Bacon Onion Jam

You’ll love this recipe if you like this Caramelized Onion Dip.

This is one of those recipes you might not have tried before but will quickly become a favorite. The bacon crisps up, then slowly cooks with onions until they’re deeply caramelized and sweet. Brewed coffee adds depth without tasting overly bitter, while maple syrup and brown sugar bring just enough sweetness. You end up with a thick, flavorful spread that’s smoky, savory, and a little sweet all at once.

You’ll love having this on hand because it instantly upgrades everyday foods. Spread it on burgers, grilled cheese, scrambled eggs, or toast with cream cheese. It’s also perfect on cheese boards, pairing beautifully with sharp cheddar or brie. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge so you always have something special ready, whether for holiday hosting or an ordinary weeknight.

➡️ Ingredients you’ll need

⏲ How to make this bacon onion jam recipe

✨ Variations

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Herbed: Stir in fresh thyme at the end.
• Extra Sweet: Add more brown sugar or maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
• Chunky: Leave the jam unblended for more texture.
• Bourbon Bacon Jam: Add a splash of bourbon to the pot for a boozy bacon jam twist.
• Onion Swap: Try red onion instead of yellow onion for a milder sweetness.

〰️ How to serve

• Burgers — Spread on hamburgers, turkey burgers, or veggie burgers.
• Sandwiches — Works great on grilled cheese sandwiches, turkey melts, or BLTs.
• Breakfast — Spoon onto eggs, toast, or breakfast sandwiches.
• Snacking — Serve with cheese boards, crackers, or crostini.
• Gifting — Spoon the jam into small glass jars for an impressive homemade gift. Tie with ribbon and add a simple label.

💬 FAQs

🍽 Recipe

Bacon Onion Jam

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

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This Bacon Onion Jam is a spread made from cooked bacon, caramelized onions, and simple ingredients like brown sugar, vinegar, coffee, and maple syrup. These ingredients simmer until thick and jammy. It's sweet, smoky, and savory all at once. Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, crackers, or cheese boards.

Ingredients 

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• ▢ 12 slices bacon, thick-cut, chopped
• ▢ 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
• ▢ 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ▢ ½ cup brown sugar
• ▢ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ▢ ¼ cup brewed coffee
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• ▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions 

• Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 12 slices bacon (chopped) until they're crisp, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate and keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
• Cook Onions and Garlic: Reduce stovetop heat to medium-low, then add 2 large yellow onions (diced) to the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until soft and jammy. Stir in 3 garlic cloves (minced) and cook for 1 additional minute.
• Add Remaining Ingredients: Return cooked bacon to the pan. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup brewed coffee, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until everything is evenly combined.
• Simmer: Lower stovetop heat and let mixture cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes sticky.
• Blend (Optional): If you want a smoother jam, pulse it a few times in a food processor. Keep it chunky if you like more texture.
• Cool and Serve or Store: If serving immediately, let jam cool briefly until warm (not hot), then spoon onto your dish. For storing, cool completely, transfer to a jar, and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Recipe Notes

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled bacon onion jam in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer Storage: Freeze the jam for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then stir before using.

Reheating Instructions: Warm the jam in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short 10-15 second bursts until loosened. If it feels too thick, add a small splash of water to help bring it back to a smooth, spreadable texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 3Tablespoons (1.5 ounces), Calories: 178kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 17g (6%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 11g (17%), Saturated Fat: 4g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 17mg (6%), Sodium: 180mg (8%), Potassium: 134mg (4%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 14g (16%), Vitamin A: 60IU (1%), Vitamin C: 3mg (4%), Calcium: 24mg (2%), Iron: 0.3mg (2%)