Bacon Jam

5 from 7 votes

If you've never tried Bacon Jam before your life is about to change for the better. Spread it on toast, chuck it in a grilled cheese or even on a burger!

Prep Time5

Cook Time55

Total Time1

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: Jam

Servings: cup

Author: Chris Collins

Cost: £1 / $1

Equipment

Large, Deep Frying Pan
Food Processor (see notes)
Wooden Spoon
Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

1lb / 500g Bacon, chopped
1 large White Onion, diced
1/3 cup / 65g Brown Sugar
1/4 cup / 60ml Maple Syrup
1/4 cup / 60ml Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup / 60ml Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup / 60ml Strong Brewed Coffee
1/4 cup / 60ml Bourbon
Salt & Pepper, as needed

Instructions

Fry bacon over medium heat until crispy with the fat fully rendered. If there is a considerable amount of fat then remove it from the pan as well (around 1 tbsp leftover to fry the onion is fine).
Add in the onion and fry until it begins to pick up colour, then turn the heat to low. You want to fry it for a good 20-25mins to caramelize them and bring out as much sweetness as possible. If they begin to brown/char the heat is too high. Stir occasionally until deep golden, soft and sticky.
Turn the heat back up to medium heat and add the bacon back in. Stir in sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon and coffee. Bring to a gentle simmer for around 15-20mins and allow to reduce until the liquid soaks up and becomes sticky. Test for seasoning and adjust if desired.
Pop in a food processor and blitz until desired texture (see notes for storage).

Video

Notes

a) How to store Bacon Jam - You can keep it in an airtight jar for up to a week (or longer at your discretion). It's best served straight away, but if you do keep it in the fridge then let it come to room temperature or warm in a pan over low heat, otherwise it'll be too hard. Add a splash of water to loosen up if needed.

b) Pan Heat - Important to fry the bacon at no higher than a medium heat. This will help render down as much fat as possible (just pour out what's not needed). With the same token it's important to fry the onions on a low heat to tickle out as much natural sweetness as possible. Don't rush either of these, it's worth the patience!

c) I don't like coffee, do I have to add it? - I don't like or drink coffee either, this is one of the only contexts I'll ever use it. You don't distinctively taste the coffee, but it gives a gorgeous deep background flavour, so I highly recommend using it.

d) I don't like bourbon, do I have to add it? - Same again, neither do I on its own. Here it adds a very gentle but delicious tangy background kick. Most, if not all of the alcohol will burn off, but if for whatever reason you can't drink alcohol just leave it out (replace with water/beef stock to thin out in replacement as needed).

e) Food Processor - If you don't have a food processor I recommend finely dicing the bacon once it's cooked, before you add it back in the pan. Also just dice the onion as finely as you can.

f) Calories - Based on 1/4 cup of jam.

Nutrition