Description
This Smoky Bourbon Bacon Jam is a sweet, savory, and smoky spread that will transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary! Made with crispy bacon, rich brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, this jam is perfect for adding gourmet flavor to burgers, cheese boards, or even breakfast dishes. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor—an absolute must-try for bacon lovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and bourbon. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Cool and store: Once the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Make ahead: This bacon jam tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so feel free to prepare it in advance.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Variations: Substitute bourbon with whiskey or strong brewed coffee for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Condiment/Spread
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg