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    Bacon Jam Recipe

    Apr 26, 2022 · 66 Comments

    19070 shares
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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Bacon Jam Recipe is a bacon lover's dream! I mean bacon is one of my top joys in life... I know I am not alone on that! Right??

    Bacon Jam Recipe

    When I was a kid growing up in Philly, I would often stay overnight at my Grammy's. When I woke she would give me all the bacon I could eat. ALL-the-bacon-I-could-eat!

    As the oldest of 5 kids growing up in Philly, THAT was monumental! At home, I could maybe snag 3 strips... if I was lucky!  I still smile at the thought of those lazy weekend mornings at my Grammy's...and all of that glorious bacon. Food memories are some of my favorite memories!

    Bacon makes everything better or so the saying goes. BUT this Bacon Jam Recipe...really, really does! 

    Besides Burgers, What do I put Bacon Jam on?

    IF you can stop yourself from gobbling this up spoonful after spoonful... you will love it spread on:

    • hot biscuits
    • place atop a round or wedge of warmed Brie or Camembert cheese (so incredible)
    • toast
    • eggs
    • steamed or sautéed veggies
    • pancakes
    • BLTs
    • grilled cheese sandwiches
    • burgers (I mean...OMG!!!)
    • pierogis and so much more!
    Bacon Jam recipe on a spoon

    The list can go on and on! Homemade Bacon Jam is a fantastic offering to put out for a Burger Bar at a BBQ. 

    Other Uses for Bacon Jam

    Homemade Bacon Jam is an amazing food gift during the holiday season (or any time of the year) . Make a batch for you and one for a friend, scrape it into a 4, 6 or 8 oz. jar, wrap some ribbon around it, attach the recipe and you will have a happy friend or loved one.

    I'm all about food gifts. You can view my best homemade food gifts post for even more options.

    I would totally be your BFF  if you gifted me with a jar of Bacon Jam! 

    What bacon should I use to make bacon jam?

    Of course, the number one ingredient is BACON. It's the most important ingredient and my favorite bacon to date is Hatfield bacon (AND they are local to me).

    Hatfield is a 120-year-old business. Before the roads had cars on them, Hatfield was delivering meats to the doors of Pennsylvanians. Today, they produce quality meats for far more than just Pennsylvania! Love that!

    Turn bacon into Bacon Jam!! 

    Turn bacon into Bacon Jam!

    Check out my 1 minute  TikTok video on how to make this easy recipe for Bacon Jam

    Ingredients for Bacon Jam

    • Bacon
    • Vidalia onion
    • Garlic
    • Brown sugar
    • Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Water (you could also add in a TBS or two of bourbon vs water)
    • Fresh thyme
    • Black pepper
    • Optional: Cayenne red pepper / maple syrup

    How to make this recipe

    Ingredients: Bacon, onions, garlic, red wine or sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper, fresh thyme and water.

    Bacon Onion Jam

    Bacon Jam is not one of those things you can walk away from as it cooks. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. Once you make this a couple of times, it's a piece of cake. Soon it'll be a signature dish or food gift of yours. 

    Tips

    • If you want a more sticky gooey jam, add in a ½ cup to 1 cup of fig jam after you remove what you made from the heat, just stir until its mixed in. It complements the bacon perfectly. I have made this both with and without.
    • The addition of the fig jam makes the Bacon Jam sweeter. You can counter that (if you wish) by adding in some Cayenne pepper, which I do in the written recipe. I typically like some heat.
    • The trick to making it is having your ingredients prepped and organized and then as the mixture cooks down into jam that you pay attention to taste and texture. You don't want it to burn.

    How to use this Bacon Onion Jam

    Oh! The list is almost endless! Atop fried eggs, on toast, on avocado toast, on burgers, on a round of Brie cheese warm from the oven (or cold), in a small bowl with a tiny spoon as a part of a cheese or charcuterie board or on crackers.

    I love it atop fresh steamed green beans and off of a spoon all by itself...Heaven! I am sure you can come up with many more uses. It makes the best food gift!! 

    Love Bacon as much as I do? Try one of my top 6 Bacon dishes:

    1. Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Quick Bread!
    2. Glazed Bacon Wrapped Sausage Bites
    3. Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
    4. Steamed Green Beans With Bacon Jam
    5. Sriracha Candied Bacon (Pig Candy)
    6. Grilled Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle Glaze
    Bacon Cheese and Jalapeno Quick Bread

    This recipe originally published on December 13, 2016. Updated April 26, 2022, to reflect changes in the recipe which I think make it better and easier.

    If you make this, show me 🙂 Tag me on Instagram or Facebook @sb15admin

    Enjoy! -Colleen

    The BEST Homemade Food Gifts Bacon Jam - Easy to make and adds such dimension to vegetables, sandwiches, burgers and more! Makes a great food gift!

    Recipe for Bacon Jam

    Colleen Kennedy
    This Bacon Jam recipe makes an amazing food gift. use it as an appetizer and top a baked Brie or crostini. Spread onto toast. avocado toast or add a dollop to your fried eggs or avocado toast. I also love it atop green beans and burgers! So many uses.
    4.69 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 oz
    Calories 398 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds Bacon
    • 1 ½ cups of chopped Vidalia onion
    • 4 large cloves garlic, minced or 3 TBS garlic paste
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • ¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • 2 TBS balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup water (you could also add in a TBS or two of bourbon vs water)
    • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
    • Black pepper
    • Optional: a couple of dashes Cayenne red pepper IF you like heat and sometimes I add in 2 TBS of maple syrup towards the end

    Instructions
     

    • Chop your bacon and cook until almost crisp, stirring it around often.
    • Drain all but ½ TBS or so of the bacon grease out.
    • Add in the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes.
    • Next, add in the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring the whole time.
    • Add in brown sugar, vinegars and water. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Add in Thyme sprigs and pepper and continue simmering another few minutes, stirring often, being careful not to burn.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference if necessary.
    • Remove Thyme sprigs and allow the mixture to cool.
    • You can then pulse the jam a few times in your food processor for a finer jam or leave it as is. Up to you.
    • Once completely cool, store in airtight jars in your refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
    • Heat it up a bit to enjoy on whatever you like. If you need to after reheating adding a TBS or so of water if the jam is too thick.

    Notes

    You can tinker withy the flavors in the easy to make condiment. Add in some minced jalapenos if you enjoy spicy. Add in a TBS or two of Bourbon (in place of part of the water) for a different flavor.
    Swap out shallots for onions, change up the type of vinegar you use etc. Make it your own.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12gCalories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 508mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Bacon Jam, How to make bacon jam
    Follow me on Tik Tok for 1 minute videos

    Enjoy!!

    Since I am not a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist, I use a WordPress plug-in to calculate the nutritional information provided in the recipe card.

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    19070 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. LaNeshe says

      December 13, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      I love the Hattfield Applewood bacon. Cool recipe!

      Reply
    2. Jo-Lynne Shane says

      December 13, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      YUM. I mean, bacon!!! But I'd never have thought to make jam with it. So cool.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        December 13, 2016 at 10:32 pm

        Bacon Jam can change your life for the better!!

        Reply
      • T Jackson says

        June 01, 2020 at 8:29 pm

        Just wait till you try it. It is amazing.

        Reply
        • Scott C says

          December 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm

          4 stars
          Made it yesterday, and again today as some will be given away

          Reply
          • Colleen says

            December 21, 2021 at 3:54 pm

            Hope people love it!

            Reply
            • mike says

              June 26, 2022 at 6:53 pm

              5 stars
              Just made today for burgers, always wanted to try. Added a little of my smoker rub and a touch of bbq sauce, it was so good.

            • Colleen says

              June 27, 2022 at 1:09 pm

              Woot! Sounds amazing Mike!

      • Wendy Lichti says

        March 13, 2023 at 10:05 am

        Can you freeze this?

        Reply
        • Colleen says

          March 13, 2023 at 8:08 pm

          I have not tried to. I would say no, however I am just not sure.

          Reply
    3. Rachel says

      December 14, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Perfect for Christmas morning!

      Reply
    4. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 15, 2016 at 5:50 am

      I loooooooooove bacon jam and this looks perfect!!

      Reply
    5. Kim Beaulieu says

      December 15, 2016 at 9:03 am

      We love bacon jam. It's good on everything. Or solo. Eating right out of the jar is totally acceptable. This is gorgeous.

      Reply
    6. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

      December 15, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      ooo I am so making some of this for Thomas! oooo A perfect Christmas gift!

      Reply
    7. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says

      December 15, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      I would SO be your BFF if you gave me a jar of bacon jam for Christmas. Slathering this on toasted bread for a BLT sammie is nothing short of brilliance. It's nice that you have a business like Hatfield that is committed to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices in your area.

      Reply
    8. Karyn Granrud says

      December 17, 2016 at 8:44 pm

      Whoa!! What a tasty and totally unique gift to give to the neighbors! I bet your house was smelling amazing after cooking up all that bacon!

      Reply
    9. Nora Barnum says

      July 05, 2017 at 7:54 pm

      Looks amazing...I plan to make some! I have a couple of questions:
      If I wanted to can this for later use...how long would you suggest I put it in a hot water bath?
      Your picture shows the jam in a 16 oz. mason jar. The recipe says it makes 12 oz., so quantity-
      wise, how much do you actually end up with?
      I'm just trying to figure out how much I'd need to make 4 - 16 oz. canning jars.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Martha says

        August 11, 2017 at 2:05 am

        As a home economist I would not recommend trying to can this type of item . Because of the high fat and the densities of the ingredients it would be very difficult to kill all of the potential bacteria. This would not insure a safe product. It should be stored in the refrigerator as listed.

        Reply
      • ANNA M HOELSKEN says

        April 17, 2020 at 4:59 pm

        4 stars
        I haven't made it yet. Wanting more information like canning.

        Reply
      • Tess says

        March 24, 2021 at 6:32 pm

        I would refer to the ball canning book for canning meat. It would need to be pressure canned at 90 minutes or so depending on altitude and size. But there are no ingredients in it that suggests it cannot be canned.

        Reply
    10. Nadine Reedy says

      July 11, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      I am also wonder about quantity. Seems like a lot of bacon & expensive for just 12oz of jam. Also would like to can.

      Reply
      • Robin says

        January 06, 2020 at 12:30 am

        Yeah but its homemade bacon jam... cant really put a price on that🥓🥓🥓

        Reply
    11. Karen Napholz says

      June 13, 2018 at 12:31 am

      Can this be frozen like “freezer jam”?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 13, 2018 at 10:24 pm

        I have not tried that...It's always gone!

        Reply
      • Kelley says

        May 05, 2019 at 11:54 pm

        5 stars
        Yes. I fill small jars then store in the freezer. Works great

        Reply
    12. Mike Workman says

      June 17, 2018 at 10:06 am

      Sounds like a great recipe which I would like to try but Vidalia onions are not available in the UK. Any suggestions for a suitable replacement?

      Reply
      • Laura says

        December 20, 2022 at 9:50 am

        Vidalia onion is a sweet onion; any sweet onion would do.

        Reply
    13. Janet says

      June 27, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      I live in northern part of the US. Vidalia don't have a long shelf-life, so the onions often are mushy by the time they get to our stores. I stopped using them long ago.

      Yelllow-skinned onions are fine to use, IMO. If the onions you are using are eye-watering, nose-burning strong, use a bit less, and saute a bit longer being careful not to burn or over brown.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 30, 2018 at 12:41 pm

        Great answer, thanks Janet!

        Reply
    14. Pamela Carnley says

      July 04, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this recipe this morning. We will be using tonight for our 4th of July hamburgers! This recipe is so yummy!

      Reply
    15. Anna says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:24 pm

      2 stars
      Too sweet for my taste. To fix it I had to add another pound of bacon and another cup of onion. To cut on the sweet taste I added a cup of coffee. Next tune I would decrease the sugar to 1/3 of the amount. I would add more if needed.

      Reply
    16. Laura says

      April 06, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      I just pinned this recipe because I am certainly going to make it.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 07, 2020 at 1:20 pm

        I give it as gifts during the holidays (as now some of the past recipients do as well, lol)!

        Reply
    17. Linda says

      April 09, 2020 at 4:54 am

      We don't like onions but use a lot of onion powder, can this be used instead? Or any recommendations for something other than onions?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:50 pm

        Hi Linda, It's traditionally made with onions, if you like things spicy...sweet and spicy...maybe use a couple jalapenos or a mix of poblanos and jalapenos? Just an idea. Let me know what you come up with.

        Reply
    18. Anne Lawton says

      April 11, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect addition to a burger! Pinned to make this real soon.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:45 pm

        YES! Amazing on burgers! Enjoy!

        Reply
    19. Jersey Girl Cooks says

      April 11, 2020 at 11:48 pm

      5 stars
      I want to put this on everything!

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:44 pm

        Haha! Do it! I seriously goes with SO many things! Even ice cream!

        Reply
    20. Terri says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      ALL THE BACON?! You lucky girl! I had to move out before I could get all the bacon. Wow - this bacon jam sounds like it's right up my alley - I could get all the bacon this way 🙂

      Reply
    21. Carlos at Spoonabilities says

      April 12, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      A couple of years back I thought it was crazy the idea of bacon jam but after I tasted I got totally hooked! I'm pretty sure that homemade bacon jam will taste even better.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:42 pm

        Bacon...anything makes me happy! I literally eat this off the spoon lol!

        Reply
    22. Eileen Kelly says

      April 13, 2020 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      I can't get enough of this bacon jam. It is great on a toasted baguette and perfect added to a charcuterie platter.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 14, 2020 at 1:21 pm

        You and me both!! Lol! Bacon is one of the best parts of life!

        Reply
    23. Javier Carvajal says

      May 13, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      Hi, did you tweak the recipe? Thought it mentions using dried apricots before?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        May 15, 2020 at 5:57 pm

        I did, I found it to be better this way.

        Reply
    24. Jo says

      August 11, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      Can the bacon jam be canned so it will last longer.

      Reply
    25. Sylvia LaCost says

      December 11, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Is the thyme a necessary ingredient? I never have fresh thyme on hand.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        December 15, 2020 at 7:14 pm

        No, it is not necessary. I just like the subtle flavor. I grow it along with oregano in a pot so I always have it on-hand.

        Reply
    26. Kathaleen Harris says

      January 02, 2021 at 8:38 pm

      5 stars
      Brought this bacon jam and some red onion jam to hunt camp. Both are great on burgers. Can’t get a lot of fresh stuff out there but these jams MADE the hamburgers!

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        January 06, 2021 at 9:09 pm

        Fantastic!! Thanks for the rating & glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    27. Kay says

      January 16, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      Can’t wait to make this! Sounds absolutely delicious! Can’t seem to find Sherry vinegar, can I use white wine vinegar ?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        January 21, 2021 at 8:55 pm

        Yes, you can sub that out, no problem. Enjoy!

        Reply
    28. Colleen says

      April 21, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      Nice, love that! And yes...Bacon is LIFE!! Thanks for the comment Marie!!

      Reply
    29. Michelle says

      June 05, 2021 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      Holy smokes this is so delicious!! Just when you thought everything was better with bacon... you learn about bacon jam!!!

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        June 08, 2021 at 6:07 pm

        Yesss, life is better with Bacon Jam in it! so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    30. DTAG says

      January 01, 2022 at 4:41 pm

      How much dried thyme if you don't have fresh?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        January 02, 2022 at 11:16 am

        Start with 1/4 teaspoon, then taste and adjust.

        Reply
    31. Mike says

      January 25, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      I have not made this yet but have already made some mental note changes. For the bacon I am going to use the ends and pieces they sell in bulk, and chop it up. With all the other ingredients the brand will not make a big difference. In place of brown sugar I am going to use pure maple sugar, and also add a couple Tbs of real maple syrup. Instead of grd black pepper I'm going to use cracked black pepper.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        February 02, 2022 at 1:04 pm

        Sounds good! When I first began making this years ago, I would go to the Amish farmers market by me and get the bacon ends, works perfectly!

        Reply
    32. Peggy Davison says

      February 20, 2022 at 11:46 am

      Can you freeze or can the jam?

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        February 23, 2022 at 10:44 am

        I can't see why you can't freeze it. I have never done it myself, but it should freeze well.
        I have no experience with traditional canning.

        Reply
    33. Shirley Baxter says

      March 13, 2023 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      Can't wait to try it my husband lovesbacon. I have heard of it I'm from Texas so canning is popular, but have never had revipe,thanks.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        March 13, 2023 at 8:08 pm

        Enjoy!!

        Reply
    34. Robert Mertens says

      March 13, 2023 at 8:58 am

      Cannot view the recipe a window pops up over the recipe and it blocks the recipe from being viewed. No way to move or close the window.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        March 13, 2023 at 8:07 pm

        I have no idea why that is happening, apologies! Is that on a PC, tablet or phone? I just checked on PC and iphone and it was fine. Hit the jump to recipe button up top and then scroll slightly. I will put recipe here as well for you. 2 pounds Bacon
        1 ½ cups of chopped Vidalia onion
        4 large cloves garlic, minced or 3 TBS garlic paste
        1 cup brown sugar
        ¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
        2 TBS balsamic vinegar
        ¼ cup water (you could also add in a TBS or two of bourbon vs water)
        6 sprigs of fresh thyme
        Black pepper
        Optional: a couple of dashes Cayenne red pepper IF you like heat and sometimes I add in 2 TBS of maple syrup towards the end
        INSTRUCTIONS
        Chop your bacon and cook until almost crisp, stirring it around often.
        Drain all but ½ TBS or so of the bacon grease out.
        Add in the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes.
        Next, add in the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring the whole time.
        Add in brown sugar, vinegars and water. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
        Add in Thyme sprigs and pepper and continue simmering another few minutes, stirring often, being careful not to burn.
        Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference if necessary.
        Remove Thyme sprigs and allow the mixture to cool.
        You can then pulse the jam a few times in your food processor for a finer jam or leave it as is. Up to you.
        Once completely cool, store in airtight jars in your refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
        Heat it up a bit to enjoy on whatever you like. If you need to after reheating adding a TBS or so of water if the jam is too thick.
        NOTES
        You can tinker withy the flavors in the easy to make condiment. Add in some minced jalapenos if you enjoy spicy. Add in a TBS or two of Bourbon (in place of part of the water) for a different flavor.
        Swap out shallots for onions, change up the type of vinegar you use etc. Make it your own.

        Reply

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