Bacon Jam

This Homemade Bacon Jam is an indulgent sweet and savory spread made with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and brown sugar. Serve it on burgers, cheese boards, biscuits, or crostini with cream cheese, or spoon it over warm goat cheese for an unforgettable, and easy, appetizer.

Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

If you’re a fan of candied bacon, you’re going to love bacon jam. I first tried it at a local restaurant, where the chef served it on a charcuterie board, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to recreate it at home and after some experimenting, I came up with this delicious version. It’s quick and easy to make: just cook bacon with brown sugar, diced onion, fresh garlic, maple syrup, and a blend of seasonings until it thickens and reduces to a jam-like consistency. For a smoother texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor, though that’s totally optional. Enjoy it warm or chilled, perfect for snacking or as a flavorful condiment.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make simple Bacon Jam Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Bacon – I recommend using thick cut bacon for this bacon onion jam recipe.
• Butter – Butter adds richness and for cooking the onions.
• Onion – Fresh Vidalia onion or a similar sweet onion expands the flavor profile.
• Garlic – Garlic cloves complement the onion.
• Sugar – Dark brown sugar gives the bacon jam depth of flavor.
• Syrup – Maple syrup thins the bacon mixture.
• Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds the acidic to balance the sweet.
• Seasonings – Ancho chile powder or paprika and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Best Bacon Jam Recipe

To make this bacon jam recipe thick cut bacon is simmered with sweet onion, fresh garlic, tangy cider vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup and a special blend of seasonings until it becomes thick, sweet and spicy.

• Fry the Bacon – In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook the bacon until crisp and the fat has rendered. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain then finely crumble. Reserve bacon drippings or freeze for use in another dish.
• Sauté Onion – Add butter and diced onion to the skillet. Cook the onion over medium until browned and beginning to caramelize.
• Add Minced Garlic – Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
• Sugar and Seasonings – Add brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, chili powder, pepper flakes and bacon to the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered per the cooking time in the recipe until thickened and reduced.  
• Serve on burgers, crostini, with cheese or crackers.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Easy Bacon Jam Recipe

• One medium-large heavy bottomed pot or saucepan for cooking the jam.
• Sharp knife and chopping board for prepping the bacon, onion and garlic.
• Silicone spatula or spoon for stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Food processor, in the event you want to grind the bacon jam more finely.
• Paper towel-lined plate.

Recipe Variations, Substitutions and Cooking Tips

• Spice – I’m a huge fan of sweet and spicy flavor combos, so my jam packs a little heat. You can adjust this to your taste of course, by omitting the red pepper flakes or using less. You could also use paprika alone, instead.
• Onion – You can use a white onion, yellow onion or red onion for a stronger onion flavor.
• Vinegar – You could use balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar, in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Jam Texture – Should bacon jam be smooth? I prefer to leave the texture of my bacon jam a bit chunky. However, after cooking, you can ladle the bacon-onion mixture into a food processor after cooking and puree until it becomes more of a paste in texture.
• Use Butter NOT Bacon Drippings – It may seem sound counterintuitive, but I also want to mention that this jam is best when it’s not made with the bacon grease or drippings from cooking the bacon. Why? Because the bacon fat solidifies after it cools and makes it less appetizing.
• Serve Bacon Jam Warm or Chilled – This jam can be served both ways. It’s also perfectly delicious at room temperature and can safely sit out for serving.
• Serving Suggestions – Include this smoky bacon jam as a savory spread on your Charcuterie board and cheese boards. It’s also scrumptious served on sandwiches, pork, pizza, use as a savory condiment and burger topping, chicken, subs, slathered on homemade buttermilk biscuits or toast. As pictured, bacon jam crostini slathered with cream cheese and chives. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – You can store this leftover bacon jam in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freezer – Store in th3 freezer for up to 1 month. When frozen, thaw frozen jam in the refrigerator, then allow some time at room temperature just before serving. Give it a good stir, then enjoy.

More Recipes Using Bacon to Make

• Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are an appetizer that spans generations. This recipe includes a touch of heat to balance the sweet.
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are baked, not fried.
• Baked Candied Maple Bacon only takes three ingredients to make.
• Zesty Bacon Parmesan Dip is a tasty option for dipping chips, pretzels, crostini and more.
• These Candied Bacon Breadsticks are a party favorite!
• See this easy tutorial showing how to Make Bacon in the Oven.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a make-ahead option for parties and entertaining.
• You may also like this recipe for Sweet Bacon Tater Tots from Real Housemoms.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Set
• Food Processor