What’s in Bacon Jam?
Bacon jam is taking the world by storm. This smoky, savory condiment pops up everywhere from gourmet items in five-star restaurants to fast food burger menus, neighborhood dinner parties to grand gala openings, the breakfast table, and the backyard cookout.
Because bacon jam is such a tasty and versatile treat, its uses, pairings, and incarnations are practically limitless. It can add a mouth-watering twist to breakfast omelets, burgers, sandwiches, hors d'oeuvre trays, entrees, and even desserts.
With bacon jam becoming ever more popular, a common question arises: what’s in bacon jam? What secret ingredients make this sweet and savory relish so tantalizing?
The list is more straightforward than you might expect.
Bacon Jam Ingredients
You can choose from a variety of bacon jam flavors, or even make it yourself, so the ingredient list may vary depending on which type you purchase or create. With that in mind, here are the essential ingredients of bacon jam:
- Bacon
- Onions
- Shallots
- Garlic cloves
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Apple cider vinegar
If you prefer bacon jam that is less sweet, you can reduce or remove the maple syrup. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar, although removing it entirely is not recommended.
For extra heat, finely chopped peppers can be added. Jalapenos, habaneros, or chilis will add flavor and some kick to the jam. Make sure to remove any seeds unless you want four-alarm-spicy bacon jam.
How Bacon Jam Is Made
Again, no two recipes will be the same because such a wide variety of bacon jams exists. Still, the basic formula for creating bacon jam is relatively simple.
First, the bacon is cooked until crispy. Crispy bacon is an absolute must for bacon jam - that crunch is essential in every bite.
The onions and shallots are then caramelized, usually in the fat from the fried bacon.
Once the onions and shallots have properly caramelized, the crispy bacon, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar, and garlic are mixed in and simmered. This mixture simmers until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency.
The bacon jam must then cool completely before it can be transferred to a jar.
Bacon Jam Recipes
The beauty of bacon jam is that it can be paired with so many items and used in so many recipes:
- For scrumptious appetizers, try bacon jam in jalapeno poppers, spicy bacon wings, a bacon ranch cheese ball, or bacon jam brie bites.
- For an upgraded breakfast, you can make bacon jam breakfast sliders, a brunch flatbread, or raspberry bacon American toast.
- You can even use bacon jam in soup! Donna’s bacon corn chowder is the perfect way to stay warm on a chilly evening.
- And don’t forget dessert. For a special treat, try an apple bacon jam turnover or bacon ham S’mores.
Try Bacon Jam for Yourself
With its simple ingredients, delicious balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, and unique crispy/jammy texture, bacon jam is an excellent addition to any menu. Don’t take our word for it, though. Try TBJ Gourmet bacon jam for yourself. Whether you get creative with one of the delicious recipes above or just eat it straight from the jar, your taste buds will rejoice.
Baconize your life today with TBJ Gourmet!
