Bacon Jam Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Bacon Jam Recipe
Description
The Bacon Jam Recipe starts with crisping bacon in its fat, then using the rendered fat to soften onions, garlic, and chili peppers. The combination is simmered with brown sugar, maple syrup, strong brewed coffee, and apple cider vinegar, which impart sweetness, acidity, and complexity. Smoked paprika and chili powder add subtle smoky and warming spice notes. The jam cooks low and slow, breaking down ingredients into a thick, sticky consistency.
Once cooked, part of the jam is pulsed in a food processor to achieve a spreadable texture that's slightly chunky, giving it body while preserving bits of bacon and vegetables. This versatile condiment can be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or crackers, providing a blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Variations include using different sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, experimenting with herbs like thyme, and adjusting heat levels by choosing hotter peppers or adding chili flakes. The recipe can be scaled up or made in a slow cooker for convenience. The jam requires ample cooking time to thicken thoroughly, and leftovers store well refrigerated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon
- 2 onion chopped, small
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 chili peppers chopped (I usually use jalapeno, but you can use hotter if you'd like)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup brewed coffee brew it strong!
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Heat a large pot to medium heat and add bacon. Cook until nearly crisp and brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to cool and drain.
- Cook the onions in the pot with the bacon fat about 5 minutes to soften.
- Add garlic and jalapeno peppers (or habanero peppers!) and stir. Cook about 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil reduce heat to a simmer.
- Chop the bacon and add it into the pot.
- Cook low and slow for about 2 hours, stirring every now and then. A thick jam will form. Also, you can use a slow cooker to achieve the same results. See NOTES.
- When it is nice and gooey and consistent, transfer some of it to a food processor and process until slightly chunky. Add back to the rest of the bacon jam and mix well. You can process as much as you want for your desired consistency.
- Allow to cool then transfer to containers for serving.
Notes
- Customize heat by choosing milder or hotter chili peppers and adjusting chili powder amounts.
- Try sweetener substitutions such as honey or agave nectar for flavor variation.
- Herbs like thyme or cracked black pepper can be added for extra complexity.
- Bacon jam can be prepared in a slow cooker by cooking on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Ensure sufficient cooking time to achieve a gooey jam consistency; times may vary based on ingredient amounts.
- Use leftover bacon jam as a flavorful topping on burgers, sandwiches, or crackers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 133 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 133kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 97mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 95IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2.5mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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