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
Marmalades usually have a bittersweet taste. We can also make vegetable jam, for example with onions or tomatoes. The only difference with marmalade is that jam is a bit sweeter. In both cases, we end up with a spreadable vegetable purée.
Do you put onion or bacon first? ›
When sauteing bacon and onion, always put the bacon in first to start rendering. Bacon takes close to 10 minutes to get crispy and onion will get translucent in about 5.
What is bacon onion jam made of? ›
Cook until the onions and shallots are caramelized, 15-20 minutes, stirring often. Mix in the garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and pieces of cooked bacon. Simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. It should be about the consistency of a jam.
Does bacon onion jam need to be refrigerated? ›
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. Why is botulism such a big deal? Botulism is as serious as food poisoning gets. It can result in respiratory failure and death.
Which is healthier jam or marmalade? ›
Is marmalade healthier than jam? Both jam and marmalade are marginally healthier than jelly, which is made with fruit juice, so doesn't have any fibre from the fruit pieces. Marmalade and jam have similar nutritional properties making them pretty much the same in terms of healthiness.
Why is it called onion marmalade? ›
Red Onion Marmelade
A savoury condiment that is easy to make, and goes with so many dishes at any time of year. The Marmalade in the name comes from the French use of the word rather than the English one.
When not to cook bacon? ›
How To Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
- Smell: Any off or sour smells are a good indicator that the bacon isn't safe to eat. ...
- Slime: If your bacon is slimy, it's a sure sign that bacteria are present and spreading on the meat. ...
- Discoloration: Green, grey, or brown discoloration means that the bacon is no longer safe to eat.
Heat up the butter or oil over a medium heat and fry the bacon for few minutes, before adding in the onions. Sauté for a further six minutes or so until the bacon is crispy and the onions are caramelised. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Why do you boil bacon first? ›
You cook over high heat until the water boils, lower the heat to medium until the water evaporates, and then cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is done. The theory here is that the water “keeps the initial cooking temperature low and gentle, so the meat retains its moisture and stays tender.”
What do you eat bacon jam with? ›
How to Serve Bacon Jam
- 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.
Why is my bacon jam not thickening? This recipe is all about patience. 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.
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.
Can I freeze homemade bacon jam? ›
Bacon jam freezes and thaws quite well, so if you know you aren't going to use it in the next few weeks, try freezing it instead. Bacon jam can be safely kept in the freezer for up to six months. You can use any freezer-safe container to store your bacon jam. To thaw the bacon jam, place it in the fridge.
Can bacon jam be water bath canned? ›
Meat has to be pressure canned to be safe in a sealed jar at room temperatures, and a bacon jam mixture is so dense that there would be major heat penetration issues in sterilizing the contents of the jar.
Does onion jam go bad? ›
However, opened cans of onion jams should be refrigerated and would be good for three to six months, but not for a year since onion jams can spoil easily. Do check the onion jams for molds and yeasts.
What makes marmalade different from jam? ›
In the end, the difference lies in two things: the amount of fruit in the final product and the consistency. Jam is a bit lumpy and may contain seeds, but not many actual bits of fruit. Citrusy marmalade will have bits of fruit and rind dotted throughout or will be completely chunky.
What do you use onion jam for? ›
Ways To Use Our Triple Ale Onion Jam Spread:
- Pair Our Onion Jam with Cheese and Charcuterie. ...
- Slather Our Triple Ale Onion Spread on All Your Sandwiches. ...
- Spread Onion Jam on Your Next Bacon Cheeseburger. ...
- Use Onion Jam as a Braising Sauce For Chicken. ...
- Use Onion Jam For a Topping For Brie Cheese.
Since 1979, the EU directive 79/693/CEE defines marmalade as a jam made from citrus fruits.
What's the difference between a compote and a marmalade? ›
(Citrus rinds contain a ton of pectin, which is why marmalade oftentimes has a firmer texture more similar to jelly.) Compote, a cousin to preserves, is made with fresh or dried fruit, cooked low and slow in a sugar syrup so that the fruit pieces stay somewhat intact.
