Who said that jam had to be sweet and not savory? No one. Bourbon Bacon Jam is a revolutionary addition to any kitchen. Bourbon Bacon Jam is a jar of goodness every household should have around. Easy to cook, easy to eat, and easy to freeze for those days when a craving hits.
Gather This
While this is a complex jam in terms of flavor, the ingredients are really very simple. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Bacon – Because this bacon jam is a bacon forward dish, cheese a good quality, center-cut bacon. Picking an applewood smoked versus peppered or even jalapeno flavor, will also impact the overall flavor profile.
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Light brown sugar
- Sherry vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Bourbon
- Yellow mustard
- Dash of salt
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I like to add a dash of sea salt to bring out the other flavors of this bacon jam, but it is totally optional! Bacon itself is quite salty already.
- Seasoning – Add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeno or another type of pepper to add some heat. Add smokiness by smoking the jam when finished or giving it 1/2 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke.
- Swaps – Feel free to leave out the onions and garlic for a purely sweet and salty jam.
- Sauces – Use molasses instead of maple syrup for a slightly sweet and bitter taste.
- Senses – Bourbon bacon jam is rich and smoky, with the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon and caramelized onions. It’s sticky and thick, with sweet, salty, and boozy notes that hit your tongue in waves—savory and bold.
Perfect Pairings
The sky is the limit and nothing is off limits for bacon jam. Here are my favorite ways to use it.
- Slather onto a gourmet burger or hot dog for a better burger.
- Use is on crostini with brie or other savory cheese.
- Serve it on a salad.
- Use it to top deviled eggs.
- Top chicken, beef or pork with this heady condiment.
- Use it in a grilled cheese or other sandwich or panini.
- Dip for crackers.
- On a charcuterie board, cream cheese board, butter board or any cheese boards.
Bacon Bourbon Jam
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound bacon , cut into inch slices then cut in half
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 large shallot , minced
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon , optional
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Dash of salt , optional
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until done and on the verge of crispy, approximately 10 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan. Discard the rest and reduce to low heat.
- Add the garlic and shallot directly to the same skillet with rendered bacon fat. Soften for approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, vinegar, water, syrup, bourbon and mustard. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, ir until it starts to thicken and liquids are reduced by about 25%. It will not fully thicken until it starts to cool off-heat.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Remove from the heat and stir well.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Bacon bourbon jam is loaded with items that preserve fairly well naturally. Kept in the refrigerator, it should last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature to soften.
You can freeze bacon jam in an airtight container or plastic storage bag. Remove as much air as possible for freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Bacon Jam Recipe FAQs
Anything you can slather, can use bacon jam! Sandwiches, avocado toast, grilled cheese, sweet cookies and more!
Jams are made from combining fruit and sometimes raisins, nuts, and coconut. Marmalades are usually made of citrus fruits and contain pieces of the peel suspended transparent jelly. Technically there is no such thing as a bacon jam or bacon marmalade, but jam seems to fit it better.
I am not a keto expert, but I would say no. Although bacon is considered to be keto-friendly, bacon jam is made with brown sugar, which is not keto approved.
I hear from canning experts that it is possible to can bacon jam and from others that it isn’t, however I’ve never canned anything in my life and I don’t want to give you bad advice. I would advise against it and just freeze your bacon jam.
Generally speaking, just keep simmering it on low and it will thicken. It is also smart to take it off the heat before it is the right consistency. As it cools, it will thicken even more and you run the risk of it getting too sticky.
More Homemade Condiments
Homemade condiments and sauces are my jam (pun intended!) Here are some of my favorites.
Hi! This looks amazing. Would it be okay to can using a waterbath? I’m not sure since it has bacon but either way-yummy!
I haven’t tried it- but I would think so! Let me know how it goes!
Or you could try asking one if the More experienced facebook groups like “no canning police” or “rebel canners” who have lots of experience, history and realize that all early canning was wAterbath. Most of the world doesnt pressure can.
NO. Water bath is for high acid foods only. This can’t be pressured canned either unless you find a researched recipe on a valid site like UC co-op extension,, Washington, NCHFP.uga.edu, Ball’s site “fresh preserving.
I substituted vanilla vinegar for the sherry vinegar. Turned out amazing!
Great idea!!!
Does this freeze well? I would like to make a double or even triple batch.
I’ve never froze a batch, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t!
Hi! Making this tomorrow! Can I sub apple cider vinegar for sherry vinegar? Thx! I have everything else!!
Sure can!!!!
Not sure what I did wrong but the onion was overpowering. Not pleasant.
Did you use a shallot or an onion? Shallots are generally mild, but you can get a hot one every once and a while. It might not be you doing anything wrong, just a wayward onion.
I hope you try it again without onion.
This sounds scary delicious to me!
I’ve been meaning to try something like this!! Now I have no excuse! It looks delicious!
This sounds absolutely amazing Jessica! Pinned and Shared!
#ibabloggers
Oh wow, Jessica! What delicious and creative idea! I wish you can send some over. 🙂
This jam sounds over-the-top delicious, Jessica!
Totally loving this! I don’t think food could get much better then Bacon Jam!