This rich and syrupy recipe is the best accompaniment for any dish. Add your sweet and smoky homemade bacon jam to anything and everything!

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

How to Make Homemade Bacon Jam // The Steps
Step 1: Slice the bacon into 1/2 inch strips.

Step 2: Add the bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Cook the bacon until it gets brown and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.

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.

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.

Step 6: Return the bacon to the pan.

Step 7: Add coffee, vinegar, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, and pepper.

Step 8: Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
sherry
Thursday 1st of December 2022
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?
BakedBree
Sunday 4th of December 2022
Hi Sherry - what about using monkfruit sugar like this one . Let me know if you try!
Sherry
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
I just made the batch with decaf coffee and with pure vanilla extract instead of regular coffee & bourbon. Looks so yummy.
I saw someone asked about how to serve it (warm/ chilled)... but do you refrigerated it first and then when ready, just warm it up first? Or do you take out and let it sit to become room temperature (let it sit out 1hr+)? Or do you just leave it on the counter after it cool and then it's okay for a few days? As I said, I just made the batch and it's currently cooling. I was hoping to use it for my charcuterie board for Thanksgiving (this Thursday).
Bree Hester
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
I would not let it sit out for a few days. I would just microwave it for a few seconds to get the chill off. I also would dish some out and not put the whole jar in.
Reno Venturi
Thursday 13th of August 2020
I am wondering if this amazing recipe can be canned?
Bree Hester
Thursday 13th of August 2020
I honestly, don't know. I would do a little research on the Bell Canning website and see if there is a similar recipe.
Maggie
Thursday 20th of November 2014
Best served warm or chilled?
bakedbree
Thursday 27th of November 2014
Room temperature or warm.
Jc
Monday 19th of August 2013
I have a Problem, the jam is very liquid and it Looks bad :/
bakedbree
Wednesday 21st of August 2013
SOrry, you might need to let it boil longer.