Onion Bacon Jam is not the traditional flavor of preserves you may be used to, but it is definitely worth a try! It’s a savory and unique preserve that will elevate your taste buds. With a definite onion flavor supported by the saltiness of the bacon, Onion Bacon Jam is great on crackers with cheese or even mixed in ground beef for your next meatloaf recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The bacon can be broken up into pieces before or after being cooked. Do not make it ahead of time, since you will use some of the bacon grease to cook the onions and shallots. You could also use turkey bacon if preferred.
Onion: Look for one large yellow onion or about 3 small onions. You will need about 3 cups of chopped onion for the recipe.
Shallots: Shallots are a type of onion that are known for their sweeter, milder taste and delicate flavor. They are smaller in size compared to regular onions and have a long, narrow shape.
Sauce: The brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder give you a sweet and spicy sauce.
How to Use Onion Bacon Jam
If you are looking for ways to use up your Onion Bacon Jam before it goes bad, there are many delicious options to consider:
- Use a dollop on a cracker with some cream cheese.
- Spread it on your grilled cheese sandwich before you grill it.
- Substitute Onion Bacon Jam for the bacon on your BLTs.
- Add it to your scrambled eggs.
- Use it as a topping for a hamburger or cheeseburger (my favorite).
- Mix it in with your macaroni and cheese.
- Top your favorite roasted vegetables.
These suggestions will help you fall in love with this jam. Let me know if you found other flavorful ways to use Onion Bacon Jam!
How to Store Onion Bacon Jam
Onion Bacon Jam is a delicious and popular condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it should not be stored at room temperature as it can spoil quickly. The best way to store it is in the refrigerator or freezer. When stored in the refrigerator, it will last for 2-4 weeks, while freezer storage will give it a longer shelf life. Since Onion Bacon Jam cannot be safely canned, it is important to consume it within 2-4 weeks when stored in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage. When freezing, be sure to use straight-sided mason jars (or glass jars) and leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
More Appetizers
Onion Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 large (or 6 small) shallots, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (85 g) maple syrup
- â…“ cup (79 g) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. While the bacon is cooking, line a plate with a paper towel.
- Place the cooked bacon onto the lined plate. Set aside.
- Leave about 4 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan, carefully removing the rest.
- To the pan, add the onion and diced shallots. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the onions and shallots are caramelized, 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
- Mix in the garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and pieces of cooked bacon.
- Simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. It should be about the consistency of a jam.
- Serve warm or cold, but you may want to warm slightly if it has been refrigerated.
Video
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Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
I had the best burger I’ve ever had last week, it had onion bacon jam with goat cheese. I’m am so excited to try this at home!! Thank you for the recipe! I don’t know if I missed this somewhere, but would you recommend white or yellow onion?
Hi, Sarah! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. We would recommend a yellow onion. Have a great day!
This was a hit at our 50th anniversary party! Will making this again for Christmas gifts!
Question: How long is this good for?
Hi, Dee! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. Store the jam in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Have a great day!
Can this be canned? Hot water bath? It sounds so good.
Hi, Karen! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. Onion Bacon Jam is not safe to can. No cured meat should be canned. Store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Have a wonderful day!
Can this be canned?
Hi, Jenn! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. There is no safe way to can onion bacon jam (no cured meat should be canned). Store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. Have a great day!
Collecting ingredients to make soon.
I made this for my sister as part of a care package I’m sending to her. I tasted it and had second thoughts about sending it to her because it’s that GOOD!
I’ll definitely be making it again for the holidays !
Happy to hear that Jennifer!
Can you can this?
I’ve made this multiple times now and it is always on my family’s ‘want’ list! We have it as a pizza topping, with cheese on toast, crackers and cheese, in absolutely every type of sandwich or wrap… It is universally loved here & hubby will always sneak a giant spoonful of every freshly made batch!! 5 star recipe Thank you xx
Just made it! Waiting for it to thicken up. Had to sneak a taste….delicious!