The BEST Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe - Perfect homemade food gift! (2024)

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This bacon jam recipe is one of THE best things I’ve ever eaten. Sweet, salty and savory and a great gift!

I am a BIG fan of edible gifts around the holidays, and this Bacon Jam recipe is one of my favorites! People LOVE to receive it, and I love to make it!

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This bacon and onion jam is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and savory with just a *little* kick of spicy!

You can definitely buy this jam, but honestly, it’s just not the same. They have to put heavy preservatives in it to make it safe to eat, and you can tell!

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The BEST Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe - Perfect homemade food gift! (3)

What is Bacon Jam, you say?

It’s a sweet and salty relish that you can use as a topping or spread on any number of things: toast or crostini’s, baked cheese, turkey sandwiches, baked potatoes, or quiche.

A local company here in Kansas City makes a similar jam, but it’s SO expensive, upwards of $20 per tiny jar.

This jam recipe does require a TON of bacon to be used, so it’s one of those recipes that really pays off to make at home.

And, I am notexaggeratingwhen I say that this particular jam recipe is one of the best things I have ever eaten. Seriously. No lies.

I packaged this jam gift in half pint jars. You can attach super simple chalkboard labels and write on them with awhite paint pen.

Add some decorative twine or a festive holiday ribbon, and you’re good to go! It was super simple to get these little jars ofbacon goodness ready for gift giving.

If you’re looking for more edible gift ideas for the holidays, I recommend this delicious Garlic Infused Olive Oil, my Christmas Cracker Candy or this homemade Hot Cocoa Mix.

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Can you can bacon jam?

I absolutely hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no, you cannot safely can bacon jam.

I tried to can the first batch I made and opened it after 3 months. The smell was off, so I threw it out. It turns out that it’s very likely bacteria will grow for this type of meat marmalade. And, there are several recipes out there that say you are able to this jam safely, so be cautious, friends! We don’t want to get ourselves or others sick.

After doing a bit more research, I learned that the best way to store this jam is to freeze it.

To freeze it, just leave a bit of head room in your freezer safe jar. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the jam. Once thawed, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

Serving Suggestions:

Bacon Jam is incredibly versatile and can be used in several ways! Use it:

  • On top of brie or soft cheese
  • On baked potatoes
  • As a sandwich spread
  • On top of your favorite grilled protein
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Michelle's Bacon Jam Recipe

Yield: 1.5 pints

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Bacon Jam Recipe. Sweet, salty and savory with brown sugar. Spread on crackers, bruschetta, baked brie or top baked potatoes or grilled meat! So versatile, and so yummy.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds bacon, raw, chopped
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Add chopped bacon to a large pot (I used a Dutch oven). Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the bacon starts to get crispy, and the fat is foaming.
  2. Drain bacon using a colander placed over a bowl. Save the drained fat.
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of bacon fat to pot and return to medium heat. Add onion and salt, then sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. While onions sauté, place the cooled bacon on a cutting board. Chop into small pieces, less than ½ inch.
  5. To onion mixture, add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper and pinch of cayenne. Add bacon back in to pot and stir.
  6. Add water and balsamic vinegar. Cook on low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture is "brick-brown" in color and thick.

Notes

  • This is best served slightly warm.
  • This recipe yields 1.5 pints. I recommend packaging in small half pint jars.
  • If the jam seems dry after all steps are completed, add another ½ cup of water and continue to simmer. It should have the consistency of a relish when all is said and done. It won't be thick like a jelly.
Nutrition Information

Yield 20Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 205Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 30mgSodium 408mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 6g

The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app, and may be incorrect.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Love this bacon jam recipe? I think you’d also love this Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts appetizer recipe, or this Blackberry Crumb Dump Cake!

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The BEST Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe - Perfect homemade food gift! (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade bacon jam last? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

What does bacon jam taste good on? ›

Our list of things we want to use this jam in is ever-growing. Here are just a few to get you started: warm potato salad, grilled asparagus, fresh tomatoes, panzanella, grilled cheese, crackers and goat cheese, spinach salad, a spoon, fresh garden peas, scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese...

How long does uncured bacon jam last in the fridge? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

What pairs with bacon jam? ›

Bacon jam is a condiment that pairs well with most grilled sandwiches. When you simmer the bacon, onions, brown sugar and coffee together, it reduces into a sweet and savory jam. A little effort goes a long way and it's a great accompaniment to sandwiches, cheese boards, pizza and pâté.

Do you put homemade jam straight in the fridge? ›

Once your jam is done, you can simply store it in the refrigerator for a long time and not worry about it spoiling. I pour it into small jars, cover them with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once the jam cools, you'll be able to see its final texture.

Is homemade jam good after 5 years? ›

A: For best quality, it is recommended that all home-canned foods be used within a year. Most homemade jams and jellies that use a tested recipe, and have been processed in a canner for the recommended time, should retain best quality and flavor for up to that one year recommended time.

How do you make jam more flavorful? ›

Spices open up a world of new flavors for your jams. Whole spices such as cardamom pods, allspice berries, black peppercorns, whole cloves, or cinnamon sticks can be infused in a sachet while the jam cooks, or small amounts of ground spices can be added directly in.

What makes bacon taste better? ›

Fat = Flavor

Generally speaking, the more fat on a strip of bacon, the better it will taste after it's cooked because more fat improves the flavors of the bacon as it cooks.

Why does homemade jam taste better? ›

A homemade jam with seasonal fruit or vegetables has a decidedly different flavor: more authentic, genuine. The advice we give you is to always follow seasonality because every season has its own delicacies and if caught in the right period will really allow you to capture all the essence to keep it in a jar.

How to tell if bacon has gone bad? ›

The most notable sign of rancid bacon is a change in appearance. Bacon that has gone bad doesn't retain its redness and will instead take on a brown, gray, or greenish hue, and the color itself will seem faded. Rancid bacon also takes on an unpleasant odor and may become sticky or slimy.

Why is my bacon jam not thickening? ›

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.

What to do with a jar of bacon jam? ›

10 Bacon Jam Uses That Make Everything Better
  1. Make a Bacon Jam Burger. ...
  2. Whip Up a Sweet and Savory PB&J. ...
  3. Swap It For Classic Bacon in a Breakfast Sandwich. ...
  4. Innovate the BLT. ...
  5. Serve the Best Charcuterie. ...
  6. Spread it on Toast. ...
  7. Make the Best Grilled Cheese Ever. ...
  8. Bacon Dressing, Anyone?
Oct 8, 2019

What pairs well with jam as a gift? ›

For a jam, scones are a classic choice, but you could always choose some fancy bread for a sandwich. A flavour pairing. Consider another food item to add an extra kick of flavour. Different cheeses pair well with both chutneys and jams, while dried fruit or perhaps something salty like nuts or crisps.

What does bacon jam taste like? ›

Depending on which bacon you use, it may taste like barbecue sauce. But it's usually a little sweeter. The taste of bacon jam is fantastic because, although it is salty, it is also sweet at the same time. It can even feel like maple syrup.

How long does homemade jam last in a Mason jar? ›

Shelf Life of Homemade Jam

Typically, homemade jam will last around 6 to 12 months when unopened and stored properly. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1 to 3 months to ensure the best taste and quality.

How long do homemade bacon bits last? ›

Storage: Bacon Bits: Store the bacon crumbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For more extended storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag and squeeze out all the air. They'll last in the freezer for up to three months.

How long does homemade bacon last in the fridge? ›

If you've cooked up more bacon than you can eat, you can store it in a well-sealed container for five to seven days in the refrigerator before it goes bad. If you don't think you'll be able to eat it in that time, you can freeze cooked bacon for about a month.

How long does homemade jam last in the fridge without pectin? ›

Cool the jam and move it to two jars.

Cool to room temperature. Seal, label with the fruit and the date, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

References

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