How to Make Chef John's Bacon Jam - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors, then you're going to love Chef John's Bacon Jam. This recipe takes the classic combination of bacon and sweet, sticky jam to a whole new level. It's the perfect condiment to slather on sandwiches, burgers, and even grilled cheese. The rich and smoky flavor of the bacon is complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and brown sugar, making this jam utterly addictive.

What sets Chef John's Bacon Jam apart from other recipes is the bal...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds bacon, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 4 large yellow onions, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup sherry vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 12

  • Warm a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add bacon; cook and stir until crispy and rendered fat starts to foam, about 10 minutes. Pour bacon and rendered fat into a strainer placed over a bowl. When fat is drained and bacon is cool enough to handle, remove bacon to a cutting board and finely chop.
  • Return the pot to medium heat; drizzle 2 teaspoons reserved bacon fat and butter into the pot. Add onions and salt; cook until until soft and translucent, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir brown sugar, sherry vinegar, 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, black pepper, and cayenne into onion mixture; add bacon. Stir water into bacon mixture and cook until jam has a brick-brown color and thick consistency, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme; stir until shiny and heated through.
  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Nutrition

    154 cal.

    • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 22mg
    • Sodium: 634mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 10g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 8g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 20mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 193mg