Spread this delicious bourbon bacon jam on a juicy cheeseburger, a buttery croissant or a decadent charcuterie board. This recipe combines bacon, onions, spices, maple syrup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and a splash of whiskey, all cooked until tender and jelly-like.
You can customize this versatile sauce by adding hot peppers for extra heat or dark-roasted coffee for richer notes. Regardless of the route you take, this condiment packs deep and complex flavors that will complement all kinds of dishes.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Ingredients
- Bacon: We crumble bacon into this jam because it delivers smoky and salty notes to this sweet marmalade.Â
- Shallots: We caramelize the shallots in bacon fat to melt them down into the base of this bourbon bacon jam recipe.
- Onion: Caramelized onions provide rich, sweet notes and a jelly-like texture to the jam.
- Garlic: We mince the garlic to enhance the aroma and flavor of the jam.
- Chili powder: Sprinkle in a dash of chili powder to add a hint of spice to this bourbon bacon jam.
- Paprika: The paprika adds sweet and spicy flavors to the jam, giving it a deep, dark reddish-brown color.
- Whiskey: We like bourbon in this recipe because it adds caramel and honey-like flavors to the bacon jam.
- Maple syrup: We mix maple syrup into this bourbon bacon jam to accentuate the sweet flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar: To balance the sweetness and smokiness of this jam, we add balsamic vinegar to provide a hint of tanginess.
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar helps caramelize all the jam’s ingredients, providing comforting and sweet flavors.
- Assorted crackers: Gather a selection of savory crackers to dip into your bourbon bacon jam.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp. Remove it and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, saving 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
Step 2: Combine the aromatics and seasonings
Cook the shallots and onions in the bacon drippings over medium heat until they’re caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds. Then sprinkle in the seasonings.
Step 3: Assemble the jam
After removing the caramelized onion mixture from the heat, gently stir in the bourbon and maple syrup. Return the mixture to the heat and bring it to a gentle boil and cook for three minutes, stirring constantly. Add the vinegar and brown sugar and cook for another three minutes, continuing to stir.
Step 4: Blend and chill the jam
Crumble the bacon and add it to the pan with the caramelized onions. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Remove the jam from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Pulse half the jam in a food processor until smooth, then stir this puree back into the remaining jam. Serve the jam immediately or refrigerate it first.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Variations
- Go alcohol-free: While this recipe calls for bourbon, you can nix the alcohol and it will still come out delicious. You can also try stirring in a zero proof alternative. (Psst: Check out our guide to tasty non-alcoholic brands.)
- Try a different type of vinegar: When choosing a vinegar, consider the variety of flavor profiles available. For instance, you can mix in apple cider vinegar to introduce sweet notes, or use sherry vinegar to add complexity to your bourbon bacon jam.
- Make it spicy: If you swoon over sweet, savory and spicy bites, try infusing cayenne pepper into the seasoning blend of this recipe. You can also stew in aromatics like chili peppers.
How to Store Bourbon Bacon Jam
First, allow the jam to cool and set. Then divide it into smaller portions and store it in airtight containers or jars. Refrigerate it for up to seven days.
Can you make bacon bourbon jam ahead of time?
If you’re hosting a cookout and want to serve this bourbon bacon jam alongside your barbecued goodies, try making it ahead. Follow the recipe, store it in the fridge for up to seven days, then take it out when you’re ready to serve.
Can you freeze bourbon bacon jam?
We love this recipe because you can freeze it for up to three months. Store it in a freezer-friendly airtight container or ziplock bag.
How long does bourbon bacon jam last?
You can store bourbon bacon jam in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for three months. To ensure the freshest taste, do not exceed these storage times.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Tips
Can I make a vegan version of bourbon bacon jam?
For a vegan twist on a classic, try replacing the bacon in this recipe with mushrooms like trumpet, oyster or shiitake. The result will be a flavorful and versatile spread that pairs well with many dishes.
What can I add bourbon bacon jam to?
The most classic route involves spreading this bourbon bacon jam on a melty cheeseburger. You can also slather it on a prosciutto provolone panini or make it the star of your charcuterie board.
Is it possible to can or jar this bourbon bacon jam?
We do not recommend canning this jam because it contains meat, which can spoil if not properly sealed. However, you can preserve this delicious chutney by storing it in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
