Go Back
Print

Recipe for Bacon Jam

This recipe for Bacon Jam is a delicious edible gift. Serve it as an appetizer over crostini or baked Brie. Apply to toast. avocado toast, or top your avocado toast or fried eggs with a dollop. I also adore it over burgers and green beans! So many applications.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time38 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Recipe for Bacon Jam
Yield: 12

Materials

  • 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 fry it, tossing frequently, until it's almost crisp.
  • Remove all except about ½ TBS of the bacon fat by draining it.
  • Add the onions and cook for approximately five minutes.
  • After that, add the garlic and stir-fry it for one to two minutes.
  • Stir in water, vinegars, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Stems of thyme and pepper should be added. Simmer for a few more minutes, stirring often and being cautious not to burn.
  • If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning to your preferred level.
  • After removing the thyme sprigs, let the mixture cool.
  • The jam may then be left as is, or pulsed a few times in your food processor for a finer jam. It's your call.
  • After fully cooled, keep in your refrigerator for up to three weeks in sealed jars.
  • To enjoy on anything you choose, slightly warm it up. If the jam is too thick, you may thin it down after warming by adding a TBS or two of water.

Notes

The tastes of this simple-to-make condiment may be adjusted. Add a little minced jalapeño if you like things hot. For a variation, use a TBS or two of Bourbon for some of the water.
Replace shallots for onions, experiment with other kinds of vinegar, etc. Take ownership of it.