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Spoon digging into jar of bacon jam.
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Bacon Jam

This homemade Bacon Jam is the ultimate savory-sweet spread. It's perfect for topping your favorite burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and more. 🥓
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon jam
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 8 -10 servings (~1 cup)
Calories 321kcal
Author Tawnie Graham of Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. thick-cut bacon finely chopped (you want pretty small pieces!)
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 cup freshly brewed strong black coffee
  • 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne or chili flakes optional
  • Beef broth only if needed
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • NOTE: please be aware this recipe does take some time. I just don’t want you to start it and then realize you dont have enough time to make it :)
  • Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and crispy. This can take up to ~15-20 minutes. Start Timer Be sure to lower the heat if the fat starts popping or the bacon pieces begin to brown too quickly.
    1 lb. thick-cut bacon
    Three images side-by-side showing cooking the chopped bacon pieces in a large skillet.
  • Remove bacon: Once the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave 2 Tbsp. of bacon fat in the pan, and discard the excess bacon grease or repurpose as you’d like (I like to store mine in this bacon bin).
    Cooked bacon transferred to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease while cooking the onions.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and butter to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, ~8-10 minutes Start Timer. Stir occasionally, and be careful not to let the onion burn. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
    1 large yellow onion, 1 Tbsp. butter, 2-3 cloves garlic
    Three images side-by-side showing cooking the onions for bacon jam.
  • Build the jam: Add the bacon back in, along with all other bacon jam ingredients listed (except the beef broth). Bring to a simmer.
    1 cup freshly brewed strong black coffee, 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper, Pinch of cayenne or chili flakes
    Side-by-side image of adding the rest of the bacon jam ingredients to the cooked bacon and onions.
  • Reduce: Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for ~1 hour Start Timer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jam-like. The mixture should be glossy and sticky, with most of the liquid reduced. You can add beef stock if needed throughout the simmer period if you notice it needs a little extra liquid. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
    Beef broth
    Side-by-side image of simmering bacon jam for ~1 hour or until thick and jammy.
  • All done! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve warm on burgers, grilled cheese, breakfast sammies, or tacos, charcuterie boards, etc.
    Side-by-side image of bacon jam stored in jar and the jar spread on top of homemade burger.

Video

Notes

Store bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The fat will firm up when chilled, so simply warm it slightly before serving to loosen it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.4mg