Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Bacon Onion Jam
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon this Savory Bacon Onion Jam recipe while experimenting with leftover bacon and onions from a previous meal. After tweaking the ingredients, I found the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Over the years, this jam has become a staple at my gatherings, impressing friends and family alike. It’s a delightful twist on traditional jams and spreads that always leaves everyone wanting more."

With a passion for American cuisine, I have spent over a decade perfecting appetizer recipes that please a crowd. My experience as a chef has allowed me to explore various flavor combinations that elevate everyday dishes. I believe in creating recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to replicate at home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Bacon Onion Jam served on a plate

Why This Savory Bacon Onion Jam Recipe Works

This Savory Bacon Onion Jam stands out because of its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The combination of caramelized onions and crispy bacon creates a deeply satisfying spread that enhances any dish. It’s versatile enough to be served with cheese, on toast, or even as a topping for meats.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich texture that spreads easily. Using high-quality ingredients, like thick-cut bacon and fresh herbs, elevates the taste and makes it truly special. This jam is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking of the onions and to prevent burning. Low and slow is key to caramelizing the onions perfectly. Taste the jam as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to your preference for a personalized flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Savory Bacon Onion Jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop even further. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both options will give you a slightly different flavor profile but will still work well in the recipe. For a sweeter alternative, you could also use a mixture of vinegar and a little honey.

The jam is done when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded nicely. You can test this by checking if it coats the back of a spoon. If it drips off too quickly, give it a few more minutes to cook down.

Yes, you can freeze Savory Bacon Onion Jam! Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. To use, just defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Savory Bacon Onion Jam pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, on toasted bread, or as a topping for grilled meats. It also works well in sandwiches, adding a gourmet touch to your favorite lunch.

Savory Bacon Onion Jam will last in the fridge for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it well sealed to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful. You can also enjoy it chilled or warmed up.

Yes, making this Savory Bacon Onion Jam in advance is a great idea! It allows the flavors to develop and intensify over time. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and enjoy it within two weeks for the best flavor.

To reheat Savory Bacon Onion Jam, simply place it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, about 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between to prevent overheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your jam turns out too dry, it may not have had enough moisture during cooking.

Solution: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or water while reheating to loosen it up and restore moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your bacon isn't crispy, it may not have been cooked long enough.

Solution: Cook the bacon for a longer period until it reaches your desired crispiness before combining with the onions.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the jam is overcooked, it may become too thick or burnt.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep a close eye on it while simmering, stirring frequently, and reduce the heat if needed.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the jam is undercooked in the center, it may taste raw or have an odd texture.

Recovery: Return it to the heat and allow it to simmer longer, stirring frequently until the jam reaches a consistent texture and flavor.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the heat is too high during cooking.

Prevention: Use low heat for cooking and stir regularly to distribute heat evenly, preventing burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your jam is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it’s too salty, add a bit of sugar or maple syrup to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: If the jam is bland, try adding more black pepper, red pepper flakes, or herbs to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Bacon Onion Jam

Essential Ingredients for Savory Bacon Onion Jam

The key ingredients in this recipe are thick-cut bacon and sweet onions. High-quality bacon gives the jam a rich, smoky flavor, while the onions provide natural sweetness as they caramelize. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the jam’s unique taste.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your jam. Opt for organic bacon if possible, and fresh herbs for the best results. The balance of sweet and savory will depend on the quality of these essential components.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Thick-Cut Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a meaty texture and rich flavor that holds up well during cooking. The fat content in bacon helps to create a luscious base for the jam, adding depth and richness.
  • Sweet Onions: Use sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, for their natural sweetness and mild flavor. They caramelize beautifully, adding a rich depth of flavor to the jam.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for a good quality balsamic vinegar, as it adds acidity and sweetness to the jam. It helps to balance the flavors and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
Cooking process for Savory Bacon Onion Jam

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating Savory Bacon Onion Jam is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then sautéing the onions until caramelized. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful jam.

The key to achieving the perfect jam is patience. Take your time during the caramelization process and ensure the ingredients are cooked thoroughly. This will enhance the depth of flavor and create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Bacon Onion Jam

The most important technique in making Savory Bacon Onion Jam is the slow caramelization of the onions. Cooking them over low heat allows the natural sugars to develop, resulting in a sweet and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon. Stirring frequently ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

Savory Bacon Onion Jam

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    For tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    For depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
    Adds a zing
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    For a smoky flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon
    Chopped
  • 2 large onions
    Thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
    For acidity
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
    Adds sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

  2. Sauté Onions

    In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.

  3. Add Garlic

    Add minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.

  4. Combine Ingredients

    Stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and the cooked bacon to the onion mixture.

  5. Simmer

    Add black pepper, salt, thyme, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Finish the Jam

    Stir in apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.

  7. Cool and Store

    Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Savory Bacon Onion Jam, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its freshness and flavor. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Savory Bacon Onion Jam is fantastic served on a charcuterie board with cheeses and crackers. It can also be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or even as a glaze for roasted meats. Get creative and enjoy it in various ways!

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this jam by adding different herbs or spices, such as rosemary or smoked paprika. For a fruity twist, consider adding chopped apples or dried fruits during the cooking process. Each variation can bring a unique flavor to your bacon onion jam.