Bacon Onion Jam
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This Bacon Onion Jam with bourbon is a rich, savory jam with a hint of sweetness. You’ll love adding it to cheese platters, slathering it on burgers or grilled cheese, or eating it directly from the pot with a spoon.
If you love this sweet savory jam, you’ll also want to check out our Tomato Bacon Jam!
Table of Contents
The first time my husband tried this Bacon Onion Jam, he immediately informed me I’d grossly underestimated the amount we needed.
I originally made this bacon jam for burgers, but after trying it, we knew this stuff was going to be put on all.the.things.
Grilled chicken. Melba toast. Crackers and cheese. Biscuits. Salmon. And of course, Breakfast Burgers and Bacon Jam Burgers.
Sweet and salty flavor combos are kind of my jam (Get it??? *wink wink*), and this Bacon Onion Jam hits the mark. Only one thing could make it better and that’s bourbon. GAH. It’s BOOZY bacon jam, y’all!
If the idea of bacon jam is weirding you out, picture this: Crisp salty bacon and caramelized onions are reduced with bourbon, honey, and balsamic until a rich, thick jam forms. We add a pinch of cayenne so all the flavors are covered–sweet, salty, tangy, and a tad spicy, all in one perfectly spreadable condiment.
If you like maple bacon or a sprinkle of salt on your chocolate chip cookies, we think you’ll love this Bourbon Bacon Jam!
Ingredients:
- Bacon– I prefer smoked bacon that isn’t super thin, so it still has good texture after being cooked with the jam.
- Onions- A sweet yellow onion or Vidalia will have the best flavor.
- Bourbon– You can definitely taste the bourbon in this jam, so don’t use any brand you wouldn’t enjoy drinking.
- Honey– Here’s where the sweetness comes from! Feel free to substitute maple syrup if you prefer.
- Balsamic vinegar gives the jam a little tang and extra richness.
- Cayenne pepper– If you enjoy a hint of heat, add a pinch (or several).
How to Make Bacon Onion Jam
- Cook the bacon. Add the chopped bacon to a Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot. Set over medium high heat and cook the bacon until brown and crisp, stirring occasionally. It will look steamed and watery at first, but then start to foam and crisp up. This will take 10-15 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions. Drain all but one tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan, then add the butter and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes, or until the onions are softened and just starting to caramelize.
- Stir in additional flavors. Add the bourbon to the pot scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the honey, then turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil about two minutes, stirring often. Add the vinegar and boil another minute.
- Add the bacon back to the pot, reduce heat to medium low, and continue to cook 6-8 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and dark.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Bacon Onion Jam should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will keep for about a week.
To serve, reheat however much you need in a microwave safe container for 40-60 seconds.
What does bourbon bacon jam taste like?
This jam is like a mash up of caramelized onions and candied bacon. The bourbon and balsamic vinegar add a bit of sharpness that plays against the sweet sultry honey, bacon, and onions.
Bacon onion jam is much less sweet than traditional jam. It still retains a lot of the savory qualities of bacon, but with a welcome touch of sweetness.
What does bacon jam taste good on?
SO MANY THINGS!
- Biscuits and biscuit sandwiches
- Scrambled egg sandwiches
- Scrambled eggs
- Salads, particularly spinach salads
- Grilled Cheese (try it on our Air Fryer Grilled Cheese!)
- Burgers, particularly Breakfast Burgers and Pimento Cheese Burgers
- Charcuterie and cheese boards- make bourbon bacon jam the centerpiece surrounded by your favorite cheeses and meats.
One of my favorite ways to use bacon onion jam is for a quick appetizer featuring crackers topped with goat cheese and a scoop of jam. Delightful!
What can I use leftover bacon grease for?
Cooking a pound and a half of bacon leaves you with A LOT of leftover bacon grease. We love to save the fat to grease the pan for cooking Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes or eggs, sauteing onions (onions sauteed in bacon grease is one of life’s great pleasures, or tossing with Air Fryer Potatoes.
Bacon Onion Jam with Bourbon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 large sweet yellow onion (chopped)
- Salt
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chopped bacon to a Dutch oven or other heavy bottomed pot. Set over medium high heat and cook the bacon until brown and crisp, stirring occasionally. It will look watery for awhile, but will eventually begin to foam and crisp up. This will take 10-15 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
- Drain all but one tablespoon of the bacon grease from the pan, then add the butter and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes or until the onions are softened and just starting to caramelize.
- Add the bourbon to the pot scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the honey, then turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil about two minutes, stirring often. Add the vinegar and boil another minute.
- Add the bacon back to the pot, reduce heat to medium low, and continue to cook 6-8 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and dark.
Notes
- Leftover bacon onion jam should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat however much you need in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before serving.
Can you canned this jam? If so,what is the amount of pressure and how long is the time?