Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe
Sweet, smoky, and downright irresistible — this homemade bacon jam is the savory spread you’ll want to slather on everything from burgers to breakfast toast!
You are about to meet your new kitchen obsession. This sweet and smoky bacon jam turns ordinary dishes into flavor-packed showstoppers!
If you’ve never made bacon jam before, buckle up — because your kitchen’s about to smell like heaven. This sweet condiment is the perfect balance of brown sugar, maple syrup, and smoky cooked bacon, simmered into one magical mixture.
Bacon jam is as good on crackers as it is on a charcuterie board. It can turn a picky eater into a bacon enthusiast, a dull dinner into a flavor explosion, and a regular mom into a legend (just sayin’).
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about bacon jam! It hits every note — sweetness from brown sugar and maple syrup, savory depth from onions and garlic, and that irresistible smoky flavor only bacon can deliver.
It’s the kind of savory condiment that instantly elevates any meal. Spread it on English muffins, spoon it over vegetables, or serve it as a burger topping that’ll blow ketchup out of the water.
This jam is easy to make in batches, stores beautifully in the fridge, and makes an incredible gift — if you can bring yourself to share, that is.
Try bacon jam on sliders, as part of a charcuterie board, or on this grilled cheese burger.
Every time I make a batch of this bacon jam, it mysteriously starts disappearing from the fridge. My teenage boys have become full-on bacon bandits, sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar.
I thought this recipe would be a “grown-up thing,” but my kids now request it on grilled cheese sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and (don’t ask me why) even crackers at 10 p.m. Honestly, I’m not mad about it.
Homemade Bacon Jam
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: None
Servings: (2) 6-oz. mason jars
Supplies
- Mason jars – Perfect for storing your jam or gifting it to your favorite bacon lover.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Bacon, diced and cooked – Use good quality, thick-cut bacon for a rich, meaty texture that holds up beautifully in the jam.
- 1 White onion, finely diced – Adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic – Garlic makes everything better, and this bacon jam is no exception.
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed – This gives the jam its gooey, candy-like texture and hint of molasses flavor.
- ½ cup Maple syrup – A drizzle of maple syrup deepens the sweetness.
- ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar – The acidity cuts through the richness of the bacon fat and balances it out.
- Salt and Pepper – Add these basic seasonings to taste.
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat if you like a little kick to your sauces.
Instructions
1. Start by dicing your bacon and adding it to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add your diced onion, garlic, brown sugar, syrup, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
Tip: You can sauté the onions first if you want extra caramelization, or simply boil everything together.
3. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil, then continue to boil for another 10 minutes before reducing to a simmer.
4. Add cooked bacon back in and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Spoon the jam into two 6-oz mason jars, let it cool, and store in the fridge.
Serve and enjoy! Add your bacon jam to burgers, pizza, or even stirred into your morning eggs for a little smoky magic.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a medium pan for even cooking — this helps prevent scorching as the mixture thickens.
- If you love a deep, rich flavor, try swapping the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar.
- A touch of black coffee or coffee flavor in the liquid gives the jam extra depth and smokiness.
- Pulse the cooled jam in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Let the jam cool completely before sealing — it thickens and sets beautifully as it rests.
- Always store your bacon jam in the fridge and use within two weeks for the best taste and texture.
This recipe also makes the perfect homemade gift! Fill a cute jar, tie on a ribbon, and suddenly you’re the hero of every holiday brunch and backyard BBQ.
It’s thoughtful, delicious, and — let’s be honest — a little show-offy in the very best way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade bacon jam last?
When stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, your bacon jam will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Can I make bacon jam without vinegar?
You can, but the apple cider vinegar adds essential acidity that balances out the sweetness and richness. Without it, the jam can taste overly sweet.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes! Dark brown sugar gives your jam a deeper flavor and a more caramelized finish. Just note, it’ll be slightly richer and darker in color.
What can I serve bacon jam with?
It’s amazing on burgers, crackers, charcuterie boards, grilled cheese sandwiches, or spooned over roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic appetizer spread!
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — the more bacon jam, the better! Just use a large skillet or make it in batches if your pan isn’t big enough.
Whether you spoon it onto your morning toast, sneak a taste straight from the jar, or serve it as a fancy topping on your next burger night, this homemade bacon jam is guaranteed to impress. Just don’t be surprised when everyone starts asking for “that bacon stuff” every weekend.
If you love this homemade bacon jam recipe, please give it a five-star review and help me share it on Facebook and Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too!
Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Bacon diced and cooked
- 1 White onion finely diced
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- ¾ cup Brown sugar packed
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Start by dicing your bacon and adding it to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add your diced onion, garlic, brown sugar, syrup, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Tip: You can sauté the onions first if you want extra caramelization, or simply boil everything together.
- Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil, then continue to boil for another 10 minutes before reducing to a simmer.
- Add cooked bacon back in and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Spoon the jam into two 6-oz mason jars, let it cool, and store in the fridge.
Nutrition
