If you're a fan of the irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, then you're in for a treat! Maple Bacon Onion Jam is a delicious condiment that's perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Bacon adds so much flavor to dishes even when it is just used as a topping for recipes like this Roasted Cauliflower Soup, this Leek and Potato Soup, or this Kale and Apple Salad.
Whether you spread it on toast, dollop it on a burger, or serve it alongside cheese and crackers, this jam is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
If you like to sprinkle salt on your Chocolate Chip Cookies, this jam is for you.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- This simple recipe only needs one pan but has plenty of flavor. It is the perfect condiment for bacon lovers.
- This maple bacon jam recipe is a delicious way to add sweet savory flavor to all of your favorite dishes like burgers, pork chops, charcuterie boards, and baked goods.
- Sweet caramelized sweet onion pairs perfectly with salty crisp bacon.
Looking for more ways to add flavor to your dishes? Try this Spinach Pesto, this Balsamic Strawberry Jam, or this Apricot BBQ Sauce.
Recipe Ingredients
Bacon: Use your favorite thick-cut bacon. If you want to add a bit of smoked flavor, choose smoked bacon.
Onions: I prefer to use yellow onions but you could also use white onions.
Maple Syrup: You will want to use syrup labeled as pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
Dark Brown Sugar: You could substitute white sugar but I like the extra caramel flavor the brown sugar adds.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The acid from the vinegar brightens the other flavors. If you don't have apple cider vinegar you could also use balsamic vinegar. If you decide to use white vinegar you may want to increase the sugar.
Thyme: You can use fresh or dried thyme.
(Optional) Bourbon: Add a splash of bourbon to create bourbon maple bacon onion jam.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. About 20-25 minutes.
Step 2: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Try not to snack on too many bacon bits while you cook the onions.
Tip: Be sure to use a large skillet. A too-small skillet will crowd the bacon making it take longer to crisp and cook.
Step 3: Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Save the extra bacon fat to make these Bacon Grease Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Add the onions.
Step 4: Cook the onions over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and caramelized.
Step 5: Once the onions are caramelized, add the pure maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Add a splash of bourbon to create bourbon bacon jam.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. The jam should coat the back of a spoon when it's ready.
Step 7: Return the bacon to the pan and stir to combine.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the Maple Bacon Onion Jam cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or an airtight container. I typically store it in a glass mason jar.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you've made your own batch of Maple Bacon-Onion Jam, there are so many different ways to serve it! Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Breakfast: Spread the jam on toast or English muffins for a sweet and savory twist on your morning routine. Top it with a fried egg for extra indulgence.
- Gourmet Burger: Slather this savory spread on a juicy burger along with some melted cheese for an explosion of flavors. Add some lettuce and tomato for a complete meal.
- Cheese Platter: Serve the Maple Bacon Onion Jam alongside a variety of cheeses for sophisticated quick appetizers. The sweetness of the jam pairs perfectly with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese.
- Grilled Cheese: Use the Maple Bacon Onion Jam as a spread for your next grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of melty cheese, crispy bread, and sweet-savory jam will take your sandwich to the next level.
- Charcuterie Board: Add a dollop of Maple Bacon Onion Jam to your charcuterie board for a unique and delicious addition. It pairs well with cured meats, goat cheese, crackers, and pickles for a well-rounded spread.
If you know someone who loves charcuterie you will want to check out my post Perfect Gifts for Charcuterie Lovers.
Recipe FAQs
Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes. For longer storage, the jam can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date and contents.
To Thaw: Place the container in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to use a large skillet. A too-small skillet will crowd the bacon making it take longer to crisp and cook.
- Cook the onions over low heat to caramelize the natural sugars in the onions without burning them.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Puree the jam using a hand-held blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Bacon Jam
Thanks for Reading!
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📖 Recipe
Maple Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
Equipment
- storage container
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon chopped
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped 1 pound bacon until crispy. About 20-25 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the remaining bacon grease, add the 2 large onions and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the ½ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add a splash of bourbon to create bourbon bacon jam.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. The jam should coat the back of a spoon when it's ready. Return the bacon to the pan and stir to combine
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the Maple Bacon Onion Jam cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or an airtight container. I typically store it in a glass mason jar.
Notes
- Be sure to use a large skillet. A too-small skillet will crowd the bacon making it take longer to crisp and cook.
- Cook the onions over low heat to caramelize the natural sugars in the onions without burning them.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Puree the jam using a hand-held blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
Emily Norboe says
Do you think you could can this jam and keep in the pantry?
Erica Schramek says
I don't have much canning experience so I can't give you advice.
Diane says
I thought one tablespoon of thyme was way too much.
Lisa Sharpe says
Can this be pressure canned?
Erica Schramek says
I have never done any pressure canning so I don't have a good answer.
Robin Pitts says
I just made this recipe and it's fine! 🥓🧅😋 It's going on smash burgers for super....thank you!
Erica says
Yum! Sounds delicious!