Really, is there anything better than the smell of bacon cooking? I don’t think so. I’ve been making this jam for a while now, I make it for brunch to put on my toast or for dinner to put on my burger. I give it as gifts and I also use it in some of my marinades. It’s such a versatile recipe that you can stash in your fridge or freezer to break it out for any dish you’re looking to jazz up with this sweet, savory and salty mix.
The bourbon is very subtle but it can be omitted if you’re not into that, if you are, bourbon away! Tonight we’re putting this on bison sliders with manchego cheese and all the toppings. It’s going to be a good night indeed.
I use Daily’s Thick Cut Peppered Bacon, which is the best. This bacon is from Missoula, MT and it’s a true testament to good meat coming from the Northwest. It is nationally distributed so you can find it in your local grocery stores.
Get creative and enjoy this on everything…and I do mean everything.
What do I mean by everything? I’m glad you asked….
Make grilled cheese! Serve with Roasted Tomato Soup and it will make your year. I promise.
Before serving, warm in the microwave for a few seconds. And just in case, put it on a paper towel to prevent a mess in your microwave, got to be prepared!
Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam
Quick and easy Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam that you can use on everything from toast in the morning to your burgers at a BBQ. Make a big batch and give as gifts during the holidays. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon, sliced into lardons
- 1 whole Sweet Onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Bourbon, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
Directions
- Step 1 Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Render fat and crisp over medium heat. Remove crispy bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain and drain out the remaining fat.
- Step 2 Add sliced onion to the pan. Cook over medium heat until onion is caramelized and golden brown, about 10 -
- Step 3 15 minutes.
- Step 4 Spoon caramelized onions and bacon into a blender or food processor, blend until roughly smooth. Add back to the pan.
- Step 5 Mix the maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar together in a bowl. Add the liquid mixture to the pan with the bacon and onion. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes until mixture looks thickened.
- Step 6 Turn off heat and add the 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pan. Mix and allow bacon jam to sit for 10 minutes to cool slightly before putting in an air tight container. Store in the fridge for 2 weeks or freeze.
Savor and Enjoy!
This is my third batch of Bacon Jam (using different recipes each time). I really appreciate the instruction about putting just the bacon and caramelized onions in the food processor first, BEFORE adding the sticky stuff. The previous recipes called for adding everything first and cooking it down, before putting it all in a food processor. Sticky mess, trying to scrape everything off the blades. Thank you!!! I’m gonna perfect this bacon jam or DIE TRYING!!!
YAY Peggy!! I totally feel you on this because I too struggled with other recipes that had everything go in at once and everything was a mess when trying to blend it. I’ve also tried it without blending too, which I kind of like sometimes, it leaves it a little more rustic.
This looks amazing! Is this jam one that can be processed/canned for longer term storage?
Hi Danielle, I really haven’t tried to process it, it definitely doesn’t last long in my house! I would say it probably wouldn’t be stable enough to can though because it lacks proper acidity to process and would be susceptible to botulism. So I’d stray away from that and just make it as desired and eat it up!
Cheers,
Victoria
Thinking of using this as a filling for chocolate cupcake!!
Sweet and Savory! I love it! Let me know how it turns out Betsy! Cheers!