One weekend afternoon, the scent of smoky bacon and sweet onions drifted from my kitchen windows, stopping a neighbor in his tracks. “Are you making barbecue?” he joked, nose in the air. I laughed, said “no” and continued to ladle bubbling bacon jam into a glass jar, its deep color catching the light. That was my third batch—and I hadn’t even let it cool before digging in with a spoon. This wasn’t just a recipe test; it was a small obsession in the making.
The recipe came from my experiment to strike a balance between savory and sweet for a brunch spread I was curating for close friends. I wanted something bold enough to stand out next to soft poached eggs, yet complex enough to serve as a condiment on burgers or crostini. Bacon jam hit that sweet spot.
What surprised me most was how each batch developed its own personality—depending on the jalapeños I used, how caramelized the onions became, or how long I let it simmer down to that perfect sticky consistency. It felt like a rhythm; once you catch it, you’ll always crave that beat.
And it’s not just for fancy brunches. I’ve spooned this onto grilled cheese, stirred it into mac and cheese, even dolloped it on a baked sweet potato. The smoky bacon wraps around the rich maple sweetness, while jalapeños lend just enough heat to keep things exciting. No boring condiments here—this is flavor that stays with you.
Short Description
A rich, savory-sweet spread made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, jalapeños, maple syrup, and warm spices—this Sweet & Spicy Bacon Jam is a versatile and addictive condiment perfect for toast, burgers, or cheese boards.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Tools Needed
- Medium skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Heatproof spoon or spatula
- Mason jar or airtight container for storage
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place diced bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Carefully pour off excess grease, leaving about ¼ cup in the skillet. This will add flavor while keeping the mixture from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions & Jalapeños
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced onions and jalapeños to the skillet. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until onions are deep golden and soft. They should smell sweet and slightly smoky.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in minced garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, chili powder, and the cooked bacon. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Serve warm or let cool and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Bold flavor from smoky bacon and sweet maple
– Just the right kick of spice from jalapeños
– Simple ingredients and pantry-friendly
– Stores well and gets better over time
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Not draining enough bacon fat
Too much grease makes the jam oily.
Solution: Leave just ¼ cup in the pan and discard the rest.
Mistake 2: Rushing the caramelization
Under-cooked onions won’t bring the depth of flavor.
Solution: Let them cook low and slow for at least 15 minutes.
Mistake 3: Overcooking the final mixture
You risk burning the sugar and syrup.
Solution: Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir often.
Mistake 4: Using too-hot jalapeños
This can overpower the jam’s balance.
Solution: Taste the jalapeños before using and remove all seeds if needed.
Mistake 5: Storing in warm containers
Warm jars can lead to spoilage.
Solution: Let the jam cool before transferring to clean, cool containers.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Slather on warm sourdough toast with cream cheese
– Use as a topping for burgers or grilled chicken
– Add a spoonful to deviled eggs or scrambled eggs
– Serve as part of a cheese board with sharp cheddar or brie
– Stir into baked beans or mashed sweet potatoes
Pair with:
– A smoky bourbon cocktail
– Sharp cheddar grilled cheese
– Buttery mashed potatoes
– Sparkling cider for contrast
Best served family-style with small spoons so guests can dollop their desired amount.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Warm in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water if too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavor deepens after a day or two in the fridge.
2. What can I substitute for jalapeños?
Try poblano peppers for a milder version or red pepper flakes for a more even heat.
3. Is this jam shelf-stable?
No, this version isn’t designed for canning. Always store it in the refrigerator.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead?
You can, but the texture and fat content will be different. Add a bit of oil to make up for it.
5. How can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based bacon and caramelize the onions in olive oil. Add a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
Tips & Tricks
– Use thick-cut bacon for better texture
– Stir often during the final simmer to prevent sticking
– For more depth, use smoked chili powder or chipotle
– Want a richer flavor? Add a splash of bourbon at the end
– Keep tasting as you go—this is one of those recipes that invites adjustments
Recipe Variations
1. Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam
Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon during the final simmer.
Reduce maple syrup to 3 tablespoons to balance the sweetness.
Cook 2–3 minutes longer for a slightly thicker consistency.
2. Sweet Onion Bacon Jam
Use sweet Vidalia onions instead of yellow.
Omit jalapeños and chili powder.
Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar with the apple cider vinegar for complexity.
3. Spicy Sriracha Bacon Jam
Add 1 tablespoon sriracha instead of jalapeños.
Increase garlic to 1 tablespoon.
Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne for more heat.
4. Apple Bacon Jam
Dice 1 small Granny Smith apple and sauté with the onions.
Use ¼ cup apple juice instead of some of the vinegar.
This adds a fruity tang that works great on pork sliders.
Final Thoughts
This jam has the cozy notes of Sunday brunch and the bold edge of something that doesn’t play by the rules. One spoonful, and it can turn a plain egg sandwich into something people ask about all week. It’s that kind of magic—unexpected, but memorable.
I’ve shared it with neighbors, served it at potlucks, and gifted it during the holidays. It always disappears faster than expected, and someone always asks, “What is that?” It’s part sauce, part spread, part secret weapon in the kitchen. And it always brings a little wow.
Make it once, and you’ll see—this isn’t just a recipe. It’s an invitation to experiment, share, and keep a jar of something irresistible close at hand.
Sweet And Spicy Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon diced
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Add diced bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain excess grease, keeping about ¼ cup in the skillet to retain flavor without making it too oily.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add onions and jalapeños. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and tender.
- Stir in garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, chili powder, and the cooked bacon. Simmer uncovered for 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and jam-like.
- Use warm or refrigerate in an airtight jar. Reheat gently before serving for best texture and flavor.
