Spicy. Sweet. Addictive. This Jalapeño Bacon Jam is Awesome! 🌶🥓✨
This bold, flavor-packed condiment combines crispy bacon, caramelized onions, fresh jalapeños, and a touch of sweetness for a jam that’s smoky, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect on burgers, sandwiches, toast, cheese boards, or even straight from the spoon — you’ve been warned, it’s addictive!
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 4–5 fresh jalapeños, seeded & diced (leave some seeds for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee (optional, for depth)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1–2 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Onions & Jalapeños – In the bacon fat, cook onions and jalapeños until softened and golden (about 8–10 minutes).
- Add Garlic – Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sweetness & Acidity – Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, coffee (if using), maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Bacon – Add cooked bacon back into the pan and stir well.
- Reduce – Lower heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy.
- Cool & Store – Let cool before transferring to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks.
Notes
- The coffee adds depth but can be omitted.
- Adjust jalapeños to control heat level.
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best meaty texture.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
- Serving Ideas: Top burgers, spread on grilled cheese, mix into scrambled eggs, or pair with cream cheese and crackers.
- Extra Smoky: Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Servings
Makes about 1½ cups of jam (10–12 servings)
Nutritional Info (per tablespoon, approx.)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Benefits
- Burst of Flavor — Combines sweet, savory, and spicy in one.
- Versatile — Works on everything from breakfast to BBQ.
- Long-Lasting — Stores well for weeks in the fridge.
- Crowd-Pleaser — Guaranteed to impress at gatherings.
Q & A
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes — use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds and membranes.
Q: Can I freeze bacon jam?
A: Yes — store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Q: How do I reheat it?
A: Warm gently in a small pan over low heat or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Q: Is it safe to can bacon jam?
A: Due to the meat content, it’s best stored in the fridge or freezer — not shelf-stable canning.