Imagine the smoky aroma of crispy bacon mingling with sweet, ripe tomatoes and a hint of spice—there’s something irresistible about Bacon Tomato Jam.
This easy-to-make condiment combines comfort and indulgence in every bite, making it a favorite for any occasion.
As the ingredients simmer together, they transform into a rich, savory jam that elevates any dish it touches.
Let’s bring this flavorful creation to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 pound tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Bacon Tomato Jam, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (10 minutes):
- Spend around 10 minutes reading the recipe thoroughly and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Chop the bacon, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Dice the tomatoes and measure out the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
- Cooking (1 hour):
- Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (approximately 10 minutes).
- Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels.
- Sauté the chopped onion in bacon fat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup, stirring to combine.
- Return the bacon to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Resting (15 minutes):
- Allow the jam to cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Return the bacon to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Allow the jam to cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container.
Serving Tips
- Spread on a Sandwich: Add a savory twist to your favorite sandwiches by spreading a layer of bacon tomato jam for extra flavor.
- Burger Topper: Enhance the taste of your burgers by using the jam as a unique and tasty topping.
- Cheese Pairing: Serve alongside a cheese platter to complement a variety of cheeses with its sweet and savory notes.
- Breakfast Delight: Use as a topping for toast or bagels to give your breakfast a flavorful kick.
- Dip for Crackers: Serve as a dip for crackers or crostini for an easy and delicious appetizer.
Storage
Store Bacon Tomato Jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Confirm it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Prevent condensation by cooling thoroughly.
Freezing
To freeze Bacon Tomato Jam, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to three months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat Bacon Tomato Jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally. This preserves texture and flavor.
It makes the jam ideal for sandwiches or burgers.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Tomato Jam is a versatile condiment that adds a rich, savory flavor to a variety of dishes.
With a perfect balance of sweet and smoky notes, it’s a delightful addition to sandwiches, burgers, or even as a topping for toast.
This jam is easy to prepare, and its robust taste makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to enjoy its deliciousness whenever you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
You can definitely substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon. It’ll bring a lighter flavor and less fat. Make sure to cook it until crispy, ensuring it still delivers that delightful crunch and depth to your savory condiment.
What Tomatoes Work Best for This Recipe?
You should use Roma tomatoes for this recipe. Their firm texture and low moisture content make them ideal for creating a rich, thick jam. Plus, they offer a balanced sweetness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Jam?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms. These alternatives offer a rich, savory flavor, ensuring your jam retains its delicious taste while catering to vegetarian preferences.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To adjust the spice level, simply tweak the cayenne pepper amount. For milder heat, reduce it or omit entirely. If you crave more kick, add extra cayenne or include some red pepper flakes. Customize to your taste!
Can I Use Honey Instead of Maple Syrup?
You can definitely use honey instead of maple syrup. It’ll add a different sweetness profile, slightly floral and rich. Just make sure to use the same amount as the maple syrup to maintain the perfect balance in your dish.
Bacon Tomato Jam
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
- 1 airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon chopped
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 pound tomatoes diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Return the bacon to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Allow the jam to cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container.
Notes
