Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

I know it may sound like an unusual combination, but trust me when I say bacon jam is a game-changer. This sweet and savory spread, made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a touch of maple syrup, can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It has a sweet and savory flavor that goes well with so many different foods, from toast and crackers to burgers and sandwiches. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Whether you’re making a sandwich or a charcuterie board, you need a good savory spread. After you make this delicious bacon jam, you’ll have to try out jalapeno jelly, garlic herb cream cheese, or whipped ricotta!

Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (1)

Bacon Onion Jam

Let’s talk about bacon jam, the ultimate condiment for anyone who loves savory and sweet flavors. This bacon lover’s dream is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, and burgers, adding an extra layer of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Just imagine a juicy burger smothered in bacon jam, or a grilled cheese sandwich with a dollop of this deliciousness – it’s a game-changer, my friends.

And the best part? Bacon jam is incredibly easy to make! All you need is bacon, onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and you’re good to go. Simply fry up the bacon until it’s crispy, cook the onions until they’re caramelized, and voila! You’ve got yourself a jar of deliciousness that will last in the fridge for weeks (if you can resist eating it all at once).

Ingredients You Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make bacon jam so drool-worthy! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Chopped Bacon: This is the main ingredient that makes bacon jam so irresistible. It brings a smoky, salty, and meaty flavor that is just out of this world. For a leaner version, try using turkey bacon. If you’re a vegetarian, you can try using tempeh bacon or smoked tofu instead.
  • Sweet Onion: These add a subtle sweetness and texture to the bacon jam. They cook to gorgeous, caramelized perfection! Shallots also work as a great substitute.
  • Sherry Vinegar: Sherry vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, and if you don’t have any, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a delicious tangy flavor that balances the meatiness of the jam perfectly.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives the jam a caramel-like sweetness and to help thicken it up.
  • Maple Syrup: For a little more subtle sweetness. Honey also works!
  • Water: Adds moisture to the spread and also helps to adjust the consistency.
  • Fresh Thyme: (Optional) In my opinion, fresh herbs are a must-add. If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary or basil are great substitutes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste!

How to Make Bacon Jam

It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up a jar of fresh bacon jam. It’s so easy! Then once you have some on hand, as long as you store it properly in the fridge, you’ll be able to enjoy it for 2 weeks! It will level up your lunch game and take your sandwiches from good to great.

  1. Cook Bacon: Add the bacon to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Add the onions to the reserved bacon grease and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Return the bacon to the pan and add the vinegars, brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and thyme, if desired. Stir and cook until bubbling, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, until thick and dark.
  4. Airtight Container: Transfer bacon jam to an airtight container or jar and let cool completely before serving or storing in the fridge.

How Much Jam Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes about 1 cup of bacon jam. I usually end up with enough to fill an 8 ounce mason jar. Since bacon jam stays good for a while, feel free to double the recipe so you have more on hand! Trust me, you’re going to want to use it all the time.

Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2)

Tips and Tricks

These are a few things to keep in mind as you make your bacon jam. Trust me, this spread is a game-changer! You won’t be able to get enough.

  • High-Quality Bacon: Use a good quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. A thicker cut will hold it’s shape better as it is cooked.
  • Swap Out Onions: The sweet onions can be switched out for whatever onion you prefer: white, yellow, red, or even shallots.
  • Use a Food Processor: For a finer, smoother consistency, use a food processor or immersion blender to finely chop the bacon and onions.
  • Adjust Consistency: Adjust the consistency as needed. If it is too thick, add some more water. If it is too thick, continue cooking to reduce the liquid.
  • Add Spice: For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika! It’s so delicious. This way, you have bacon jam that is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy!
Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (3)

How Long Does Bacon Jam Last?

Easily, one of the best things about bacon jam is its shelf life. Now that you’ve made this delicious spread, here’s how to store it and keep it fresh!

  • In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • In the Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (4)

If You Love All Things Bacon…

If you’re a little bacon-obsessed like I am, here are a few more recipes that I know you’ll love. They’re perfectly savory and meaty and will have the whole family wanting more! If you have a pack of bacon in your fridge and you don’t know what to do with it, find my full list of bacon recipes here! Bacon can be used in a million different ways!

Side Dishes

Bacon Wrapped Honey Glazed Carrots

45 mins

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Baked Bacon Dip

30 mins

Appetizers

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

15 mins

Side Dishes

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

30 mins

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Bacon Jam

5 from 1 vote

By: Alyssa Rivers

I know it may sound like an unusual combination, but trust me when I say bacon jam is a game-changer. This sweet and savory spread, made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a touch of maple syrup, can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It has a sweet and savory flavor that goes well with so many different foods, from toast and crackers to burgers and sandwiches.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 Cup

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the bacon to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.

  • Add the onions to the reserved bacon grease and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

  • Return the bacon to the pan and add the vinegars, brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and thyme, if desired. Cook until bubbling, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, until thick and dark.

  • Transfer to a container and let cool completely before serving or storing in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 1864kcalCarbohydrates: 113gProtein: 46gFat: 135gSaturated Fat: 45gPolyunsaturated Fat: 22gMonounsaturated Fat: 59gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 2309mgPotassium: 1265mgFiber: 3gSugar: 96gVitamin A: 177IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: condiment, Sauce, spread

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

More Ideas

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Homemade Hot Sauce

15 hrs 25 mins

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Tamarind Cashew Dipping Sauce

10 mins

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Ham Glaze

5 mins

Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

Bacon Jam Recipe - The Recipe Critic? ›

All you need is bacon, onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and you're good to go. Simply fry up the bacon until it's crispy, cook the onions until they're caramelized, and voila! You've got yourself a jar of deliciousness that will last in the fridge for weeks (if you can resist eating it all at once).

Why is my bacon jam not thickening? ›

To achieve a thick texture, all of the liquids need time to reduce. Make sure you're cooking your bacon jam without a lid over your Dutch oven, so your bacon jam can evaporate. If it's still not thick enough, it just needs more time.

What pairs well with bacon jam? ›

Our list of things we want to use this jam in is ever-growing. Here are just a few to get you started: warm potato salad, grilled asparagus, fresh tomatoes, panzanella, grilled cheese, crackers and goat cheese, spinach salad, a spoon, fresh garden peas, scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese...

How long does homemade bacon jam last? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

How do you fix jam that didn't set? ›

If it still hasn't set, it's time to determine how much jam needs to be recooked. You don't want to remake more than 8 cups (4 pints) at a time. For every 4 cups of jam that needs to be remade, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon powdered pectin.

How do you thicken failed jam? ›

If, after waiting, you find the jam is still too loose for your liking, empty the jars back into a wide pot and cook again. Wash and sterilize the jars and try again. While you can simply reduce the jam to your liking, you can also add commercial pectin or chia seeds to the reducing jam to guarantee thickening.

What is Carls Jr bacon jam? ›

The jam combines bacon pieces, balsamic vinegar, caramelized onions and molasses, and according to Brad Haley, the chief marketing officer for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, the bacon jam is the true winner of the new burger.

How does Martha Stewart make bacon? ›

Bake the bacon in a 400°F oven until well-browned and crisp, this should take between 15 and 18 minutes depending on the thickness of your bacon. To follow Martha's method to a T, you'll need to rotate the sheet pan halfway through.

Do you refrigerate bacon jam after opening? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage. Why is botulism such a big deal? Botulism is as serious as food poisoning gets.

Does bacon jam taste good? ›

The taste of bacon jam is fantastic because, although it is salty, it is also sweet at the same time. It can even feel like maple syrup. Let's see in detail why its ingredients make this jam special: Bacon: This is the main ingredient.

What bread is best with jam? ›

Bread. Let's start with the most obvious choice and certainly one of the favorites: jam on bread. Literally, any kind of bread becomes delicious with a touch of jam. Make your jam sandwich with white bread but also try challah or French brioche.

Is homemade jam good after 5 years? ›

Shelf Life of Homemade Jam

Typically, homemade jam will last around 6 to 12 months when unopened and stored properly. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1 to 3 months to ensure the best taste and quality.

What does bacon jam taste like? ›

Bacon jam is a savory condiment or topping made primarily from bacon, onions, and various seasonings. It has a rich and indulgent flavor profile that combines the smokiness and saltiness of bacon with the sweetness of caramelized onions.

Do you put homemade jam straight in the fridge? ›

Jam-making, after all, is a controlled evaporation of water, so if you accidentally take too much out, you can always add a little back in. If you don't have jars or other glass containers, allow the jam to cool in the pot, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Why is my jam still runny? ›

Sadly, sugar plays a huge role in set. If you cut the amount in the recipe and you don't compensate with a pectin designed for low sugar preserving, your jam may well be runny.

Can I reboil jam that hasn't set? ›

If the jam is still liquid then we don't particularly recommend reboiling. It can be tried but there is a risk that the jam becomes over boiled, which also means that it will not set. The jam can also burn much more easily when reboiled. The thin jam can be repurposed as a sweet chilli sauce.

How do you thicken bacon grease? ›

Add 1/4 cup flour to the hot grease and whisk over medium heat for 2 minutes. Whisk continuously so the flour does not burn. Add 1 cup of milk to the grease/flour mixture and continue to stir with the whisk. Once it starts to thicken, add the second cup of milk and stir.

Will jam thicken as it cools? ›

Once the jam is done cooking, it may look a little thin, but just remember that it will thicken in the fridge as it cools. For a thicker version (good for fruits that are low in pectin, like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and peaches), add a tablespoon of pectin powder.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 5622

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.