Bacon Onion Jam

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bacon onion jam recipe, Onion jam recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 178kcal

Ingredients

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

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.

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