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 do you serve with bacon jam? ›

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 is the bacon jam made of? ›

Cook until the onions are caramelized—this should take around 15 minutes. Then, add your garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, chili powder, and bacon back into the pan. Cook until the liquid has reduced, and the mixture is thick and deliciously jammy.

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.

What is Irish bacon jam? ›

A sweet and savoury jam made using the finest dry-cured and smoked Irish bacon. Enjoy with cheese, on a burger or just spread on crusty bread, everything is better with bacon!

What flavors go best with bacon? ›

The sweetness of jam is a winning match with salty, fatty bacon. Much like the classic maple and bacon pairing, the sweetness of jam brings out the flavour of bacon and vice versa.

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.

Can I leave homemade jam out overnight? ›

The Best Way to Store Jam and Jelly

You can technically store opened jams and jellies at room temperature—but only in a cool, dark place and for about a week after opening, says Lee. Here's why: Jams and jellies have high sugar and acid levels, which protect against spoilage.

What is the pink stuff on bacon? ›

Salt prevents bacterial growth either by directly inhibiting it or by its drying effect. Most bacteria require substantial amounts of moisture to live and grow. Sodium nitrite produces the pink color (nitrosohemoglobin) in cured bacon.

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

Homemade jams can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months when properly stored and unopened. Once open, it's best to consume it within 1 to 2 months if refrigerated. The lifespan depends on various factors, including the type of fruit, sugar content, and storage conditions.

How long do homemade bacon bits last in fridge? ›

Can homemade bacon bits be stored at room temperature? Homemade bacon bits should always be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage. Bacon bits will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or up to 6 months in the freezer.

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 do you preserve homemade jam for a long time? ›

Put the jam into containers and freeze: Pour the jam into clean freezer containers or canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. (Plastic freezer containers with tight-fitting lids work well for storing freezer jams and jellies.) Cover the containers and let stand for 24 hours, or until the jam has set and become firm.

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