If you’re on the hunt for a burst of bold, sweet, and smoky flavors all wrapped into one irresistible spread, then you absolutely must try this Bacon Onion Jam Recipe. It’s that perfect fusion of caramelized onions and crispy bacon that transforms simple ingredients into a jam that’s nothing short of magical. Whether you’re slathering it on a burger, dolloping it over cheese, or just savoring it by the spoonful, this jam promises to elevate your dishes with its rich depth and mouthwatering complexity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each is essential in building the jam’s perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The combination creates a luscious texture and vibrant color that’s as inviting as its flavor.
- Bacon (1 pound, cut into ½” pieces): This provides the smoky, salty backbone critical to the jam’s rich, hearty taste.
- Salted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds creaminess and helps caramelize the onions beautifully for that perfect softness and golden hue.
- Sweet onions (1 pound or about 4 medium): Their natural sweetness deepens as they caramelize, balancing the saltiness of the bacon.
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Introduces a subtle molasses note that amplifies the jam’s overall sweetness and complexity.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and intensifies flavor layers.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, plus more to taste): Enhances all flavors, ensuring the jam hits that perfect savory-sweet harmony.
- Cayenne pepper (a pinch, optional): Gives a gentle kick of heat to awaken the palate and contrast the jam’s sweetness.
How to Make Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by adding the cut bacon pieces to a large skillet over medium heat. Spread them out so they don’t overlap, allowing each piece to crisp up evenly. Stir occasionally for about 12 to 14 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease, but don’t toss that bacon fat from the pan just yet. Leave about 1 tablespoon of it behind—it’s liquid gold for flavoring your onions!
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
With the remaining bacon grease still in the skillet, add the tablespoon of salted butter and then toss in your chopped sweet onions. Now, patience is key here. Cook the onions on medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes, for 20 to 25 minutes until they transform into a golden, soft, and irresistibly caramelized mountain of sweetness. This step is where the magic happens, breaking down the onions’ sugars and developing their lush texture and rich color.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the crispy bacon to the caramelized onion pool in your skillet. Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and if you’re up for it, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything cook together for another 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency that’s sticky, sweet, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove your skillet from the heat and allow the jam to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer this delectable concoction to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to a week, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy your Bacon Onion Jam Recipe over and over again.
How to Serve Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
Garnishes
This jam shines when used as a garnish. A dollop atop a soft goat cheese crostini or melty brie instantly turns simple appetizers into crowd-pleasers. It also adds a stunning sweet-savory contrast when spooned over grilled meats or even scrambled eggs for a breakfast upgrade.
Side Dishes
Use the Bacon Onion Jam Recipe as a flavorful side addition to roasted vegetables or mixed into mashed potatoes for that unexpected extra punch of smoky sweetness. It’s a game-changer alongside a rustic board of cheeses and charcuterie, giving every bite a taste boost you won’t forget.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the jar and use your jam as a centerpiece in your dishes. Layer it on burgers right before serving, swirl it through dips, or even incorporate it into grilled cheese sandwiches for a ooey-gooey, caramelized delight. It’s truly a versatile gem that invites creativity with every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Onion Jam should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping it chilled preserves its intense flavors and prevents spoilage. Within about a week, it will still taste fresh and delicious, ready to boost your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep the jam longer, freezing is an option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving room for expansion. Frozen jam can last up to three months without losing its signature taste and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your jam after refrigeration or freezing, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will soften the jam back to its luscious consistency without cooking it further, preserving that rich flavor combination you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?
While sweet onions are preferred for their natural sugars and milder flavor, you can certainly use regular yellow onions. Just keep in mind the jam might be a little less sweet and slightly more pungent, so adjust the brown sugar accordingly.
Is it necessary to use balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar provides a beautiful tang and depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, a splash of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. The flavor profile might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
How spicy does the cayenne pepper make the jam?
The pinch of cayenne gives the jam a gentle, background warmth that balances the sweetness—it’s subtle enough not to overpower, but you can easily omit it if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I make this jam vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you would need to skip the bacon and perhaps add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor, but it won’t quite replicate the deep umami bacon offers.
What are some good storage containers for this jam?
Glass jars with airtight lids are ideal for storing Bacon Onion Jam. They keep the jam fresh, prevent odors from spreading in the fridge, and allow you to easily see how much jam is left.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Bacon Onion Jam Recipe, it will quickly become your secret weapon in the kitchen for adding layers of flavor to so many dishes. It’s an easy recipe that rewards your time with a jam packed full of soulful, savory-sweet goodness. Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and sweet Bacon Onion Jam recipe that combines crispy bacon, caramelized sweet onions, and a blend of brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to create a flavorful spread perfect for enhancing sandwiches, burgers, or appetizers.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon (cut into ½” pieces)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 pound sweet onions (about 4 medium onions)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Spread it out in a single layer and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, line a plate with a paper towel. Once bacon is fully cooked and crispy, remove it from the pan and place on the paper towel-lined plate to drain. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.
- Caramelize Onions: Add butter and onions to the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, or until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the bacon back to the skillet and stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Cool and Store: Allow to cool to room temperature before storing in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper according to taste.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to one week in a sealed container.
- Use as a condiment on sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for crackers and cheese.
- Be sure to cook the onions slowly over medium heat to achieve the perfect caramelization without burning.
- Adjust the salt to your preference after cooking, as bacon and butter already contain salt.
