Bacon jam. Just the name conjures up images of smoky, savory-sweet deliciousness. If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, you know she’s all about hearty, flavorful food that brings comfort to the table. While this isn’t officially a Pioneer Woman recipe, this bacon jam recipe embodies that same spirit – bold flavors, simple steps, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to transform your ordinary meals into something truly extraordinary with this irresistible spreadable bacon delight.
Why This Bacon Jam Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any bacon jam recipe; it’s designed to be your go-to for flavor and ease. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Unbelievably Flavorful: The combination of smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup and brown sugar, tangy cider vinegar, and rich coffee creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s savory, sweet, and umami all in one jar.
- Versatile Culinary Weapon: Bacon jam isn’t just for toast! Spread it on burgers, crackers, grilled cheese, or use it as a gourmet topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t let the gourmet flavor fool you – this recipe is straightforward. With a little patience for slow cooking, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of bacon jam that’s far superior to anything store-bought.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Bacon jam stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or impromptu gatherings. Whip up a batch on the weekend and enjoy gourmet flavor all week long.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer-Style Bacon Jam
To create this delectable bacon jam, you’ll need simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 3 pounds Bacon: This is the star of the show! Opt for thick-cut bacon for a meatier jam. Regular bacon works great too.
- 4 Large Yellow Onions: Yellow onions provide a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor as they caramelize. Sweet onions can also be used for a milder flavor.
- 8 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, savory kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup Cider Vinegar: Vinegar adds crucial tanginess, cutting through the richness of the bacon and adding complexity.
- 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes sweetness and a molasses-like depth that complements the bacon perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups Strong Brewed Black Coffee: Coffee enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness. Use a robust coffee for the best flavor.
- ½ cup Pure Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is key for that authentic maple sweetness and aroma. Avoid artificial syrups for this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Close-up shot of bacon jam ingredients including bacon, onions, garlic, vinegar, sugar, coffee, and maple syrup
Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Bacon Jam
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of incredible bacon jam:
- Prep the Bacon: Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces. This helps it cook evenly and renders the fat efficiently.
Bacon slices being cut into smaller pieces on a wooden cutting board
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Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy and browned. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the bacon cooks, thinly slice the onions and smash and peel the garlic cloves. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Sliced onions being added to a pot with bacon fat
- Reserve Bacon Fat: Drain off most of the bacon fat, reserving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Pour the excess bacon fat into a heat-safe container and store it in the refrigerator for future cooking – it’s liquid gold!
Close-up of rendered bacon fat in a pot after cooking bacon
- Caramelize Onions and Garlic: Return the pot with the reserved bacon fat to medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and smashed garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step – caramelized onions are key to the jam’s flavor.
Onions and garlic sautéing in bacon fat in a Dutch oven
- Add Flavor Liquids: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, strong brewed coffee, cider vinegar, maple syrup, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Brown sugar being poured into a bowl for bacon jam liquid mixture
Coffee being poured into a bowl with brown sugar for bacon jam
Cider vinegar being poured into a bowl with coffee and brown sugar
Maple syrup being poured into a bowl with other liquid ingredients for bacon jam
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the coffee mixture over the onions and garlic in the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, add the cooked bacon, and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened into a jam-like consistency and the onions are very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Bacon being added to the simmering onion and liquid mixture in a pot
- Process to Jam Consistency: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, process longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse less.
Bacon jam mixture in a food processor being pulsed to desired consistency
Close-up of bacon jam after being processed in a food processor
- Store and Enjoy: Transfer the bacon jam to jars or airtight containers. Let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Jars of homemade bacon jam being stored in a refrigerator
Delicious Ways to Use Your Bacon Jam
Once you have a jar of this liquid gold, get ready to elevate your meals! Here are some irresistible ways to use your homemade bacon jam:
- Breakfast Upgrade: Spread it on toast, bagels, or English muffins. Top with a fried egg for an extra indulgent breakfast sandwich.
- Burger Bliss: Slather bacon jam on your burgers for an explosion of flavor. It pairs perfectly with cheese and your favorite burger toppings.
- Appetizer Star: Serve bacon jam with crackers, baguette slices, or crostini for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Add a dollop of creamy goat cheese or brie for extra sophistication.
- Grilled Cheese Game Changer: Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding a layer of bacon jam. Sweet and savory perfection!
- Baked Potato Perfection: Top baked potatoes with bacon jam, sour cream, and chives for a loaded and flavorful side dish.
- Charcuterie Board Essential: Include bacon jam on your next charcuterie board for a unique and savory-sweet element.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Jam Every Time
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The slow simmering process is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavors of the bacon jam. Be patient and let it reduce properly.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Taste the jam during the simmering process and adjust the brown sugar and cider vinegar to your preference.
- Control the Texture: Pulse the bacon jam in the food processor to your desired consistency. Less pulsing for chunkier, more for smoother.
- Storage is Key: Store your bacon jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor for up to a month.
This Pioneer Woman inspired bacon jam recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little time and care, can create something truly extraordinary. Get ready to experience bacon in a whole new, delightfully spreadable way!
