Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe

Who said that jam had to be sweet and not savory? No on one. Bourbon Bacon Jam is a revolutionary addition to any kitchen. 

I love jam. Jam makes everything just a little bit better. The same adage applies to bacon so why not combine the two? It might take some getting used to, but once you take that first bite, there’s no going back.

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.

What is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is sweet, smokey and salty condiment made with bacon, brown sugar, sometimes syrup and sometimes onions and other savory and sweet elements. Some call it a relish while others call it a jam.

Most bacon jam recipes require you to cook on the stove top and then transfer to a slow cooker or a food processor. I think both of these create extra, unnecessary steps.

In my opinion, Bourbon Bacon Jam should be rustic. It should be packed with large pieces of bacon so you can not only see what you are eating but so you can get that fantastic bacon texture as well. 

If a recipe calls for something smoother, I may give it a little blend with an immersion blender or finely chop. In this instance, I want my Bourbon Bacon Jam to be hearty and toothsome. 

Bacon Jam ingredients, or at least my recipe, includes thick cut, quality bacon, maple syrup, bourbon (can be omitted), brown sugar and sherry vinegar.

All recipes vary just a little. The sherry vinegar is what really set this recipe apart from the others. 

You can also use vanilla vinegar, champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet, spicy and savory jam! 

I prefer the stovetop from start to finish as well because the liquids evaporate better. This leaves you with more of a syrup consistency which is what I want in my jams. 

Great news! After making Bourbon Bacon Jam, it will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks in an airtight container and also freezes well. Don’t be afraid to double, triple or even quadruple this recipe to have some on hand year round.

Use Bourbon Bacon Jam on Deviled Eggs, my Bacon Jam Scallops, in sweet recipes like Chocolate Bacon Jam Cookies or slathered on a grilled cheese sandwich or mile-high burger.

You can even just top it on cream cheese and use it as a spread. Deliciousness!

What is Bacon Jam made of?

• Bacon- Because this is a bacon forward dish, cheese a good quality, center-cut bacon. Picking an applewood smoked versus pepperd or even jalapeno flavor, will also impact the overall flavor profile.
• Shallot- this provides a gentle onion flavor. Swaps include a vidalia onion or just a plain red or white.
• Garlic- garlic is optional, but helps to supplement the other flavors and isn’t meant to be strong.
• Light brown sugar- Or dark brown sugar works too, but since you are adding syrup too, you don’t really need more molasses.
• Sherry vinegar- Rich and just a little sweet, this aged vinegar offers complex flavor that balances sweet and salty elements. Substitutions can include champagne vinegar (although milder), red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar. I’ve seen some use apple cider vinegar as well.
• Water- Water helps the mixture thin out so it doesn’t burn while the sugars caramelize, develop flavor and cook down.
• Maple syrup- Use real, grade A maple syrup, not imitation or watery syrup. Molasses can be swapped too.
• Bourbon- Bourbon is another lovely flavor, but it optional. The alcohol will cook off, so no worries about alcohol intake.
• Yellow Mustard- Many recipes use fancy mustards, but good ole, plain yellow works for me. A smooth and creamy Dijon mustard would be my only other choices.
• Dash of salt- This is optional and only if needed. Bacon usually carries enough salt to season.

Bacon Jam Recipe substitutions and additions

Customizing your bacon jam recipe can be so much fun! Suggestions for swapping out the vinegars and mustard are above, but also consider these fun ideas:

• Jalapenos- Add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeno or another type of pepper.
• Feel free to leave out the onions and garlic for a purely sweet and salty jam.
• Add smokiness by smoking the jam when finished or giving it 1/2 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke.
• Use molasses instead of maple syrup for a slightly sweet and bitter taste.

How to make Bacon Jam

1. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until done and on the verge of crispy, approximately 10 minutes.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Remove from the heat and stir well.

Bacon Jam Uses: How to serve this recipe for Bacon Jam

The sky is the limit and nothing is off limits for bacon jam. Here are my favorite ways to use it.
– Slather onto a burger or hot dog.
– 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.

How to store Bacon Bourbon Jam

How long does Bacon Jam last?

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.

Can you freeze Bacon Jam?

Yes, 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

Try some of my other favorite condiment recipes:

• Nashville Sauce
• Quick Garlic Aioli
• Spicy Ketchup Recipe
• Chipotle Aioli Recipe
• Garlic Butter Sauce for Pizza

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Bacon Jam Recipe FAQs

What is bacon jam used for? Anything you can slather, can use bacon jam! Sandwiches, avocado toast, grilled cheese, sweet cookies and more!

What is the difference between a jam and marmalade?  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. 

Is bacon jam keto friendly? 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. 

Can bacon jam be frozen? You can freeze bacon jam in an airtight container or plastic bag after removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for 3-4 months.

It will be super thick and really sticky, but if you heat it and add some sort of liquid, either water or sherry, you should be able to thin it out. 

Can you jar or can bacon jam? 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. 

My bacon jam is too thin, how do I thicken it? 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. 

Can I make bacon jam without bourbon? You sure can! Omit the bourbon and add the same amount of water. 

Why do you put water in bacon jam? The water prevents your jam from getting too thick and sticky while it continues to reduce and build flavor. It will eventually evaporate off. 

Bacon Bourbon Jam

4.36 from 144 votes

My Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe will change the way you see jam. This jam is sweet and savory and also happens to be the most versatile condiment around. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 2 cups

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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

Bacon jam can be kept in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks, however, allow to come up to room temperature or heat for a few seconds in the microwave before serving or attempting to spread.

 

For a smoother jam, pulse the mixture in a food processor until desired consistency. 

Nutrition

Calories: 2265 kcal, Carbohydrates: 180 g, Protein: 44 g, Fat: 135 g, Saturated Fat: 45 g, Cholesterol: 224 mg, Sodium: 2364 mg, Potassium: 1172 mg, Sugar: 164 g, Vitamin A: 125 IU, Vitamin C: 3.9 mg, Calcium: 207 mg, Iron: 2.8 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 2265

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon jam recipe, bourbon bacon jam