The Best Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe
Brace yourselves, bacon lovers — this very best bourbon bacon jam was made just for you. From brunch to cocktail hour and even dinnertime, you'll want to slather this savory and sweet bourbon bacon jam on everything in sight. No matter how you serve it, everyone is sure to gobble up this irresistible bacon spread.
How to Make the Best The Best Bourbon Bacon Jam
This bourbon bacon jam is the ultimate savory-sweet spread that transforms everything it touches. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a hint of bourbon combine into an irresistible condiment that’s equally at home on a brunch board as it is at cocktail hour.
The beauty of this jam lies in its versatility. Spread it thickly on buttered toast for breakfast, layer it on a charcuterie board alongside aged cheddar and crackers, or dollop it onto burgers and hot dogs for an unexpected flavor boost. The depth of maple syrup and dark brown sugar balances the smoky bacon and spicy cayenne, while the bourbon adds a sophisticated finish that keeps your guests guessing.
Make a batch and store it in the refrigerator to have on hand for entertaining. This is the kind of condiment that people will ask for the recipe after their first taste.
The Best Bourbon Bacon Jam
Brace yourselves, bacon lovers — this very best bourbon bacon jam was made just for you. From brunch to cocktail hour and even dinnertime, you'll want to slather this savory and sweet bourbon bacon jam on everything in sight. No matter how you serve it, everyone is sure to gobble up this irresistible bacon spread.
Ingredients
Main
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the chopped bacon to a large cold pot. Turn heat to medium. It might look like too much bacon at first, but it will cook down. Stir well every few minutes to help the bacon cook evenly. Cook until the bacon turns crispy and the fat renders and turns foamy. Once the bacon finishes cooking, move to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
- Remove most of the bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onions and give them a stir. Cook the onions until they caramelize, stirring occasionally to allow the onions to brown.
- Bring heat back to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the bacon back to the pot along with the maple syrup, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release those cooked bits. Allow the mixture to bubble and cook for a few additional minutes to thicken, about five minutes.
- Turn off heat. Stir in fresh thyme leaves, bourbon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the bacon mixture to a food processor. Pulse until it looks like finely ground meat. It should be spreadable but still a little chunky. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- The cayenne pepper adds heat—adjust to your preference for a spicier or milder jam
- This jam is perfect on charcuterie boards, with sharp cheeses, or spread on toast
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks