Bacon Jam: the easy recipe for a salty, savory condiment

Bacon jam is an incredibly versatile condiment that goes with just about everything. With its sweet, salty, savory flavor, it's ideal for jazzing up everything from a classic hamburger or grilled cheese sandwich or spooned over crackers and cheese as part of a charcuterie platter.

Caramelized onions bring a wonderful thick texture to the jam, while the crispy bacon adds a perfect hint of crispy crunchiness. Bacon jam is made by slowly cooking the ingredients to release their flavors, making a mouthwatering condiment that's hard to resist.

Make bacon jam for any occasion or whip up a large batch to gift to friends and family. It's a sure-fire hit!

What is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a savory, sweet, salty condiment that's made by slow-cooking bacon, onion, sugar, and spices. It's a type of relish that is incredibly flavorful and ideal for either sweet or savory dishes.

Bacon Jam Ingredients

Bacon stars as the main ingredient in bacon jam.

Onions and shallots add a layer of savory flavor and a wonderful caramelized taste.

Vinegar and spices add some tanginess and a kick of heat.

Maple syrup and brown sugar add sweetness and an additional layer of complexity.

How to Make Bacon Jam

To make bacon jam at home, start by frying the bacon until it's nice and crispy. Pop it onto some paper towels to drain off excess fat. Cook the onions and shallots over medium-low heat until they become caramelized. Add in garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and bacon.

Let the mixture come to a simmer, then reduce to low and cook for several minutes, or until the mixture thickens and takes on a jammy consistency. Let the jam cool, then put it into a clean jar with a tightly sealing lid.

How to Serve Bacon Jam

Use bacon jam as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches. It's also great spread on crackers and enjoyed with a cheese and charcuterie board.

It's delicious over toast, biscuits, and savory muffins, or as a way to add a hint of salty-savory flavor to waffles or pancakes.

Use bacon jam on grilled cheese sandwiches, add it to dressings, or dollop it over your morning eggs. It's amazing as a topping for baked brie, too!

Can I Can Bacon Jam?

You can definitely can bacon jam, however, canning meats isn't usually recommended due to the risk of botulism. Ultimately, it's up to you.

Canning bacon jam is incredibly easy. Once you've made the jam, fill the clean, sterilized jars with bacon jam and put it in your canner. It's that easy!

Tips for the Best Bacon Jam

Add a little bourbon or rum to give your bacon jam extra complexity.

The key to great-tasting bacon jam is to slow cook it to allow all the ingredients to release their flavors.

You can use balsamic or sherry vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a stronger flavor.

How to Store Bacon Jam

Once cooled, place your bacon jam into a clean, sterilized jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Frozen bacon jam will last about 6 months.

Instructions

Fry the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain. Reserve one tablespoon of bacon fat.

Saute onions and shallots over medium-low heat.

Stir often, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until caramelized.

Add in garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and bacon.

Let the mixture come to a simmer then reduce to low and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and takes on a jammy consistency.

Let the jam cool, then place it into a clean, sterilized jar.