A delightfully balanced condiment that’s so easy to make is Bacon Jam. It’s savory, smokey, and sweet all in one. It can be used on a variety of different foods making it perfect to make ahead and enjoy anytime.
The Best Condiment for Bacon Lovers
I love bacon. It’s crispy and salty and goes with just about anything. What a lot of people don’t realize is how versatile it can be. You can use it in several ways other than just frying it up and eating it for breakfast. It takes a little bit of time to make since it’s cooked slowly to caramelize the onions and reduce the balsamic vinegar. The result is a delicious spread that can be stored in the refrigerator and added to meat, veggies, or crusty bread. The possibilities are endless!
What is Bacon Jam?
It goes by other names such as bacon onion jam or bacon marmalade. It contains thick chunks of delicious bacon, brown sugar, caramelized onions, and vinegar. As the bacon jam cooks down, the brown sugar and vinegar thicken, giving us a jam-like consistency.
What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?
Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe. I highly recommend getting the bacon from a butcher counter. Store-packaged bacon will work just fine in a pinch but I prefer the flavor of freshly cut bacon. My favorite varieties are applewood and cherrywood. Hickory is amazing too! Avoid pepper since it can burn.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to make the best bacon onion jam.
- Bacon: You will want to cut the bacon into small 1-inch pieces before cooking it. This makes it easier to incorporate into the jam.
- Onions: I like the sweetness of yellow onions. They need to be finely chopped.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves of garlic add some bite!
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar can be used in this recipe!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The tang from the apple cider vinegar compliments the bacon and brown sugar.
- Balsamic Vinegar: When balsamic vinegar reduces it thickens and becomes sweet.
- Fresh Thyme: A pop of freshness from the thyme goes great with this bacon jam.
How to Make Bacon Jam
This bacon jam is a labor of love and I promise the delicious results are well worth the effort.
Step 1. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon pieces. Cook until they are brown and crispy.
Step 2. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but about 2 tbsp of bacon grease from the skillet.
Step 3. Add the chopped onions to the hot skillet and cook until they are soft and start to brown.
Step 4. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 5. Add the brown sugar and both vinegars to the pan and stir until combined. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 6. Reduce the heat to medium. Return the cooked bacon browned bits to the skillet and cook for 20 minutes. The jam should thicken and reduce.
Step 7. Save it or serve it! It can be enjoyed immediately, warm, or at room temperature.
How to Store and Reheat Bacon Jam
The best part about this bacon jam is the shelf life! Store any leftover jam in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is best reheated in the microwave making it super easy to have it ready whenever you like. It only takes 45-60 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
I like to eat this by the spoonful – it’s so good! Here are just a few ways you can enjoy this yummy bacon jam recipe!
- Sandwiches: Any kind! A grilled cheese sandwich, turkey, or Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are all great!
- Burgers – one of my favorite ways to serve bacon jam!
- Grilled Meats: Chicken, steak, and pork are lovely options as well.
- Crackers – we love to top crackers with cream cheese and the jam.
- Brie – Top cooked brie with the bacon jam mixture.
- Charcuterie Board
More Bacon Recipes
- Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Bacon Pancake Dippers
- Cheesy Smothered Chicken With Bacon
- Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
- Maple Bacon Cupcakes
- Dill Pickle Potato Salad With Bacon
Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon thick cut, cut into small pieces
- 2 large yellow onions finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme more for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces.
- Add the bacon to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook until browned and crisp.
- Transfer the bacon to a plate. In the same skillet, reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Cook the onions over medium-high heat until they are softened and just starting to turn brown.
- Add in the garlic and cook for one minute.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar to the pan and cook everything together for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon to the pan and mix everything together. Continue to cook everything on medium heat for about 20 minutes. The liquids should be absorbed and cooked out and you will be left with a jam-like consistency in the pan.
- Serve immediately or save for later. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
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3 comments on “Bacon Jam”
Bacon. We love anything bacon
Please read the nutrition facts before making this. 3000 mg of sodium!!! Are these numbers for the whole jar,I hope. They do not list what is a serving.
Hi Catherine. That was for the whole jar. We have updated the nutritional info.