This rich and syrupy recipe is the best accompaniment for any dish. Add your sweet and smoky homemade bacon jam to anything and everything!
![Bacon Jam](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam_12-731x1024.jpg)
At our house, we eat a lot of breakfast for dinner. The kids love it, it is easy to make, and I always have breakfast items in my house. There are lots of breakfast for dinner recipes that I want to try, but the one that stuck out the most was bacon jam. Making the jam does take awhile, but it is really hands off. Other than a quick stir every now and then, it just simmers happily on the stove.
The idea of bacon jam might seem a little weird, but I assure you that it not weird at all. It is rich and complex, sweet and smoky, citrusy and syrupy. After I made it, I was thinking about all of the things that I could spread it on. A biscuit, slathered in a grilled cheese sandwich, or on a hamburger. I bet that it would even be really good on pancakes or waffles. As you can see, I served with cheese and crackers, which was amazing with an ice cold beer.
Why You Will LOVE This Recipe
- It takes a little bit of time, but most of the cooking is very hands off and the results are beyond worthwhile.
- The versatility of this homemade bacon jam is great. Have it on crackers, in your omelet, on top of pancakes, or anything that needs a sweet, savory, and smokey kick.
- Once stored, this bacon jam keeps well for weeks.
- Great for parties, gifts, or when you’re in the mood for a quick late night snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground pepper
![Bacon Jam](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam-1024x731.jpg)
How to Make Homemade Bacon Jam – The Steps
Step 1: Slice the bacon into 1/2 inch strips.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_1.jpg)
Step 2: Add the bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_2.jpg)
Step 3: Cook the bacon until it gets brown and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_3.jpg)
Step 4: Take the bacon out of the pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Set bacon aside. Try not to eat it all. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot, pour off the rest.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_4.jpg)
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Keep the onion mixture moving so the garlic does not burn.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_5.jpg)
Step 6: Return the bacon to the pan.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_6.jpg)
Step 7: Add coffee, vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, and pepper.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_7.jpg)
Step 8: Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_8.jpg)
Step 9: Transfer to a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped. Pour everything back into the pan and cook for another 15 minutes.
![Sweet and Smokey Homemade Bacon Jam bacon jam recipe](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bacon-jam_9.jpg)
Step 10: Add the bourbon and simmer for 30 minutes longer. The jam should be thick and syrupy. If the jam gets too thick at any point, add 1/4 cup to water to thin it out.
Step 11: Take off the heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to jars. This jam will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks.
![](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam_11-731x1024.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
You know how bacon goes with everything? So does bacon jam. I’m telling you, this recipe is going to become your new go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. I would add it as a topping for mac and cheese or a burger to add flavor to your main dishes. Or, pair it with a sweet dish like Nutella banana bread. I love this recipe because you can experiment with your homemade bacon jam to your heart’s content.
![Bacon Jam](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam_11_cropped-1-768x1024.jpg)
FAQs
If you’d rather not incorporate coffee, bourbon, or any of the other flavors, that’s absolutely fine! I would recommend replacing them with something you like the flavor of, because they’re included to give the bacon a smoky, sweetness. Try broth, juice, or some more water.
This recipe is all about patience. To achieve a thick texture, all of the liquids need time to reduce. Make sure you’re cooking your bacon jam without a lid over your Dutch oven, so your bacon jam can evaporate. If it’s still not thick enough, it just needs more time.
You can! Simply swap out the bacon for a meat-free alternative, like coconut bacon or shiitake mushrooms. The flavors and textures will vary, but you’ll still get to enjoy the sweet flavors and thick, spreadable consistency.
![Bacon Jam](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam_13-731x1024.jpg)
How to Store Homemade Bacon Jam
This jam will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. Just seal it tightly in a mason jar or similar container and label it so you know how long you have to enjoy it. No need to reheat (unless you want to), and I wouldn’t recommend freezing your homemade bacon jam because the syrupy texture will be difficult to bring back.
![Bacon Jam](https://bakedbree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bacon-jam_11_cropped-scaled-320x320.jpg)
Sweet and Smoky Homemade Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Slice the bacon into 1/2 inch strips.
- Add the bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Cook the bacon until it gets brown and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Take the bacon out of the pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Set bacon aside. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot, pour off the rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Keep the onion mixture moving so the garlic does not burn.
- Return the bacon to the pan.
- Add coffee, vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Transfer to a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped. Pour everything back into the pan and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Add the bourbon and simmer for 30 minutes longer. The jam should be thick and syrupy. If the jam gets too thick at any point, add 1/4 cup to water to thin it out.
- Take off the heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to jars.
My husband makes bacon. I used his homemade bacon and made this for Christmas gifts. I am sure everyone will love it. The whole time I was thinking how could I make this using alternative sugars and diet syrup. Bacon and fat are both keto friendly and I am always on that diet! Any ideas?
Hi Sherry – what about using monkfruit sugar like this one . Let me know if you try!