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5.0 from 102 votes

Bacon Jam

This bacon jam, made with bacon, maple syrup, and coffee, is a sweet condiment slathered on burgers at the Skillet diner in Seattle--and just about everywhere else these days.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 136 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon cut crosswise into 1-inch (25-mm) pieces
  • 2 medium yellow onions cut into smallish dice
  • 3 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
  • 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or less to taste
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real deal, please)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large skillet over mediumish heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towel-lined plates to drain.
  2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the skillet and reserve for another use. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the coffee, vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, for 2 minutes. Add the bacon and stir to combine.
  3. If making this on a stovetop, reduce the heat to a bare simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If making this in a slow-cooker, transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow-cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until the liquid almost completely evaporates and turns syrupy, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
  4. Let the bacon concoction cool slightly before transferring it to a food processor and pulsing until coarsely chopped. Spoon the bacon lusciousness into individual jars or other resealable containers and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Spoon into a pan and rewarm gently over low heat prior to indulging.

Notes

  • Bacon--Use thick-cut bacon for the best results.
  • Freeze--The bacon jam can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container. 
  • Bacon fat--Don't toss out leftover bacon fat. It works well as a cooking fat, particularly for foods that benefit from the addition of bacon flavor (which is basically everything.)

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (2 tablespoons) Calories 136kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 322mg (13%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 10g (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 136

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 136kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 322mg 13%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 10g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.