The Best Bacon Jam Recipe (You’ve Got to Try It!)
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This bacon jam recipe is the most popular bacon jelly on the internet for a good reason: It’s the best in the world. With over 400+ reviews, you can trust it will be a hit!
Reader Debra says, “This is definitely the best bacon jam ever! I have made it twice now and I used balsamic glaze instead of vinegar. I’m not a coffee drinker but you can’t taste the coffee in it and it gives it the unique flavor. I made it for burgers camping two weeks ago and my sisters want (demand) the recipe. I made a double batch and froze some for future use. This is simply a yummy addition to cheeseburgers or a charcuterie board. ★★★★★”
I’ve been told so many times (by readers, friends, and family) that this is the best bacon jam in the world. The way that I make it and the ingredients I use are a little different than the other bacon jam recipes, and I think that’s what makes it so incredible.
The thick-cut bacon and wide slices of onion cook down for over 30 minutes, becoming sticky, jammy, and totally delicious. I also add a ‘secret’ ingredient that helps to bring out the other flavors.
If you want compliments, bring this bacon jam to your next party. Your friends will love you for it!
What is bacon jam?
Bacon jam is a sweet condiment with onions, bacon, brown sugar, and coffee. The ingredients are slowly simmered until they become a jam-like consistency. This popular spread (also sometimes called bacon marmalade) has been popping up on menus everywhere in recent years.
Use it like jam and serve it with cheese and crackers or appetizers, slather it on burgers, or use it in grilled cheese for lots of bold and sweet bacon flavor.
Bacon onion jam ingredients
We’ve tried a few bacon jams before and while they’ve all been pretty darn tasty, we think this one is extraordinary. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this bacon jam recipe:
- Bacon – thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe.
- Onions – sweet onions, quartered then sliced thick.
- Brown sugar – adds a wonderful caramel taste and sweetness.
- Water – is used so that the onions have extra time to soften and become jam-like.
- Coffee – While you don’t taste any coffee flavor, it helps elevate and make the other flavors more pronounced. It’s not a common bacon jam ingredient, and we think it’s what makes our recipe so good.
- Balsamic vinegar – for a mild acidity to balance out the flavors.
What bacon should I use to make bacon jam?
We like to use thick-cut bacon to make this jam. It handles the long cooking time better and retains more of a bacon-y bite. If you can find hickory-smoked bacon, opt for that!
But if you have a package of regular bacon in your fridge and want to make this jam, go for it. It will still taste delicious!
How to make bacon jam
It’s easy to make this bacon jam at home. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:
- Start by slicing and cooking the bacon until just before it turns crispy. Remove it, along with some of the fat, from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the onions and cook until they’re soft. Then, add the sugar and cook until the onions caramelize and turn dark brown.
- Add a splash of your leftover morning coffee (we’re not joking!), some water, and the cooked bacon. Let everything simmer until it thickens and becomes jam-like.
- Stir in a little balsamic vinegar, grab some cheese and crackers, and dig in!
Is it safe to can bacon jam?
Canning meat is often not recommended because of the risk of botulism in low-acid foods. If you’re thinking about canning some of this jam, it’s best to do a little research to see if you’re comfortable doing it. If you decide to can some of this bacon jam, using a pressure cooker is a must; boiling water won’t do. Here are a few reputable publications on canning meat to get you started:
Bacon onion jam recipe FAQs
How long does it keep?
It will keep in the fridge in a sealed jar or container for 2-3 weeks. When it’s cold, some of the bacon fat will harden and turn white. Don’t worry, as soon as it warms to room temperature, it will look and taste amazing.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic?
Yes, you can. We like the dark color and the bit of sweetness that balsamic adds to this recipe. If you use apple cider instead, start by adding 1 teaspoon, then adjust the amount to taste.
Should bacon jam be served hot or cold?
We like this jam best when it’s served at room temperature. But we’ve also been known to eat it hot right after we make it or put it on crackers straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze bacon jam?
Yes! This freezes very well. Simply freeze it in single-portion sizes in an airtight container for up to six months. To thaw, either keep it in our fridge overnight or thaw it on low heat with a splash of water in the pan.
Watch how to make this recipe
Watch our 1-minute video to learn how to make this easy recipe for bacon jam.
The Best Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick cut bacon
- 2 extra large onions (quartered and thickly sliced)
- ½ cup brown sugar (use coconut sugar for paleo)
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ 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 bits are ok. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan.1 lb thick cut bacon
- Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings. 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.2 extra large onions, ½ cup brown sugar
- Add the reserved bacon, coffee, and water 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 the heat and stir in the balsamic. Taste for seasoning and salt if necessary.½ cup water, ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 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.
Last step:
- After you make this recipe, take a picture with your phone and share it in the comments section below. I love seeing it when you make my recipes!
Equipment
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I’ve made this several times… I just made a large batch to give as gifts and freeze.. This bacon jam is the perfect addition to burgers. It takes them to the next level! Purely AMAZING!!
This is for sure the best bacon jam I’ve ever made. Do not add ANY salt throughout the process. On my end, I only had balsamic glaze so I added apple cider vinegar to loosen the glaze. I also added rosemary to the mix when I added the coffee (adding the coffee is a MUST). I wouldn’t mess with this at all unless you want a certain flavor added (like how I added rosemary). Fantastic staple recipe!
Delicious!!
Great recipe! I would only add that you need to season with salt (you’ll need more than you think) as you go along while caramelizing onions, as is always the case. Keep tasting as you go. I took each step about 15 minutes longer as I like super-sweet, soft onions! This is indeed like bacon crack. Yum! For storage FYI, I used 3 medium-ish Vidalia onions and the recipe filled one 16 oz mason jar to the very top but for about 2 tablespoons. Such a shame that I had to eat the rest. Ha!
Amazing recipe! Super easy and, oh, so delicious!!!
It is simple enough to prep and yields a lovely condiment for your next grill/cookout/bbq. I’m planning on serving it on some turkey burgers tonight. I enjoy how easy it is to prepare and modify for personal taste. This batch I used what I had on hand: peach bourbon thick sliced bacon, shallots, brown sugar, basalmic and some cracked pepper.
What a great tasty topping. So good with pork chops and mango sauce. Will definitely make it again!
I’ve tried a few recipes for bacon jam. This one is the easiest and BEST. Thank you. Three times making it.
I’ve made 2 oz portions and froze it fir later
Kim
Just tried it today and it tastes wonderful. I’m bringing it to my granddaughters 19th birthday party to serve with sone cheese and crackers. Wondering how they are going to respond. It’s all appetizers but I’d live to try it on burgers! Thanks!
Never knew about bacon jam, made this two times. My husband loves it & so do I.
I’m not a big fan of chunky sauces, so do you think you could puree this? I plan to spread it on pizza dough as a type of sauce base.
I think that would work well!
Amazing. Followed the recipe exactly and it tastes awesome.
Are you kidding me! This bacon jam recipe was so easy and so delicious that I make it every week now. And my family and friends all love it. Thank you and bless you ? ☺ ❤
I will have to try this. But I did laugh at the “leftover morning coffee”–There is not any of that in my house. I’ll just have to put some aside.
Oh my goodness ? YES, it was soooooo good
Just WOW!!! Thank you for this wonderful recipe, I just made this for tomorrow as we are having sirloin burgers, if there is any left.. I doubled the recipe because we have 12 people for Mother’s Day. I know I will get a great feedback.