When my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, invited me over for a cozy backyard barbecue one chilly autumn evening, I wasn’t expecting the highlight to be a jar of something she called bacon jam. The smell alone—smoky, sweet, and just a hint of heat—lingered long after the party ended.
Her husband, an avid cook with a knack for bold flavors, swore it was the perfect companion for everything from burgers to simple toast. That night, as the leaves rustled and children played nearby, I realized how food could bring a community closer, each bite weaving stories and shared moments.
That jar of bacon jam reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where she always had a special relish or spread on hand, crafted from the simplest ingredients but bursting with love and tradition. It wasn’t just about the food, but the memories stirred up—the warmth of family, the laughter echoing around the table, and the joy of experimenting with flavors.
Inspired by that evening, I started crafting my own version of sweet and spicy bacon jam, blending smoky bacon with a kick of jalapeño and a touch of maple syrup, aiming to capture that same balance of comfort and surprise. This recipe became a favorite for my grown kids during game nights, a unique twist that brings everyone together around familiar tastes with a little spark.
Short Description
Sweet and Spicy Bacon Jam is a rich, flavorful spread combining crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and spicy jalapeños with a sweet twist of maple syrup and brown sugar. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a unique condiment.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Tools Needed
- Medium skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Heatproof bowl or jar for storage
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place the diced bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and golden. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Once crispy, transfer the bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. The rendered bacon fat will add flavor to the next step, so don’t discard it yet.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Carefully pour off all but about ¼ cup of the bacon grease from the skillet. Leave this grease in the pan, as it will caramelize the onions and peppers beautifully, enhancing the jam’s depth of flavor.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Peppers
Add the finely diced onion and jalapeños to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes.
The goal is to soften the vegetables until the onions turn a deep golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness, while the jalapeños mellow and infuse the mix with a subtle heat.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Mix in the minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and chili powder. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Then, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet.
Simmer the mixture gently for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens to a spreadable consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings slightly to the spoon and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Enjoy the bacon jam warm right away or let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When serving chilled, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave or on the stove to bring out the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Bold flavor from smoky bacon and sweet maple
– Just the right kick of spice from jalapeños
– Simple ingredients and pantry-friendly
– Stores well and gets better over time
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Bacon: Cooking bacon on too high heat can cause it to burn or become tough. Keep the heat medium and stir occasionally for even crispiness.
Skipping Grease Removal: Leaving too much bacon grease can make the jam greasy and heavy. Drain excess but keep about ¼ cup for flavor.
Undercaramelizing the Onions: Rushing this step leaves the onions sharp and raw-tasting. Patience is key—low and slow heat brings out the sweetness.
Not Removing Jalapeño Seeds: Seeds add more heat than some might want. Removing seeds controls the spice level, making it more balanced.
Jam Too Runny: If the jam doesn’t thicken properly, simmer it a bit longer to reduce moisture. Alternatively, turn the heat up slightly for the last few minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Slather on warm sourdough toast with cream cheese
– Use as a topping for burgers or grilled chicken
– Add a spoonful to deviled eggs or scrambled eggs
– Serve as part of a cheese board with sharp cheddar or brie
– Stir into baked beans or mashed sweet potatoes
Pair with:
– A smoky bourbon cocktail
– Sharp cheddar grilled cheese
– Buttery mashed potatoes
– Sparkling cider for contrast
Best served family-style with small spoons so guests can dollop their desired amount.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover bacon jam in a clean, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze the jam in small portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts to preserve texture and flavor. Stir well before serving.
Avoid overheating to prevent caramelized sugars from burning or the bacon from becoming too tough.
FAQs
1. Can I make bacon jam without jalapeños?
Yes, omit jalapeños for a milder jam. You can substitute with bell peppers for sweetness without heat.
2. Is it necessary to use maple syrup?
Maple syrup adds a distinct, rich sweetness, but you can swap it for honey or molasses if preferred.
3. How do I know when the jam is done?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and not too watery. Simmering until liquid reduces achieves this.
4. Can I use regular-cut bacon instead of thick-cut?
Thick-cut is ideal for texture, but regular bacon works fine—just watch the cooking time, as thinner slices crisp faster.
5. How spicy is this bacon jam?
The heat level depends on the jalapeños and whether you include seeds. Remove seeds for mild spice or add more peppers for extra kick.
Tips & Tricks
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to cook bacon evenly and prevent scorching.
Finely dice the onions and jalapeños for a smoother texture.
Stir frequently during caramelization to avoid sticking or burning.
Taste test after simmering—adjust sweetness or heat by adding a bit more maple syrup or chili powder if needed.
Recipe Variations
Maple-Bourbon Bacon Jam: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon along with the apple cider vinegar for a smoky depth. Simmer longer to cook off the alcohol.
Smoky Chipotle Twist: Replace chili powder with 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and add a splash of smoked paprika for a richer smoky flavor.
Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Bacon Jam: Stir in ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries during the simmering stage for a tangy burst that complements the sweet and spicy notes.
Final Thoughts
This bacon jam recipe feels like a gentle nod to all those shared moments and gatherings that enrich our lives. It carries the comforting familiarity of smoky bacon but dances with the unexpected warmth of spice and sweetness. Each spoonful brings a taste of togetherness, perfect for slowing down and savoring company, whether it’s a quiet dinner or a lively family potluck.
Making it feels like passing along a piece of heritage, one that celebrates both tradition and creativity. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this bacon jam as I have, letting it become part of your own cherished memories.
Sweet And Spicy Bacon Jam
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp, about 10–12 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about ¼ cup of the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté in Bacon Fat
Leave ¼ cup of bacon grease in the pan. It will help caramelize the vegetables and deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Jalapeños
Add diced onions and jalapeños. Cook over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until onions are golden and soft and peppers are mellow.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Simmer
Stir in garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup, and chili powder. Return bacon to the skillet. Simmer 7–10 minutes until thickened and sticky.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Serve warm or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving to enhance flavor.
