Bacon onion jam never lasts long. This highly addictive savory sweet spread, also called bacon marmalade, can be used for nearly anything a typical jam is used for, and more.
Patted in a little mason jar and cinched with a ribbon, it’s a perfect gift for anyone on any occasion.
This simple bacon jam recipe is extremely easy to make, but it does take some time for all the simmering. You’ll have to set aside about an hour and half to get everything done to perfection. But it’s well worth it.
The key parts of this simple bacon onion jam recipe is, of course, the bacon and onion. You’ll be using a whole 1 lb package of bacon as well as one whole yellow onion. Simply chop them up and simmer them for about 30 minutes.
Then you’ll need to add a binder like light brown sugar and a smidge of maple syrup. Some black pepper and vinegar finishes off the flavor palette. Add a bit of cayenne pepper if you want similar flavors to a spicy candied bacon recipe.
Unlike other marmalades, bacon onion jam isn’t really ideal for canning and keeping for a long period of time. You can keep it in the fridge for about two to three weeks (although it probably won’t last that long given it’s popularity!)
One of the best ways to use bacon onion jam is as a condiment with burgers. Try making a crostini by topping toasted bread with it, or using it as a dipping sauce for fresh apple slices.
You can use a bit of this simple bacon marmalade on simple pasta, or on a cracker. Once you make this versatile bacon onion jam, you can explore your own favorite ways to use. it.
Try one of our other tasty recipes:
- Ultimate Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
- Arugula Bacon Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Print Recipe
Bacon Onion Jam
Simple bacon jam recipe. Bacon jam with caramelized onion and a light brown sugar glaze can be used in many ways – from a cracker spread to pasta sauce.
Prep Time12 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time57 minutes mins
Equipment
Cutting board
Sharp Knife
Frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 lb Bacon
- 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbl Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
Cut the pound of bacon into small bits, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Don't worry if some are stuck together because they will separate during cooking. Unlike cooking regular bacon, you can cook the whole pound at once.
Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat. Don't be in a hurry – slow cooked bacon is good in this recipe. Stir frequently during cooking so that bits separate from each other and can cook evenly.
Remove bacon pieces from heat and set aside.
Drain most of the bacon grease, either in a porcelain container to use later or in a disposable metal container like a can. Save about 2 Tablespoons in the pan.
Chop onion into small even pieces.
Slowly cook onion pieces in bacon grease. When they begin to turn clear/transparent (after about 5 to 10 minutes) and become soft, add the bacon pieces back in.
Add light brown sugar, pepper, vinegar and maple syrup.
Simmer the entire mixture for about 20 to 30 minutes. You will know when the bacon onion jam is ready when the onions have turned into a jam-like consistency.
For a more jam-like texture, you can run the mixture through a food processor quickly. However, bacon onion jam is also fine to eat with the larger pieces.
Notes
You can use bacon onion jam (bacon marmalade) in a variety of ways. Among them:
- On crackers or toast triangles
- As a condiment on burgers
- As a pasta glaze
- On apple slices
You can substitute another vinegar like balsamic vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.
For an extra kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne as the mixture simmers.
What Does Bacon Jam Taste Like?
Bacon jam, or bacon marmalade, has an unusual taste that is more sweet than savory. It does not taste exactly like bacon. Instead, caramelized onions along with a bit of brown sugar and maple syrup provide a layer of flavor that complements the bacon. You can use bacon jam a number of ways, from condiments on crackers to glazes for pasts.
What is Bacon Jam Made of?
Bacon jam is a simple recipe typically made with chopped bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and maple syrup. It may include other ingredients like balsamic, raisins, coffee, bourbon, or spices like cayenne. The mixture simmers together for about 30 minutes until it reaches jam-like consistency.
What is Bacon Jam Good With?
A simple recipe, Bacon Jam is often used as a condiment for burgers, but it has many possible uses. You can use Bacon Jam to glaze pasta or to coat vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots. You can use a dip for apple slices or other fruit, or to top a cracker. Some people use it as a chicken wing sauce, as a topper for top fish, or as an ingredient in meatloaf.
What is a Bacon Jam Burger?
A bacon jam burger is a hamburger that uses bacon jam, or bacon relish, as a condiment. Bacon jam has a sweet, savory flavor from its two main ingredients of caramelized onions and bacon, which are sauteed slowly to create a jam-like consistency. Bacon burgers can include many other toppers like cheese, lettuce, onions and can be served with or without a bun.
FAQs
Ingredients
- ¾pound slab bacon, diced into cubes.
- 4medium-size white or Spanish onions, peeled and diced.
- 1½teaspoons mustard seed.
- 2½tablespoons dark brown sugar.
- ¼cup balsamic vinegar.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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.
Can you leave bacon jam out overnight? ›
Please do not store bacon jam at room temperature. Storing bacon jam at room temperature poses the risk of botulism, a serious foodborne illness caused by the nerve toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore forming bacteria.
What is bacon marmalade made of? ›
Crisp salty bacon is simmered for hours with onions, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a couple of secret ingredients to create a soft, spreadable jam that's divine on crackers, toast, crostini or bruschetta, fresh vegetables, pita bread, new potatoes... the list goes on and on!
Is onion jam the same as onion marmalade? ›
This is sometimes referred to as 'onion marmalade' but I think jam is a more accurate description, and it's the perfect partner to cheese, sausages and left-over stuffing. The onions are first caramelised in butter, before simmering in a syrup of red wine, dark muscovado sugar and top-drawer vinegar.
What does bacon marmalade 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.
What pairs well with bacon jam? ›
10 Mouthwatering Ways To Use Bacon Jam
- Fried Fish "Surf & Turf" Sandwich With Hot Pepper Bacon Jam. ...
- Bacon Jam Burger. ...
- Pineapple Bacon Glazed Chicken Wings. ...
- Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese - @asimplepantry. ...
- Fried Plantains With Hot Pepper Bacon Jam. ...
- Smashed Avocado Bacon Toast. ...
- Pulled Pork Sandwich With Bacon Jam.
Jellies and jams do not need to go in the fridge because they have a water activity of around 0.80, and their pH is usually around 3. So they don't have enough moisture to support bacteria and are too acidic for them as well. Conclusion: Keep your jams and jellies wherever you want to.
Does homemade marmalade go bad? ›
"The guideline from the USDA is that all unopened home preserved food using the water bath or pressure canning method should be used within one year for the best nutritional value unless otherwise called out in the recipe," says Steve Galucki, who works in research and development for fresh preserving at Newell Brands, ...
How to tell if bacon jam is bad? ›
How do you tell if Bacon Jam is bad? Bacon jam getting bad isn't always super noticeable, particularly if it is homemade. You should check for any signs of mold developing on the surface, discoloration, an off smell, or a change in texture like hardening or lumps. These can suggest that your bacon jam has gone bad.
If stored and chilled properly, your Bacon Jam will stay fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 weeks.
What to do with bacon jam? ›
10 Great Uses for Tricky Fish's Bacon Jam
- #1: Breakfast Omelet. Bacon is the quintessential breakfast meat. ...
- #2: Breakfast Sandwich. Create your own breakfast sandwich with an English muffin, fried egg, butter, and homemade bacon jam.
- #3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
- #4: Chips & Dip. ...
- #5: Burgers. ...
- #6: Pasta. ...
- #7: Salad. ...
- #8: S'mores.
Pectin is key
“Mandarin marmalade is harder to make; mandarins don't have as much pectin. Lemons are really good. A lemon and ginger marmalade's a really nice one to make, lots of pectin, so that one will set easily.
What is the difference between making jam and marmalade? ›
Jams are made from one type of fruit or vegetable, whereas marmalade must use a citrus fruit in its preparation. Secondly, jams use the entire fruit by crushing, pureeing and cooking, whereas marmalades consist of the citrus peel, (not the whole fruit).
Is marmalade healthier than jam? ›
In terms of health, like its jam and jelly cousins, its healthiness largely depends on the amount of sweetness in the ingredients. However, marmalade's citrus base provides a boost of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
What is onion jam made of? ›
Saute onion in hot oil until soft and caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes. Add water, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture is simmering. Reduce heat to low and cook until mixture thickens and reaches desired consistency, about 30 minutes.
What can you eat bacon jam on? ›
Here are some creative ways to serve bacon jam that'll be a hit with your friends and family.
- Bacon Jam Biscuits.
- Bacon Jam Omelet.
- Pimiento Cheese and Bacon Jam Sandwiches.
- Add Bacon Jam to a Charcuterie Board.
- Add Bacon Jam to Grilled Burgers.
- Cream Cheese and Bacon Jam.
- Grilled Cheese and Bacon Jam.
- Bacon Jam Baked Beans.
What is Candied Bacon. Also known as Pig Candy, Candied Bacon is made by coating thick sliced of bacon in something sweet such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or caramel before baking until caramelized. It's fantastic crumbled on a salad or just served alongside a pint of your favorite beer.
What is Carls Jr bacon jam? ›
The jam combines bacon pieces, balsamic vinegar, caramelized onions and molasses, and according to Brad Haley, the chief marketing officer for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, the bacon jam is the true winner of the new burger.
