Introduction
Bacon Jam is a sweet, smoky, and savory spread made from bacon, onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of coffee or bourbon. It’s rich in flavor and can elevate almost any dish.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
🧰 Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Food processor or blender (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Makes about 2 cups)
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brewed coffee (or 2 tablespoons bourbon, optional)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Thick-cut gives the best texture and flavor.
- Coffee/Bourbon: Adds depth; omit if desired.
- Onions: Cook slowly to develop sweetness.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook Bacon
- In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons fat in the skillet.
- Cook Onions & Garlic
- Add onions to the bacon fat and cook 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
- Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Combine Ingredients
- Return bacon to skillet.
- Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, coffee or bourbon, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Simmer & Reduce
- Reduce heat to low and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like.
- Blend (Optional)
- For a smoother jam, pulse mixture in a food processor or blender to desired consistency.
- Cool & Store
- Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
💡 Tips
- Cook bacon slowly to avoid burning and to render the fat properly.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste—more brown sugar for sweet, more vinegar for tangy.
- Use a non-stick skillet or stainless steel pan for even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Spicy Bacon Jam: Add extra cayenne, chili powder, or chopped jalapeños.
- Maple Bacon Jam: Substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar.
- Apple Bacon Jam: Add finely diced apple for a fruity twist.
- Smoky Bourbon: Increase bourbon slightly and add smoked paprika.
