Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (2024)

Bacon onion jam never lasts long. This highly addictive savory sweet spread, also called bacon marmalade, can be used for nearly anything a typical jam is used for, and more.

Patted in a little mason jar and cinched with a ribbon, it’s a perfect gift for anyone on any occasion.

This simple bacon jam recipe is extremely easy to make, but it does take some time for all the simmering. You’ll have to set aside about an hour and half to get everything done to perfection. But it’s well worth it.

The key parts of this simple bacon onion jam recipe is, of course, the bacon and onion. You’ll be using a whole 1 lb package of bacon as well as one whole yellow onion. Simply chop them up and simmer them for about 30 minutes.

Then you’ll need to add a binder like light brown sugar and a smidge of maple syrup. Some black pepper and vinegar finishes off the flavor palette. Add a bit of cayenne pepper if you want similar flavors to a spicy candied bacon recipe.

Unlike other marmalades, bacon onion jam isn’t really ideal for canning and keeping for a long period of time. You can keep it in the fridge for about two to three weeks (although it probably won’t last that long given it’s popularity!)

One of the best ways to use bacon onion jam is as a condiment with burgers. Try making a crostini by topping toasted bread with it, or using it as a dipping sauce for fresh apple slices.

Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (1)

You can use a bit of this simple bacon marmalade on simple pasta, or on a cracker. Once you make this versatile bacon onion jam, you can explore your own favorite ways to use. it.

Try one of our other tasty recipes:

  • Ultimate Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
  • Arugula Bacon Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Bacon Onion Jam

Simple bacon jam recipe. Bacon jam with caramelized onion and a light brown sugar glaze can be used in many ways – from a cracker spread to pasta sauce.

Prep Time12 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time57 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Yellow Onion
  • 1 lb Bacon
  • 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbl Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

  • Cut the pound of bacon into small bits, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Don't worry if some are stuck together because they will separate during cooking. Unlike cooking regular bacon, you can cook the whole pound at once.

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  • Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat. Don't be in a hurry – slow cooked bacon is good in this recipe. Stir frequently during cooking so that bits separate from each other and can cook evenly.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (4)

  • Remove bacon pieces from heat and set aside.

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  • Drain most of the bacon grease, either in a porcelain container to use later or in a disposable metal container like a can. Save about 2 Tablespoons in the pan.

  • Chop onion into small even pieces.

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  • Slowly cook onion pieces in bacon grease. When they begin to turn clear/transparent (after about 5 to 10 minutes) and become soft, add the bacon pieces back in.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (7)

  • Add light brown sugar, pepper, vinegar and maple syrup.

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  • Simmer the entire mixture for about 20 to 30 minutes. You will know when the bacon onion jam is ready when the onions have turned into a jam-like consistency.

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  • For a more jam-like texture, you can run the mixture through a food processor quickly. However, bacon onion jam is also fine to eat with the larger pieces.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (10)

Notes

You can use bacon onion jam (bacon marmalade) in a variety of ways. Among them:

  • On crackers or toast triangles
  • As a condiment on burgers
  • As a pasta glaze
  • On apple slices

You can substitute another vinegar like balsamic vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.

For an extra kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne as the mixture simmers.

What Does Bacon Jam Taste Like?

Bacon jam, or bacon marmalade, has an unusual taste that is more sweet than savory. It does not taste exactly like bacon. Instead, caramelized onions along with a bit of brown sugar and maple syrup provide a layer of flavor that complements the bacon. You can use bacon jam a number of ways, from condiments on crackers to glazes for pasts.

What is Bacon Jam Made of?

Bacon jam is a simple recipe typically made with chopped bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and maple syrup. It may include other ingredients like balsamic, raisins, coffee, bourbon, or spices like cayenne. The mixture simmers together for about 30 minutes until it reaches jam-like consistency.

What is Bacon Jam Good With?

A simple recipe, Bacon Jam is often used as a condiment for burgers, but it has many possible uses. You can use Bacon Jam to glaze pasta or to coat vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots. You can use a dip for apple slices or other fruit, or to top a cracker. Some people use it as a chicken wing sauce, as a topper for top fish, or as an ingredient in meatloaf.

What is a Bacon Jam Burger?

A bacon jam burger is a hamburger that uses bacon jam, or bacon relish, as a condiment. Bacon jam has a sweet, savory flavor from its two main ingredients of caramelized onions and bacon, which are sauteed slowly to create a jam-like consistency. Bacon burgers can include many other toppers like cheese, lettuce, onions and can be served with or without a bun.

Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Should bacon jam be refrigerated? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

How long is homemade bacon jam good for? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

What is bacon marmalade made of? ›

Caramelized onions, bacon, just the right amount of sweetness, a hint of bourbon, thyme and balsamic vinegar to tie it all together. Simply perfect. If you have leftover bacon marmalade (the recipe makes a generous amount per person) it stores extremely well in the fridge! I've been using mine all summer.

Is jam still good if left out overnight? ›

You can technically store opened jams and jellies at room temperature—but only in a cool, dark place and for about a week after opening, says Lee. Here's why: Jams and jellies have high sugar and acid levels, which protect against spoilage.

Why do you store jam upside down? ›

Inversion Canning

Once secured, the jar is inverted (flipped upside down) and left to cool for several minutes before placed right side up. The thought behind the method is the hot food will sterilize the seal while creating a vacuum by allowing air to escape.

What does bacon jam taste good on? ›

Bacon jam tastes very rich with any sandwich, especially roast beef or turkey. Don't forget grilled sandwiches or egg sandwiches. Accompany your grilled chicken or grilled steak with this seasoning. It goes great with pizza.

Where is bacon jam popular? ›

The Bacon Jams, a gourmet food producer in the Philadelphia area, which sells at festivals and nationwide online.

Why is my bacon jam not thickening? ›

To achieve a thick texture, all of the liquids need time to reduce. Make sure you're cooking your bacon jam without a lid over your Dutch oven, so your bacon jam can evaporate. If it's still not thick enough, it just needs more time.

How can you tell if jam has gone bad? ›

A foul smell indicates the presence of bacteria or yeast, causing the jam to spoil. The texture of the jam can also reveal if it has gone bad. Fresh homemade jam is typically smooth and soft, while spoiled jam might become watery or develop a slimy texture.

What makes bacon go bad? ›

As soon as a package of bacon has been opened, it is exposed to bacteria in the air. This bacteria instantly begins a chemical reaction on the meat that leads to it going bad. Even if you are able to reseal it well, chances are it will be bad after about a week.

How do you know when to stop boiling jam? ›

1) The Saucer Test

You are aiming for a slow descent, not a runny mess. If it runs slow, it's set! You can also let the spoonful of jam sit on the cold plate for 30 seconds and then push it with your spoon or finger. If it wrinkles up, you've reached your setting point.

What is the secret ingredient in marmalade? ›

Pectin is key

“Mandarin marmalade is harder to make; mandarins don't have as much pectin. Lemons are really good. A lemon and ginger marmalade's a really nice one to make, lots of pectin, so that one will set easily.

Is marmalade healthier than jam? ›

Is marmalade healthier than jam? Both jam and marmalade are marginally healthier than jelly, which is made with fruit juice, so doesn't have any fibre from the fruit pieces. Marmalade and jam have similar nutritional properties making them pretty much the same in terms of healthiness.

Why put butter in marmalade? ›

To prevent scum forming on the top of your jam, add a knob of butter to your fruit at the same time as you add the sugar, we recommend 20 grams per 1 kilogram of fruit. Note: Scum is nothing sinister, it is only air bubbles that are created during the cooking process, they will not ruin your jam/marmalade if they form.

Are bacon bits OK if not refrigerated? ›

The bits are shelf stable as packed but need to be refrigerated after the foil pouch has been opened. Real bacon bits can be used in any food system where real bacon flavor is desired. Use it in salad toppings, gravies, quiche, potato toppings, pasta, bakery items, sauces, and soups.

Does store bought jam need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

Once the jam or jelly is opened, however, it is best to refrigerate them. Richard explains that this prevents mold and yeast from growing.

Should homemade jam be kept in the fridge or cupboard? ›

Home-made jam should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and used within 12 months of making. Once opened the jar should be stored in the refrigerator and used within one month. We would suggest discarding any jars of jam that have mould growing on top.

Does bacon go bad if not refrigerated? ›

The general rule of food safety is to not let raw meat or cooked food sit out for more than 2 hours, and that rule applies to uncooked or cooked bacon. It's wise to be careful with uncooked pork products since they can harbor and grow bacterial pathogens like salmonella and trichinosis.

References

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