Bacon jam is a spread that started in Wales but is also made in other places. It is created by cooking bacon slowly with onions, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, then blending it in a food processor. It resembles the Austrian dish Verhackertes.
With just bacon, onions, and bourbon, you can create something incredible. This bacon jam is a versatile flavor boost! Use it on burgers, pizzas, mixed into roasted brussels sprouts, in grilled cheese sandwiches, or as an appetizer with a cheese board. The possibilities are nearly limitless.
Bacon Jam
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
This bacon jam is a multipurpose flavor explosion! Serve it on your next burger, pizza, stirred into roasted brussels sprouts, in a grilled cheese sandwich, or alongside a cheese board as an appetizer. The options might just be endless.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut, high-quality bacon, cut into 1/2” pieces
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Walla Walla, Vidalia, or Texas Sweet), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- a pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is rendered and is just slightly crispy.
- With a slotted spoon transfer bacon from skillet to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add onions to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, until the onions begin to caramelize.
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, vinegar, and cayenne to the onions. Allow mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring often, for an additional 10-15 minutes until the mixture has a thick jam-like consistency.
- Transfer bacon and onion mixture to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Notes
Bacon jam stores well in the fridge for 3-4 weeks or can be frozen for up to 6 months. When refrigerated some of the bacon fat will turn white and become solid, but once it’s brought back to room temperature just give it a quick stir and it will look good as new.
If you are interested in canning this jam, please reference this resource provided by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture for information on how to properly can foods that contain meat in order to eliminate the risk of botulism.