Bacon Jam

Bacon jam is a way to transform simple, everyday ingredients into something magical. Crispy maple bacon, golden caramelized onions, brown sugar and tangy balsamic vinegar simmer together until they’re thick and jammy. The result is sticky homemade spread bursting with sweet, tangy, salty, smoky and savory flavors. It elevates everything it touches.

This bacon jam recipe comes together in one pot and yields about 4-1/2 cups of jam, making it perfect for sharing or gifting. It keeps for several weeks in the fridge and freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand to add to burgers, sandwiches, crackers, waffles or whatever other delicious ideas you dream up.

Bacon Jam Ingredients

• Butter: A tablespoon of butter adds richness and cooks the bacon evenly without sticking. Substitute butter with a neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or canola oil to made dairy-free bacon jam.
• Bacon: Maple-flavored bacon enhances the sweet, smoky notes that make this jam extra indulgent. If you can’t find it, regular bacon works great too.
• Onions:  Yellow onions are ideal here because their natural sweetness deepens as they cook, creating rich, caramelized flavor. Sweet onions or Vidalia onions work well too, while red onions will offer a sharper flavor.
• Thyme: Dried thyme adds a subtle, earthy herbal aroma that complements the smoky bacon and sweet elements. If you’re using fresh thyme, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves for the 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.
• Brown sugar: The sugar melts into the bacon and onion mixture, giving it a thick, sticky, jam-like texture. You can use light or dark brown sugar interchangeably, but dark brown sugar will give the cabbage a deeper molasses flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: The acidity of balsamic vinegar brightens the jam and cuts through the richness of the bacon, while its natural sweetness complements the brown sugar. Try red wine vinegar for a sharper bite or apple cider vinegar for a lighter, fruitier flavor.
• Honey: Stirring a couple of tablespoons of honey into the warm jam rounds out the flavors with smooth, floral sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the bacon

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook it until it’s crisp, about six to eight minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Editor’s Tip: Kitchen shears make it easy to snip bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Cutting the bacon first ensures it cooks evenly and guarantees bits of crispy bacon in every spoonful of jam.

Step 2: Saute the onions

Using the same pot, add the onions to the bacon drippings. Cook the onions until they’re tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Make the jam

Return the bacon to the pot with the brown sugar, salt, pepper and thyme. Stir and cook until the sugar dissolves. Then, stir in the balsamic vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the jam until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally, for 45 to 50 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Stir 2 tablespoons of honey into the bacon jam. Serve the jam while it’s still warm, or let it cool and refrigerate in an airtight container or jar.

Bacon Jam Variations

• Bring the heat: Saute diced jalapenos with the onions, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the jam while it simmers for a spicy kick.
• Turn up the maple flavor: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness and a stronger maple flavor.
• Make it garlicky: Stir in two or three minced garlic cloves during the last minute of cooking the onions to boost the aromatic flavor.
• Get cozy with warming spices: Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves while the jam simmers for added depth and a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for fall meals, holiday spreads and cheese boards.
• Add fruit: Cook diced apples, peaches or fresh cranberries with the onions for natural sweetness and added texture. Bacon jam with a fruity twist is delicious with pork, roasted chicken or a holiday turkey.

How to Store Bacon Jam

Spoon any leftover bacon jam into an airtight container or a Mason jar and pop it into the fridge. It’ll keep for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze bacon jam?

Yes, you can freeze bacon jam for three to six months. Allow the jam to cool to room temperature, then pack it in freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace for expansion.

For smaller portions, spoon the jam into ice cube trays and freeze it until it’s solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag so you can easily grab the amount you need. Thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently before serving.

How do you reheat bacon jam?

To reheat bacon jam, scoop out the amount you need and either warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it for about 30 seconds until it’s heated through.

Bacon and Onion Jam Tips

What’s the best bacon to use?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal for making bacon jam. The thicker slices hold their shape as they crisp up, giving the jam a heartier, meatier texture. This recipe calls for maple-flavored bacon for an extra layer of sweetness, but regular bacon works just as well. Choose one of our Test Kitchen’s recommended bacon brands for standout flavor.

Turkey bacon is another option for a smoky flavor with less fat and calories. Just keep in mind that it’s much leaner, so you’ll need to add a bit of neutral cooking oil to saute the onions. Skip precooked bacon, which won’t render enough drippings to give you that rich savoriness.

How do I cook the bacon without burning it?

Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly crispy bacon without burnt bits. Cook the diced bacon slowly over medium heat, resisting the urge to crank it higher. Stir the bacon frequently to ensure even browning and to keep it from sticking to the pot. If it begins to brown too quickly or sticks to the bottom, reduce the heat to medium-low.

How do you serve bacon jam?

Bacon jam is delicious served warm or straight from the fridge. It makes a fantastic condiment for burgers and hot dogs, and can be spread inside a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory twist. You can blend it with softened butter and serve it as a baked potato topping or slather it on grilled steaks.

Bacon jam also makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer: Add it to a cheese board or try it on crackers or crostini with a smear of cream cheese or a slice of Brie. And, of course, bacon and breakfast are always a perfect match! Stir bacon jam into scrambled eggs or add a dollop to pancakes or waffles for irresistible maple-bacon flavor.