Sweet and Salty Recipe for Bacon Jam

This post on my recipe for Bacon Jam was sponsored by Perdue Farms where I am a brand ambassador, and I may receive compensation from affiliate links included here.

There is nothing better than the combination of sweet and salty. The additional layers of flavor that the combination of these two things unlocks registers as the pinnacle of deliciousness in our mouths. That’s why this Sweet and Salty Recipe for Bacon Jam is a winner on so many levels.

The salty crunch of quality bacon pieces is combined with brown sugar, maple syrup and caramelized onions for an ideal combination. We love to eat Bacon Jam on burgers, crackers and cheese, in sandwiches like the Monte Cristo and much more. It’s one of those staples we keep in a jar in our refrigerator, ready for anything.

Bacon Jam recipe with brown sugar, maple syrup, caramelized onions and more, served in a glass jar — Bacon Jam is the JAM.

Why Do We Crave Sweet and Salty Things?

Scientists have even studied this flavor combination, and found that it’s all in our human tastebuds. There are additional sweetness receptors in our tongues that trigger in the presence of salt. This makes things taste even better to us because these tastebuds are activated. Makes sense – this is why many of us crave chocolate covered pretzels, or salt in chocolate chip cookies, or salted caramel anything!

And bacon??? Well don’t get me started on why I could make a meal out of bacon any time (several meals, actually). Just check this very blog for other recipes that include bacon to enhance them. To be helpful, I included some links to recipes with bacon at the bottom of this story.

Coleman Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon cooked and presented on brown plate — I could eat bacon at every meal, especially if it’s the good stuff.

Recipe for Bacon Jam

It just makes sense that bacon would be made into a sweet and savory jam. This is why I created my own homemade recipe for Bacon Jam, since it can get a little pricey to buy at the specialty market. When you make this at home, remember to use high quality bacon for the best flavor. I prefer Coleman Natural Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon from Perdue Farms. This bacon has a flavor depth like no other, and you can order it shipped directly to your home here.

Coleman Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon package — I like to start with the best bacon, which is why I use Coleman Natural brand.

Ingredients

1/2 pound Coleman Natural Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium shallots, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup balsamic or cider vinegar

1/2 tsp. chili powder

ingredients for making recipe for bacon jam including bacon, onion, shallot, garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, cider vinegar and chili powder. — Bacon Jam ingredients start with the best bacon from Coleman Natural.

Instructions on Recipe for Bacon Jam

In a medium pan, fry bacon pieces until brown and crispy. Remove from pan and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan, and discard the rest.
Fry the pieces of bacon until brown and crispy.
Add onions and shallots to pan, stirring constantly until caramelized – about 15 minutes.
Mix in the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low, cooking until liquid is reduced and mixture is jammy – about 10 minutes.
Cool in pan and transfer to small serving bowl. Eat entire bowl with spoon in one sitting. (kidding, but it’s that good!)

Print Recipe

Recipe for Bacon Jam ingredients in frying pan including fried bacon pieces, caramelized onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, cider vinegar and chili powder. — Combine all Bacon Jam ingredients in the pan to cook together until jammy.

Serving Ideas for Bacon Jam

This recipe for Bacon Jam will yield enough for several servings, and keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container. If you are feeling fancy, spoon some Bacon Jam on to crackers with bleu cheese for a delicious snack. We love it on hamburgers with melted cheddar cheese, garlic aioli and a thick slice of beefy tomato. And of course, you can also include bacon jam in my Monte Cristo sandwich recipe which will be found here very soon. (Link forthcoming!)