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 love this recipe so much, I make it for us at home but also make larger batches to give as Christmas gifts along with loaves of fresh baked crusty bread 🙂
I like to add some rosemary or thyme and a splash of bourbon – the recipe is a great for lil tweaks
I’m making this bacon jam for first time, what cheese and crackers are recommended?
Thank you
I love it with brie cheese on Leslie Stowe crackers. But it’s impossible to go wrong. It will taste amazing no matter what kind of cheese and crackers you serve it with!
Scared for my body after making this (kidding). It’s soooooo good. Will try to not eat the whole thing in one go. Using it for a pizza this weekend but couldn’t find any bacon jam in store. This is better than any pre-made version I’ve had.
This sounds amazing, I wonder how it would taste as a filling in between butter cake layers…thoughts??
Bacon and chocolate are wonderful together so you just might be onto something really incredible!
Turned out great!! I added a jalapeño for a bit of heat! Will make again!!
Omg! I have never tried bacon jam before. I made this today and it’s soooo good. The coffee really gives the jam a depth (no taste of coffee at all) and the vinegar just balance the sweetness. I give it a 5 star and will definitely make more. I have only eaten it as it is but I can image it will pair so well with soft cheese and red wine! This recipe is a keeper
OMG this is a bacon lover’s crack! I had never had bacon jam and had only heard about it through that fast food burger joint that advertised it. I actually went to Sonic yesterday to try one, but they don’t make them anymore, so I came home and made my own. I could tell your recipe was the best because of your secret ingredient: coffee. I always add coffee and cocoa to my chili so I knew this would make all the difference. I made one change, substituting maple syrup for the water. I also added a jalapeno pepper sliced in half lengthwise, which I cooked with the onions and discarded at the end. Then I ate the most divine cheeseburger… I’m going to freeze the rest in ice cube trays and then put the cubes in a plastic bag so I can take them out as needed. Thank you so much and I will check out your other recipes!
I just got done making this bacon jam and it is totally awesome!! Takes awhile but so worth it!!!
Can this be made and canned?? If so, what would the canning process be?
We’ve just added some information about canning this in the post. 🙂
I discovered bacon jam a few years ago at a restaurant and I was hooked. I had intentions on finding a recipe and making it myself and just never got around to it. I have had this specific recipe saved and finally made it today in preparation for my fiancé’s dad’s birthday cookout tomorrow. Mine took a lot longer than this recipe said it should but I did amp up the onions and the extra time was worth it! Low and slow was definitely time not wasted. This recipe is now going straight to the top of my favorite saved recipes. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Someone take the spoon away from me, I can’t stop eating this it is so good!
Thank you for sharing this!
Amazing recipe – I substituted the sugar for monkfruit sweetener to keep it low carb and added some garlic. It was simply divine.
It truly is the best bacon jam and so easy to make. Try melting Havarti cheese on a slice of toasted bread with the bacon jam on top. It is amazing!
I love this bacon onion jam. It is wonderful on burgers, on crackers with port wine cheese, with toast, anything really. It takes a while to make it but it is ohhhh soooo good!
Ahhhhhmazziinnggg!! I’ve probably made this a dozen times already. Every time we have a get together someone requests that I make this. We’re bourbon lovers in this house so I substitute the water for bourbon instead and it’s fabulous!
This is absolutely amazing! The first time I made it I followed the recipe exactly. The second time I made it I accidentally switched up the coffee and water measurements. I don’t drink coffee and even with the mix up it was still amazing!! All my friends and family are getting bacon jam as a part of their Christmas food baskets this year!