelized to enhance the sweetness and complexity of the jam.

shallots: Adds a delicate, sweet flavor that complements the onions and bacon.

garlic: Provides a subtle aromatic depth to the jam.

brown sugar: Sweetens the jam and helps achieve a caramel-like consistency.

maple syrup: Adds a warm, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with bacon.

apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.

chili powder: Adds a hint of spice for a subtle kick.

One reader, Abbott Cone says:

This easy bacon jam recipe is a game-changer! The sweet and savory blend of caramelized onions, maple syrup, and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Perfect with cheese and crackers.

Abbott Cone

Techniques Required for Making Bacon Jam

How to cook bacon until crispy: Place the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until it reaches a crispy texture, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How to caramelize onions: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onions and shallots to the pan, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often until the onions become golden brown and sweet.

How to simmer and reduce liquid: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced and thickened, giving the onions a jam-like consistency.

How To Make Easy Bacon Jam

Level up your scones with a sweet and savory spread of this bacon jam, packed with crispy bacon, maple syrup, tangy apple cider, and more!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbbacon,cut into 1-inch pieces
1onion,finely chopped
4shallots,minced
2garlic cloves,minced
½cupbrown sugar
¼cupmaple syrup
⅓cupapple cider vinegar
1tspchili powder

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onion and shallots to the pan, then cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized,
Stir in the garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, chili powder, and cooked bacon.
Bring the mixture to a simmer then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced and thickened, and the onions have a jam-like consistency.
Let cool before transferring to a jar.
Serve with cheese and crackers, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 2625.25kcal
Fat: 180.86g
Saturated Fat: 60.48g
Trans Fat: 0.60g
Monounsaturated Fat: 79.25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 29.63g
Carbohydrates: 185.18g
Fiber: 10.76g
Sugar: 146.97g
Protein: 65.39g
Cholesterol: 299.37mg
Sodium: 3148.32mg
Calcium: 304.76mg
Potassium: 2268.58mg
Iron: 6.29mg
Vitamin A: 89.94µg
Vitamin C: 30.06mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Bacon Jam

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions and shallots, make sure to cook them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This allows their natural sugars to break down and develop a deep, rich flavor without burning.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Easy Bacon Jam

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in batches ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can skip the initial cooking step when you're ready to make the bacon jam.

Use a food processor: Chop the onion, shallots, and garlic quickly by pulsing them in a food processor. This saves time compared to chopping by hand.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder before you start cooking. This makes the cooking process smoother and faster.

Caramelize onions faster: Add a pinch of salt to the onions and shallots to help them caramelize more quickly.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian cured meat that has a similar flavor profile and texture to bacon.
bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: For a vegetarian option, tempeh bacon provides a smoky flavor and chewy texture similar to bacon.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions have a sharper taste and can add a bit of color to the jam.
shallots - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a milder onion flavor and can be used in a pinch.
shallots - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions have a stronger flavor but can be used if shallots are unavailable.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a mild garlic flavor along with their own unique taste.
brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar: White sugar can be used, but the jam will lack the molasses depth that brown sugar provides.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different kind of sweetness and a bit of floral note to the jam.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar consistency and sweetness level to maple syrup.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and viscosity to maple syrup.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a richer, slightly sweeter flavor to the jam.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor that can work well in the jam.
chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor along with a bit of heat.
chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat, though it lacks the complexity of chili powder.

Presentation Ideas for Bacon Jam

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the bacon jam in a small, elegant ramekin or a mini mason jar to highlight its rich, concentrated flavors.
Use decoration: Garnish the bacon jam with a sprig of fresh thyme or a small piece of crispy bacon to add visual appeal and hint at the ingredients.
Pair with artisanal accompaniments: Serve alongside high-quality cheese such as a creamy brie or sharp cheddar, and artisanal crackers or freshly baked bread to elevate the tasting experience.
Add texture contrast: Include a small side of pickled vegetables or cornichons to provide a tangy crunch that complements the sweet and savory notes of the bacon jam.
Use elegant plating: Arrange the cheese, crackers, and bacon jam on a sleek, modern slate or wooden board to create a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate color: Add a few fresh berries or a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate to introduce vibrant colors and enhance the visual appeal.
Highlight the ingredients: Place small labels or cards next to each component, detailing the type of cheese, crackers, and the unique qualities of the bacon jam, to educate and entice the diners.
Ensure balance: Make sure the portion of bacon jam is balanced with the other elements on the plate, ensuring each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Essential Tools for Making Bacon Jam

Medium saucepan: Used to cook the bacon and later to simmer the bacon jam mixture.
Paper towel-lined plate: Utilized to drain the excess fat from the cooked bacon.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the onions, shallots, and other ingredients as they cook.
Knife: Essential for chopping the bacon, onion, shallots, and garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping all the ingredients.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the chili powder.
Jar: For storing the finished bacon jam once it has cooled.
Stirring spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together in the saucepan.
Stove: Required to provide the heat for cooking the bacon and simmering the jam.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Bacon Jam

Once the bacon jam has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
To extend the shelf life of your bacon jam, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Spoon the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. When you're ready to use the frozen bacon jam, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
After thawing, give the jam a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients. If the consistency seems a bit watery, you can reheat the jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Always use clean utensils when scooping out portions of the bacon jam to avoid introducing bacteria that could cause spoilage. If you notice any signs of mold growth or off-odors, discard the jam immediately.

How To Reheat Bacon Jam Leftovers

To reheat leftover bacon jam, start by scooping the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the jam in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is quick and easy, but may slightly alter the texture of the bacon.
For a more traditional approach, place the leftover bacon jam in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the jam continuously as it warms up to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. This method takes a bit longer, but it helps maintain the original texture of the jam.
If you prefer a crispy texture, spread the leftover bacon jam on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the jam is heated through and slightly caramelized on top. This method works well if you plan to serve the jam as a topping for crostini or bruschetta.
For a quick and crispy reheating option, place a spoonful of leftover bacon jam in a skillet over medium heat. Stir the jam constantly until it's heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method is perfect for adding a flavorful twist to fried eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, or burgers.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the leftover bacon jam by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in a water bath set to your desired temperature (around 140°F or 60°C). This method ensures even heating and maintains the original texture of the jam, but it may take longer than other methods.

Random Fact About Bacon Jam:

A fun fact about this bacon jam recipe is that the combination of bacon, onions, and maple syrup creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile condiment that can be used on burgers, sandwiches, or even as a topping for brie cheese.

Is Making Bacon Jam at Home Cost-Effective?

This bacon jam recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, bacon, is affordable and readily available. Onions, shallots, and garlic are inexpensive pantry staples. The brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar add a touch of luxury but are used in small quantities. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. Given the rich flavor and versatility, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is Bacon Jam Healthy or Unhealthy?

This bacon jam recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

High in saturated fat: Bacon is notorious for its high saturated fat content, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
High in sodium: Bacon is also high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
Added sugars: The recipe includes brown sugar and maple syrup, which are sources of added sugars. Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.

However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients, such as onions, shallots, and garlic, which provide beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use a leaner cut of bacon, such as turkey bacon or Canadian bacon, to reduce the saturated fat content.
Reduce the amount of bacon used and increase the proportion of onions, shallots, and garlic to maintain flavor while decreasing the overall fat and sodium content.
Cut back on the added sugars by reducing the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup used, or by substituting them with natural sweeteners like date syrup or coconut sugar.
Add more spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika, thyme, or rosemary, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar.
Serve the bacon jam in smaller portions and pair it with whole-grain crackers, fresh vegetables, or lean proteins to create a more balanced and nutritious snack or appetizer.

Editor's Thoughts on This Bacon Jam Recipe

This bacon jam recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. The caramelized onions and shallots add depth, while the brown sugar and maple syrup provide a rich sweetness. The apple cider vinegar and chili powder balance the sweetness with a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Cooking the bacon until crispy ensures a satisfying texture. This versatile condiment pairs wonderfully with cheese and crackers, making it an excellent addition to any appetizer spread. Overall, it's a simple yet sophisticated recipe that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Easy Bacon Jam Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts mingling with the sweet and tangy notes of a balsamic glaze. This side dish brings a delightful contrast to the savory richness of the bacon jam, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli: Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli: Picture golden, crispy sweet potato fries paired with a creamy, spicy aioli. The natural sweetness of the fries complements the smoky, savory essence of the bacon jam, while the aioli adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire experience.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Envision tender, charred asparagus spears kissed by the grill and brightened with a sprinkle of lemon zest. This fresh and vibrant side dish offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and indulgent bacon jam, making each bite a harmonious balance of flavors.

Herbed Polenta Cakes: Herbed Polenta Cakes: Imagine golden, crispy polenta cakes infused with fragrant herbs. These delightful cakes provide a creamy, slightly crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the luscious texture of the bacon jam, creating a match made in culinary heaven.

Arugula and Pear Salad with Blue Cheese: Arugula and Pear Salad with Blue Cheese: Picture a vibrant arugula salad adorned with juicy pear slices and crumbles of tangy blue cheese. The peppery arugula and sweet pears offer a refreshing contrast to the savory bacon jam, while the blue cheese adds a creamy, pungent note that ties everything together.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Bacon Jam

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart: This delightful tart combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy tang of goat cheese. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a light lunch, it's a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad.

Maple-Glazed Bacon Wrapped Dates: Sweet, savory, and utterly addictive, these bacon wrapped dates are glazed with maple syrup and make for an irresistible appetizer. The combination of crispy bacon and sweet dates is a match made in heaven.

Spicy Tomato Jam: This tomato jam packs a punch with a blend of spices and a hint of sweetness. Spread it on crackers, serve it with cheese, or use it as a condiment for your favorite meats.

Fig and Onion Jam: A sophisticated spread that combines the rich flavors of figs and caramelized onions. This jam is perfect for pairing with cheese platters or as a topping for grilled meats.

Balsamic Onion Jam: This jam features the deep, rich flavor of balsamic vinegar combined with sweet, caramelized onions. It's a versatile condiment that can elevate sandwiches, burgers, or cheese boards.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Bacon Jam

Main Courses:

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Elevate your traditional meatloaf by incorporating bacon jam into the mix. Start with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices. Layer the bacon jam in the center of the meat mixture, then wrap the entire loaf with strips of bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf is cooked through. The bacon jam adds a sweet and savory depth that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Gourmet Burger: Transform your burger night by adding a dollop of bacon jam to your patties. Grill your beef patties to perfection, then top with melted cheddar cheese. Spread a generous amount of bacon jam on the bottom bun, add the patty, and finish with arugula and a slice of tomato. The bacon jam provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the juicy beef and fresh toppings, making for an unforgettable burger experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, gooey center of a Chocolate Lava Cake. This decadent treat features a warm, molten core that oozes out when you cut into it, creating a delightful contrast with the slightly crisp outer layer. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate flavor. For an added twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top or infuse the batter with a hint of espresso to enhance the depth of the chocolate. Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Brighten up your dessert table with a Lemon Meringue Pie. This classic dessert combines a tangy lemon curd filling with a light, fluffy meringue topping. The crisp, buttery crust provides the perfect base for the zesty filling, while the meringue adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, golden-brown finish. For a modern twist, consider adding a layer of fresh berries between the curd and meringue, or infuse the curd with a hint of lavender for a floral note. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to any meal, and watch as your guests savor each bite.

Why trust this Easy Bacon Jam Recipe:

This easy bacon jam recipe is a must-try for any food lover. The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The addition of chili powder adds a subtle kick, making it an irresistible topping for cheese and crackers. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is both accessible and delicious, ensuring you can create a gourmet treat with ease.

Want to share your experience making this Easy Bacon Jam Recipe or have any tips to enhance the flavors? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about all things bacon jam!

FAQ:

How long can I store the bacon jam?

You can store the bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. It might slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe without the chili powder?

Yes, you can leave out the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor. The jam will still be sweet and savory without the extra kick.

What can I serve bacon jam with besides cheese and crackers?

Bacon jam is super versatile! You can spread it on burgers, mix it into scrambled eggs, or even use it as a topping for grilled chicken or pork.

Can I freeze bacon jam?

Yes, you can freeze bacon jam. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.