Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) bacon, diced
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brewed coffee (or water)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- Place diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until crispy, about 10–15 minutes.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Cook the Onions
- Add chopped onions to the skillet.
- Cook slowly over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add Flavorings
- Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, coffee, vinegar, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pan.
4. Simmer
- Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture becomes thick.
5. Blend (Optional)
- For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor.
- Leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
6. Cool and Store
- Allow the bacon jam to cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture.
- Cook onions slowly to develop deep caramelized flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar and maple syrup.
- Add heat with cayenne, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.
- Make it richer by using strong coffee instead of water.
- Serve warm or room temperature for the best flavor.
- Pair it with burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or cheeses such as Brie and Cheddar.
Yield
Makes about 1½ to 2 cups of bacon jam.
