This Bacon Jam recipe is literally the best in the world. I know that's a HUGE statement, but I've been told that so many times that I have to believe it. It's made by slowly simmering bacon, onions, brown sugar, and spices until they become thick and jam-like. We love to serve it as an easy to make appetizer with cheese and crackers.
| gluten-free + dairy-free + easily paleo |
So guess what, guys. I think I might have just made the most insanely delicious jam/condiment/cheese plate accouterment ever. Like, The Best Ever. It's so good that I want to climb to my rooftop and scream it out loud. I know this whole bacon jam thing is borderline insanity (which I can't believe I'm saying cause I LOVE bacon), but bear with me for a moment.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS I know this whole bacon jam thing is borderline insanity (which I can't believe I'm saying cause I LOVE bacon), but bear with me for a moment.
I've tried a few bacon jams before (but never tried making one), and they've all been pretty darn tasty. I guess it's hard to mess up bacon + onions + sugar. But I hadn't tried one that was extraordinary, until last week.
Early last week, the handsome man and I took a trip up to the Okanagan. That's wine country up here; often nicknamed Napa Valley North. We visited 13 different wineries and by the time we arrived at the restaurant at Hester Creek Winery (after skipping lunch in favor of more wine tasting), we were starving.
The first dish we shared was a burrata cheese plate with this bacon jam. There were a few other things on that plate too, but who's kidding, it was all about the jam. Even the burrata took the backstage, for once in its life.
It was so different than any other bacon jam I have tried. The onions were sliced thick, and there were chunks of chewy bacon. Before we even stepped foot outside the restaurant, I had heard, “Can we, I mean, you (insert big pleading smile) make this as soon as we get home?” at least four times.
Last night, I served this as a light starter for Thanksgiving dinner (we celebrate that a little earlier here in Canada). The room went quiet. Like, eery quiet. Like, everyone had their faces stuffed full of bacon jam quiet. I took it as a good sign. 🙂
UPDATE: Since making this bacon jam recipe back in 2013, I have now officially made it 152,385 times. Ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But I have made it many times and it is always met with rave reviews.
There's something about the sweet onions and the smoky bacon that make this jam totally irresistible. If you're looking for compliments, bring this bacon jam to your next party. Your friends will LOVE you for it!
Your Bacon Jam Game Plan:
♡ Slice and cook the bacon until just before it turns crispy. Remove it, and a little of the fat, from the pan.
♡ Add the onions and let them cook until they're soft. Add the sugar and let those delicious onions caramelize and turn dark brown.
♡ Add a splash of your leftover morning coffee (I'm not joking!), some water, and the cooked bacon and let everything simmer until it becomes a ridiculously delicious jam.
♡ Stir a little balsamic into the jam then grab some cheese and crackers and dig in!
Video: how to make bacon jam
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Delicious and easy to make appetizer recipes:
- Sesame Pineapple Sausage Bites
- Bacon Scallop Lollipops with Honey Sriracha Glaze
- Mini BLT Cups
- Chimichurri Steak Bites
- Chorizo Stuffed Mushroom Caps
- Sweet Hoisin Meatballs
- Bacon and Goat Cheese Pops
The Best Bacon Jam
Prep Time: 10 mins- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This Bacon Jam recipe is literally the best in the world. I know that's a HUGE statement, but I've been told that so many times that I have to believe it. It's made by slowly simmering bacon, onions, brown sugar, and spices until they become thick and jam-like. We love to serve it as an easy to make appetizer with cheese and crackers.
| gluten-free + dairy-free + easily paleo |
Ingredients
- 1 lb. thick cut bacon
- 2 extra large sweet onions, quartered and thickly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (use coconut sugar for paleo)
- 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into half-inch slices and add them to a large frying pan. Don't worry if the bacon pieces stick together, they will come apart as they cook. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the bacon is cooked but still quite chewy. A few crispy bit are ok.
- Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings and reserve for another use.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook for about 8-10 minutes then reduce the heat to low. Add the sugar and stir. Continue to cook until the onions have caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add the coffee, 1/2 cup of water and the reserved bacon and increase the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring about every five minutes, until the onions are thick and jam-like, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir through the balsamic. Taste for seasoning and salt if necessary.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring back to room temperature before serving. There will be little spots of white fat when you take it out of the fridge. As the jam comes to room temperature, these will disappear.
- Enjoy!
Kristen Stevens
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Hi, I’m Kristen! 
I went right to the printable recipe which was my bad. I don’t think I cooked the onions enough… I’m still serving it tonight though, will let you know how it goes!
I hope it still turned out ok. I suspect that you could simply keep cooking the onions once you added the other ingredients if they needed to soften more.
I decided to make this on a whim as part of xmas dinner to serve over pork tenderloin. It was absolutely delicious. The coffee really made it mind blowing. Thank you!
★★★★★
What a great serving idea! I’m going to try that!
This is so good!! I did overnight Sous Vide bacon and substituted a coffee stout instead of coffee. Served with smoked duck on a crostini and it was an absolute hit. Best app I’ve ever made and super easy as well. Thank you!
★★★★★
You totally took it to the next level! Love it! I recently bought myself a sous vide so will have to try this with sous vide bacon next time!
I know I”m a little late to the party….. I made this recipe last night and I can honestly say that this Bacon Jam is TO DIE FOR! I was expecting it to be good… I wasn’t expecting it to be INCREDIBLE! I was literally licking the pot clean after bottling the bacon jam. Yes, it is THAT delicious!!!
★★★★★
Welcome to the party! Better late than never lol. So happy you liked it!
So I want paying attention and put the sugar in with the water and coffee at the same time. I dont think it turned out like it was supposed to taste. Have you done this before?
I haven’t but it would make a difference as the onions wouldn’t be able to properly caramelize. Hopefully it still tasted good!
Hi,
I’m in Australia and want to make this today for Christmas presents. Do you know what the equivalent of ‘sweet onions’ would be over here?
Thanks
They are the big ones that are a more mild tasting. Some people call them Spanish onions. I’ve used regular yellow onions and the recipe works well with them, too!
I was told by a produce manager of a big chain supermarket that the flatter the onion, the sweeter it is. And it’s held very true through my years of cooking.
Prayers said and fingers crossed, I’m making this today for our family Christmas Eve appetizer get together! Thank you for this recipe! Can’t wait to see how it turns out! 🤞🏼
That’s a great tip!
Hi Helen, I’m in Australia and I made this today. I used red onions and it worked really well.
★★★★★
Thank you so much for letting us know!
Can you use whisky instead of water??
You sure could!
Can’t wait to make this recipe ! Planning on using it on a wheel of Brie baked with puff pastry for a Christmas appetizer ♥️ As a fellow Okanoganite ( who LOVES Hester Creek Winery ! ) I was pretty excited to find this recipe while living in our tiny house in El Centro , California! Will definitely be checking out all your other TEM recipes !
Well hello, neighbor! I hope you like it as much as I do. It’s amazing with brie!
Made this just minutes ago. IT IS DELICIOUS!!!!!
I substituted fig marmalade for brown sugar and homemade coffee liquor (the one that begins with a K that contains some form of chocolate) for the coffee. Thank you for this great starter recipe❣️
★★★★★
Those sound like incredible substitutions! Yum!!
I just made this recipe and followed the directions. This is so yummy! And I love it! Thank you
★★★★★
You are so welcome!!
Hands down the BEST BACON JAM EVER! Made it this morning and absolutely loving it. The recipe is simple and delicious. Making sliders for dinner tonight and am topping mine with this Bacon Jam and goat cheese. Mouth watering can’t wait for dinner. OMG!!! Thanks for the recipe, so glad i found it!
★★★★★
Yaaa! I’m so glad you agree!!!
OMG!!!!!! This is the BOMB! SO delicious. Please tell me, what could I use instead of vinegar? My husband tried it, but tastes the vinegar and he doesn’t like vinegar. I would love to make some for him, but without the vinegar.
I’m so happy you like it! You can simply leave the vinegar out if your husband is not a fan. I find it cuts the sweetness a little, but if he doesn’t like the vinegar there’s not real need to add it. 🙂
Can this be savedcwith a canning process to be stored longer or made in a large batch and canned into smaller portions for gift giving?
While my grandmother used to can meat all the time, it’s not recommended due to the possibility of botulism. You can freeze it in smaller portions!
Please add a 5 Star rating to my previous
★★★★★
Thank you for adding the 5 star review!
Hi I’m just wondering if u used smoked bacon or unsmoked?
I just used regular, thick cut bacon. 🙂
Damn girl..this is soooo good!
I WILL be making this often
Made it before but not with coffee & balsamic. My husband is going to love it. Probably have to hide it😋
Thank you so much for the recipe.
★★★★★
Haha keep a stash to yourself!!
Terrific recipe….. hard NOT to eat the whole lot in one sitting !!
Second time I made it, added a good dash of Smokey Chipotle Tabasco and a teaspoon of fresh Thyme leaves.
Also worth noting, do NOT scimp on the quality of the bacon…… lovely, thick-cut smokey bacon will reward you in
spades. Thanks Kristen….. a GEM.
I’m so happy you liked the recipe! And such a great idea to add a splash of chipotle tabasco. I’m trying that next time I make this!
Love this bacon jam recipe! First time making it.
I did add a dash of tobasco sauce for heat.
Going to take this to football Sunday along with crackers and cream cheese.
Thank you very much!
⭐️ ⭐️ 🥓🥓🥓
★★★★★
Great call on the Tabasco sauce!
I’m about to make this…. I’ve tried a few thrown together versions of my own previously… But I never write down a recipe, so I check quantities by comparing to other recipes and always find a new one. I’ve previously added a dash of chilli and some mustard seeds for the more daring, a dash of old no.7, always the coffee and occasionally even some cocoa.
Regarding shelf life, usually the sugars work well as a preservative, so a few month easily, but how do you make it last that long anyway… Usually gone in a few days.
I like the idea of adding a hint of spice to the recipe!
It’s also absolute ambrosia in a grilled cheese. Some Gruyere…challah…this stuff…grilled to perfection…heaven.
Oh man that sounds seriously amazing! Can I come over to your place for lunch?!!!
Made this and used it as a relish on our burgers. Onion and bacon in every bite! Great!!
Sucha great idea to serve it on burgers!
I came looking for a bacon onion am recipe for my BBQ this weekend for burgers. now I’m thinking I need a double batch. One for pre-dinner and one for the burgers!
★★★★★
Ꭼxactly wһat I was loοking foг, thank you f᧐r putting up.
★★★★★
You are so welcome!
Do you know if this can be canned using a pressure canner? I’d love to make a bunch ahead of time for the holidays.
I’m honestly not sure of the ins and outs of canning meat. Probably best to check the health recommendations and then only do it if it’s safe. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
Bacon jam can not be canned: https://www.healthycanning.com/bacon-jam/
Thank you for letting us know!
Have you tried freezing this recipe?
I haven’t but others have and have said it freezes well. 🙂
This looks great! What kind of cracker and cheese do you recommend?
Thanks! My fav combo is brie cheese and Leslie Stowe crackers. Yum!
Thanks so much!
Which flavor Leslie Stowe crackers?
I really like the ones with cranberries. You can’t go wrong with any of her rainforest crisps. They’re all delicious!
Amazing! Was a hit on Xmas. Made a homemade paté and put that on top. So delicious it was gone in no time.
★★★★★