The rich flavor of coffee and caramelized onions compliment smoky bacon in this incredible recipe for Bacon Jam, perfect on brie or served on a charcuterie board!
When it comes to jam, I know, I KNOW that bacon jam isn’t probably the first thing that comes to mind. Bacon jam is a FAR cry from the traditional jam varieties you may see on store shelves… or that you’d ever think of making.
But I can promise you that once you have had this bacon jam, you will forever be changed. Bacon Jam is the best jam in the history of jams – so good, you’ll want to lock yourself in a closet with a spoon and eat it in solitary confinement.
I am that serious.
This Bacon Jam is made quite easily — browning thick cut bacon, then combining with deeply flavored caramelized onions, the rich flavor of coffee, and balsamic vinegar. It’s perfect spread on cream-cheese topped bread, herbed crackers, or as an addition to your charcuterie board.
When I came across a really (and I mean REALLY) good sale on bacon, I couldn’t resist picking up several packages. In all honesty, I had my doubts when I first asked myself “I wonder if… I can turn bacon into jam?” I had quite the discussion with myself for weeks prior to finally deciding to go for it and whoa – was I blown away.
The Best Bacon Jam
Not only does bacon make the most amazing jam, it’s something that you will want to share with the entire world. There’s a high probability that this bacon jam will be the single, most important dish on the table.
And everyone will want to know the secret recipe.
This bacon jam really is every bit of amazing – mind blowing, earth shattering flavors come together in a jam that might not even make it to the table. You might just wait until the kids go to bed, lock yourself in a closet, and eat the entire jar with a spoon it is just that incredible.
Tips to Make the Best Bacon Jam:
- Start with high quality, thick cut bacon for the best results.
- Cut the bacon into smaller pieces and fry just until the pieces start to crisp – they may still be slightly soft in some places.
- Drain all but 1 Tbsp of the bacon fat. That bacon fat is going to sauté the onions as you progress into the recipe.
- You can use white, yellow or red onions – the flatter the onion, the sweeter the flavor. I like to quarter my onion and then slice thin.
- Add some leftover coffee – the coffee will enhance the bacon flavor to a phenomenal level. If you want to ramp up the flavor even more, replace the coffee with Kahlua.
- Allow all the flavors to simmer until the mixture thickens, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
Can I Can this Bacon Jam?
This bacon jam hasn’t lasted long enough around my home for me to even consider canning. But if that is something you would like to look into, I would suggest doing some research first.
Canning low-acid foods can lead to botulism – which is why canning meat is often times not recommended. Canning meat requires a pressure canner; a pressure canner will get the meat temperature high enough for a specific period of time to make it safe for long-term storage.
Other recipes you may find helpful
- Hatch Chile Relish
- Rosy Radish Relish
- Mushroom Bruschetta
- Cherry Tomato Confit
- How to Make Marinated Feta Cheese
- Roasted Poblano and Garlic Pesto
Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 pkg thick cut bacon 12-16 oz
- 1/2 C dark brown sugar can sub coconut palm sugar
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 C brewed coffee or substitute Kahlua for richer flavor
- 1/2 C water
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and add to a large frying pan. Fry up the bacon just until it starts to crisp up (some pieces may still be slightly soft).
- Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Hold back 1 Tbsp of the bacon fat (toss the rest).
- Quarter and slice the onions thin. Add to the large saucepan and sauté in the bacon fat until soft.
- To the saucepan, add the brown sugar; allow the onions to caramelize approx. 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once those incredible onions caramelize, add the chopped bacon, water, and coffee. Simmer on the stovetop for 25-30 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. (If you simmer too long, add a bit of extra coffee/water to loosen up the mixture).
- Add a splash or two of balsamic and allow all those deliciously addictive flavors to meld together into what is the best bacon jam.
- This bacon jam won't last long -- as addictive as it is. However, you'll want to store in a covered jar or container in the refrigerator. The bacon fat (white) will harden on the top of the jar once refrigerated - you'll want to reheat and stir to re-combine the flavors.
Did you make this recipe? Please take a second and rate the recipe and leave a comment with any changes you may have made.
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