If you think bacon can’t get any better, you haven’t tried bacon jam. Bacon Jam takes bacon to the next level. You have to try this Bacon Jam recipe!
There is no better way to top a burger than with Bacon Jam. And this Bacon Jam has all the flavor to take burgers to the next level.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to consumers. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Keep in mind that we link these products because of their quality, not because of the commission we may receive from purchases.
What is Bacon Jam?
Basically, bacon jam is a relish made from bacon, sugar, and spices along with a liquid. It is slow-cooked until it resembles a jam-like consistency.
Bacon Jam is also known as bacon marmalade or bacon spread. It has a smoky sweet flavour that compliments many dishes
Ingredients For This Easy To Make Bacon Jam
This recipe has ten ingredients in total and is very easy to make in one pot.
- Bacon. This is the main ingredient and should be of good quality. We like to use applewood smoked bacon but any flavour bacon will work. Just remember that if you use a strong flavour like maple, it will be dominant in the finished jam.
- White onions. These onions add a touch of sweetness to the jam and balances out the saltiness of the bacon.
- Garlic. there is a lot of garlic in this recipe.
- Brown Sugar. This sugar adds a caramel like flavour and complements the bacon.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. This is used to add tang to the jam.
- Beef Stock. Bacon usually has a good amount of salt in it so we use reduced sodium beef broth.
- Beer. Any type of beer you like. It can also be non alcoholic beer if that is your preference. It can also be omitted and replaced with additional beef broth.
- Cumin.
- Cayenne. Optional but it adds a touch of heat.
- Black pepper.
How To Make Bacon Jam
This Bacon Jam recipe is made on the BBQ but it can also be cooked on a stovetop as well. The entire recipe is made in one pot so it is easy to clean up.
To make this recipe, a large heavy bottom pot is used. You will also need a sharp knife to cut the bacon into small pieces and for chopping the onions and garlic.
Is Beer Necessary For This Recipe?
Some recipes call for water as the liquid. In this recipe, beer is used as the liquid with beef stock which adds a different flavor to the jam. The beer I use for this recipe is usually Pabst Blue Ribbon but any beer you have on hand will work. Non-alcoholic beer could be used.
If you prefer not to use beer, substitute the beer in the recipe for additional beef stock.
Reheating Bacon Jam
To reheat the jam once it has cooled, simply add what you need to a microwave-safe bowl and reheat 30 seconds at a time, stirring after 30 seconds, until heated through.
It can also be reheated in a pot on the stove. Place what you need in a small pot and heat on medium-low stirring, until heated through.
How to Serve Bacon Jam
Our favourite way to enjoy Bacon Jam is on burgers, but there are other ways to enjoy this sweet bacon condiment.
- Bacon Jam can also be added as a compliment to a charcuterie board. It goes well with sliced salami and olives.
- Top a baked Brie with Bacon Jam and serve with toasted crostini or fresh French bread.
- Or to top a cracker with cheese. Any variety of cheese will do, but cheddar, Brie, or goat cheese are our favourites.
- It can be mixed with melted cheese to top nachos or tacos.
- Add it to a grilled cheese sandwich or any kind of panini.
- There are many different ways you can use this jam.
- Add to a salad
To make the best burgers, check out How to Make Perfect Burgers.
How To Store Bacon Jam
This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge in a mason jar for up to one month.
It can also be stored in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bacon
- 2 large white onions, diced
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 2 cans of beer, 355 ml each
- 3-4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Heat BBQ to 350°F or as close as possible
- Chop bacon and add to a heavy bottomed pot
- Cook on BBQ until browned
- Remove bacon and set aside
- Leave about 3 Tbsp of the bacon fat in the pot, and do not scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic and 1 can of beer to the pot and cook until onions are softened and translucent , stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to release any small bits of bacon on the bottom.
- Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, spices and continue cooking until the onions are caramelized.
- Add the bacon back to the pot with the second can of beer and enough broth to just cover the bacon
- Simmer on low heat (about 250°F), stirring often, adding broth when needed. There should always be some liquid in the pot to avoid burning
- Continue simmering until the mixture forms a jam like consistency
- Store bacon jam in mason jars in the fridge
