Packed with an array of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this Bacon Jam is your new fave condiment with endless possibilities.
A few chefs and foodies claim to have invented bacon jam in the U.S. and Wales sometime in the 2010s. With bacon showing up everywhere, paired with everything, bacon jam was inevitable. However, if we dig a little deeper into culinary history, we find a close relative of bacon jam — verhackert, an authentic Austrian spread of bacon and garlic “jam” that is often compared to bacon jam (but sans sugar).
Personally, bacon jam came into my life just a few years ago when it was served on a burger I ordered at The Shed on Long Island, New York. So, something everyone knows about me, I am not a fan of ketchup, but I LOVE burgers. I find it a huge win anytime a burger is served in a restaurant without the common condiment on it or even on the side. When I saw bacon jam listed as an ingredient, I audibly gasped with excitement. And let me tell you, it was love at first bite. I went on to make the sweet and savory spread at home for summer barbecues and even included it on my charcuterie board last Thanksgiving. It really is quite versatile.
Bacon jam has an exceptional list of ingredients that normally do not appear together, but come together nicely. Starting with savory and rich, we have thick-cut bacon sautéed with onions and garlic. Then, we have sweet brown sugar and maple syrup to give you that jam-like sugariness and a bit of chili powder for a hint of spice. The remaining ingredients, coffee, and apple cider vinegar, pack a bold punch. Sometimes, a long list in a recipe can be a turn-off, but these ingredients all get added in just a couple of steps, so it is surprisingly easy!
Is Bacon Jam Healthy?
Bacon, brown sugar, and maple syrup are not ingredients associated with a health-conscious diet. However, a little goes a long way with this tasty spread! You’ll want to enjoy it with a few other healthy choices, in moderation. Making condiments at home is almost always better than store-bought since you won’t be including additives and you can control the sodium. Bacon jam is gluten-free and can be made keto if you replace the sweeteners with monk fruit or a sucralose substitute.
Bacon, Jam, and… Coffee?
When coffee shows up in a recipe, the first reaction is often, “Why would I want my dish to taste like coffee?” That was my thought exactly when I stumbled upon coffee as an ingredient in Duff Goldman’s famous chocolate cake recipe. My kids were horrified at the idea of coffee in a cake, and honestly, I was skeptical too. But the result was magic. Coffee didn’t dominate the flavor; it enhanced it.
The same magic happens in bacon jam. With bold flavors like bacon, maple, and garlic already in the mix, you might wonder if coffee is necessary. The answer? Absolutely. Coffee adds depth, a touch of earthiness, and balances the sweetness, making it a perfect complement to the salty and savory notes. It’s the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.
How to make ahead and store
Possibly, the best part about bacon jam is the shelf life! When stored properly in an airtight container or sterilized jar, bacon jam will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
This bacon jam is so versatile that the possibilities are endless. I like it best with anything cheesy, like this perfect Avocado Burger or smeared on this Brie Grilled Cheese with Apples. As a side, coat Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Sweet Potatoes with bacon jam, for something sweet and savory with deep flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 1/2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel, reserving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet with retained bacon fat, cook until soft, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Return the bacon to the skillet and add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, maple syrup, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened into a jam-like consistency, about 45-55 minutes. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer the bacon jam to a jar and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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