Introduction

Best Bacon Jam Recipe is sweet, smoky, salty, and irresistibly rich—crispy bacon slowly simmered with onions, brown sugar, and a splash of acid until it transforms into a glossy, spreadable jam. This addictive condiment hits every flavor note at once and elevates everything from burgers and grilled cheese to breakfast sandwiches and cheese boards. Bold, indulgent, and surprisingly easy, bacon jam is pure flavor magic.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Sweet and savory balance
Deep smoky bacon flavor
Easy stovetop recipe
Perfect for burgers, toast, and appetizers
Make-ahead and giftable

Ingredients (makes about 1½ cups)

1 lb bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brewed coffee
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Slotted spoon
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Cook the bacon

Add chopped bacon to a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until bacon is fully cooked and crisp, 10–12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

2. Sauté the onion

Add diced onion to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized.

3. Add garlic

Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown.

4. Build the jam base

Add brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, coffee, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

5. Simmer

Return cooked bacon to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy. The liquid should reduce significantly and coat the bacon.

6. Adjust texture

For a chunky jam, leave as is. For a smoother spread, pulse briefly with an immersion blender or food processor—do not over-blend.

7. Cool

Remove from heat and let cool 10–15 minutes. The jam will thicken further as it cools.

8. Store or serve

Transfer to a clean jar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Mistakes to avoid

Cooking bacon too fast — uneven texture
Leaving too much grease — oily jam
High heat simmer — burned sugar
Over-blending — paste-like texture
Skipping acid — overly sweet result

Variations of the Best Bacon Jam Recipe

Bourbon Bacon Jam — replace coffee with bourbon
Spicy Bacon Jam — add jalapeños or more chili flakes
Onion-Heavy — double the onions
Honey Bacon Jam — swap maple syrup for honey
Smoky — add smoked paprika

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight jar up to 3 weeks
Freeze up to 3 months
Always use a clean spoon
Warm slightly before serving for the best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bacon jam actually jam?
It’s a savory relish-style spread, not fruit jam.

What should I serve it with?
Burgers, grilled cheese, eggs, biscuits, crostini, or cheese boards.

Can I make it less sweet?
Yes—reduce brown sugar slightly.

Do I need to can it?
No—this is a refrigerator jam, not shelf-stable.

Conclusion

Best Bacon Jam Recipe is bold, indulgent, and dangerously good. With crispy bacon, slow-simmered sweetness, and a touch of acidity, it turns everyday foods into something unforgettable. Make one batch, and you’ll immediately wish you made two.