This bacon jam recipe slowly simmers crispy bacon with caramelized onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of coffee until it reduces down into a thick, glossy, sweet-savory spread. This easy homemade bacon jam recipe takes under an hour and has stayed one of the most consistently searched condiment recipes for the way it turns a simple ingredient list into something genuinely addictive. Once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly, whether you’re spreading it on a burger, stirring it into a grilled cheese, or simply scooping it onto a cracker straight from the jar.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Category: Condiment
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Jam
- This bacon jam recipe transforms basic pantry ingredients into a genuinely gourmet-tasting spread.
- The slow simmer lets the flavors deepen into something far more complex than the sum of its parts.
- A little goes a long way, so one batch stretches across weeks of sandwiches, burgers, and snacks.
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift when jarred up with a ribbon and label.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Make Bacon Jam
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove, leaving the rendered fat behind in the pan.
- Sauté the diced onion in the bacon fat until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Return the bacon to the pan, then stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, brewed coffee, and black pepper.
- Simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jammy.
- Pulse briefly in a food processor for a more spreadable consistency, if desired.
- Let cool before transferring to a jar.
Tips for the Best Bacon Jam
- Chop the bacon before cooking this bacon jam recipe so it renders fat quickly and evenly.
- Simmer low and slow, stirring occasionally, so the sugars caramelize without burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Pulsing the finished jam briefly in a food processor gives it a smoother, more spreadable texture, though it’s optional if you prefer it chunky.
- Let the jam cool fully before jarring, since it thickens further as it cools.
Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicier version.
- Swap the coffee for bourbon for a boozier, deeper flavor.
- Use it as a pizza topping alongside caramelized onions and goat cheese.
How to Store It
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put bacon jam on?
Bacon jam works beautifully on burgers, grilled cheese, crackers with cream cheese, baked brie, or stirred into scrambled eggs for an easy flavor boost.
Can I make bacon jam ahead of time?
Yes, it actually improves with a day or two in the fridge as the flavors continue to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead condiment.
Can I freeze bacon jam?
Yes, bacon jam freezes well for up to 3 months — thaw in the fridge before using.
Why does this recipe include coffee?
A small amount of brewed coffee adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup, deepening the overall flavor.
Bacon Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then remove, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 2: Sauté onion in the bacon fat until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Step 3: Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4: Return bacon to the pan with brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup, coffee, and pepper.
- Step 5: Simmer on low 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Tip: Simmer low and slow so the sugars don't burn.
- Step 6: Pulse briefly in a food processor, if desired.
- Step 7: Cool before transferring to a jar.