Summer is here and burger season is in full effect. What better way to cap off your grilled burgers than Bourbon Bacon Jam?
I love creating easy condiments that can be used in a variety of ways, such as my Fresh Summer Cherry Salsa. This sticky sweet and savory jam is ideal for everything, from topping a burger to adding to your charcuterie board.
Ingredients
There's no denying all good things start with bacon, and this Bourbon Bacon Jam puts this crave worthy item front and center.
- Bacon - Use your favorite. It's the star of the show.
- Onion - This offers up a savory note to the jam. Plus, is there any better smell than bacon and onions cooking away?
- Brown Sugar - This adds the balance of sweet to the jam and helps develop that sticky, luscious texture.
- Coffee - The bitterness of the coffee adds depth to the jam and balances out the sweet.
- Bourbon - The bourbon echos the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness of the bacon.
- Red pepper flakes - Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat and a little sass to this decadent condiment.
How to Make Bourbon Bacon Jam
This bacon jam should come with a warning. Once you discover how delicious it is and how easy it is to make, it is sure to become a recipe staple.
Time needed: 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Whether you use this to top a burger or serve with cheese, charcuterie, and bread, this bacon jam is magic!
- Bacon Time!
Chop your bacon into bite sized pieces. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook it until the fat renders, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain most of the excess fat.
- Caramelize
Add your onions into the pan. Turn the heat to low. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to caramelize. Don't rush the process!
- Getting Jammy
Add the bacon back into the pan along with the remaining ingredients. Let the mixture cook for about an hour until it's thick and sticky.
Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is that it utilizes readily available ingredients. However, you can make substitutions with what you have on hand.
- Brown Sugar - I used light brown sugar in this recipe, but you can use dark brown sugar if that's what you have. It will add a slightly more molasses flavor.
- Bourbon - Bourbon is a type of whiskey made only in the United States. It's made from at least 51% corn and aged in new oak barrels. If you don't have bourbon, you can use whiskey in this recipe.
Variations on Bourbon Bacon Jam
While bacon jam is fully delicious on its own, it's a great addition to many different dishes. Here are just a few ideas for how to use your new favorite condiment.
- Burgers
- Charcuterie Board
- Brie - Top a wheel of brie with bacon jam and serve with crackers or crostini.
- Grilled Cheese - Turn your average grilled cheese sandwich into an event by adding Bourbon Bacon Jam.
- Macaroni and Cheese - Swirl some of this smoky treat into your next batch of mac and cheese!
Equipment
There are no special tools required for this porky delight. All you need is a cutting board, sharp knife, and saucepan.
Storage for Bourbon Bacon Jam
This is a great recipe to make ahead and use later. Simply keep in refrigerated in an airtight container.
Top Tip
While this bacon jam is easy to make, it does require a little patience. Don't rush any of the process. Allow your onions to fully caramelize over low heat. Let the bacon and the rest of the ingredients simmer until thick and luxurious. Since you already have the bourbon out, go ahead and make a cocktail! Enjoy the process.
Bourbon Bacon Jam
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lbs bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup coffee
- ¼ cup bourbon
- red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon.
- Allow the bacon to cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and it's slightly crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and drain most of the excess fat.
- Add the onions into the pan and turn the heat to low. Stir the onions occasionally until they caramelize, 30-40 minutes.
- Add the bacon back into the pan along with the remaining ingredients. Let the mixture cook for about an hour until it has thickened and reduced.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container is using later.
stace
how long does this keep?
uncomplicatedchef
If it lasts because is addicting! It can lasts for two weeks!