Description
Deliciously savory and sweet Bacon Jam made with thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar, brewed coffee, and red pepper flakes. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot and finished with a coarse chop, this versatile jam is fantastic on burgers, crackers, or as a unique appetizer topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, cut into one inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, diced small
- 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced jarred garlic or 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 100% maple syrup
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon pieces in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until they are light brown and slightly crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, and brewed coffee into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Then add the cooked bacon and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together well.
- Slow cook in crock pot: Transfer the entire mixture into a 6-quart crock pot. Cook on high uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the liquid to reduce and become syrupy, melding the flavors deeply.
- Process and cool: After cooking, transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until the jam is coarsely chopped, maintaining some texture and chunkiness.
- Store and serve: Let the Bacon Jam cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a covered container. It will keep for up to 4 weeks and is perfect for topping burgers, spreading on crackers, or enjoying as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Use thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon for best flavor, but any thick-cut bacon works well.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to use brewed coffee for depth of flavor, not instant granules.
- Bacon Jam stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to share or save.
- For a smoother jam, process longer in the food processor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bacon Jam, Applewood Bacon Jam, Slow Cooker Bacon Jam, Bacon Condiment, Bacon Spread, Appetizer, Bacon Recipe
