Imagine the aroma of crispy bacon mingling with sweet onions and rich coffee wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something comforting about creating a delicious batch of bacon jam, a favorite for its indulgent yet simple allure.
As the ingredients simmer and meld together, they transform into a luscious spread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Let’s bring this delightful condiment to life and savor its unique blend of flavors.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 small bowl
- 1 airtight jar
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To create an efficient timeline for making bacon jam, we need to take into account the prep time, cook time, and resting time, along with some additional time for reading and understanding the instructions.
Here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Chop 1 pound of bacon.
- Dice 1 large onion.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Cooking (40 minutes)
- 0-10 minutes: Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 10-15 minutes: Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- 15-16 minutes: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 16-18 minutes: Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, and maple syrup. Mix well.
- 18-19 minutes: Return cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- 19-20 minutes: Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
- 20-40 minutes: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
- Resting and Storage (10 minutes)
- 40-50 minutes: Remove the skillet from heat and let the bacon jam rest.
- Once cooled, transfer the bacon jam to an airtight jar for storage.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy, about 10 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, and maple syrup to the skillet and mix well.
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Season the mixture with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the bacon jam rest for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bacon jam to an airtight jar for storage once it has cooled.
Serving Tips
- Cheese Board: Pair the bacon jam with a variety of cheeses for a savory and sweet addition to your cheeseboard.
- Toast Topping: Spread it over toasted bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Burger Enhancer: Use it as a topping for burgers to add a rich, smoky flavor.
- Eggs Companion: Serve alongside scrambled or poached eggs for a hearty breakfast twist.
- Pizza Garnish: Add it to a homemade pizza for an unexpected and delicious burst of flavor.
Storage
Store bacon jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze bacon jam, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container.
Label with the date and use within three months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat bacon jam, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.
Enjoy with your favorite dishes!
Final Thoughts
Bacon jam is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes.
With its combination of sweet, smoky, and savory notes, it pairs wonderfully with cheese, toast, or as a topping for burgers.
For best results, use thick-cut bacon to guarantee a hearty texture.
You can also adjust the sweetness or spiciness by varying the amount of brown sugar or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Feel free to get creative with its use and enjoy the rich, delicious flavor it brings to your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bacon Jam Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can craft this savory concoction in a slow cooker. Just sauté the bacon and onions first, then combine all ingredients. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a delightful spread.
What Is the Best Bacon Type for Bacon Jam?
You should choose thick-cut bacon for the best bacon jam. Its rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture create a luscious, savory spread. The thickness guarantees a satisfying chew that perfectly balances the sweetness and tangy undertones.
Can I Substitute Coffee in the Bacon Jam Recipe?
Yes, you can replace coffee with a rich beef broth or robust black tea. These alternatives infuse the mixture with deep, savory notes, enhancing the jam’s complexity while maintaining its luscious, velvety texture and aromatic allure.
Is Bacon Jam Gluten-Free?
You’re in luck! Bacon jam is typically gluten-free. It combines savory bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy apple cider vinegar, creating a rich, luscious spread without gluten. Always check ingredient labels to verify all components are gluten-free.
How Long Can Bacon Jam Be Left Unrefrigerated?
When you leave it unrefrigerated, bacon jam’s savory aroma and luscious texture may tempt you, but don’t let it sit out for more than two hours. Bacteria thrive quickly, jeopardizing its rich, smoky flavor and safety.
Bacon Jam
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 airtight jar
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it is crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, and maple syrup to the skillet and mix well.
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
- Season the mixture with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the bacon jam rest for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bacon jam to an airtight jar for storage once it has cooled.
Notes
