Chef Mitchell preparing Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam recipe during a food festival where I was introduced to unique flavor combinations. Over the years, I have perfected it, adding my own twists to enhance its savory profile. The response from friends and family has been overwhelmingly positive, pushing me to share it with a wider audience. It’s become a signature dish at gatherings and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I have dedicated my career to creating delicious and memorable appetizer recipes. My passion lies in elevating classic dishes with bold flavors and innovative techniques. I believe that great food brings people together, and I love sharing my culinary creations with others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam served on a plate

Why This Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully because it balances the rich saltiness of bacon with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions. The addition of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup enhances the flavors, creating a complex taste profile that is both savory and sweet. The long, slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly, resulting in a jam that is bursting with flavor.

The technique of simmering the mixture slowly helps to develop deep caramelization in the onions, which provides an incredible depth of flavor. Using high-quality ingredients, like premium bacon and fresh herbs, further elevates this dish. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making it a standout appetizer.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use thick-cut bacon as it holds up better during cooking and adds a hearty texture to the jam. Additionally, be patient while caramelizing the onions; the longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they become. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make this jam ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just reheat gently before serving or enjoy it cold.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well but may not provide the same richness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as other ingredients may not need as long to crisp up.

The jam is done when it has thickened to a spreadable consistency and the onions are soft and caramelized. You should be able to see the bottom of the pan when you stir, and the flavors should be well combined. If it’s too runny, continue to simmer it until it reduces further.

Yes, you can freeze this jam! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

This jam pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Serve it on toasted bread or crackers as an appetizer, or use it as a topping for grilled meats or burgers. It also complements cheese platters perfectly, especially with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese.

Properly stored in an airtight container, Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam will last in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Just ensure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain its freshness. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before use.

Absolutely! Making this jam in advance allows the flavors to develop even further. It can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving, or serve it cold as a spread.

The best way to reheat the jam is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or apple cider to loosen it up. You want it warm but not boiling.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your jam turns out too dry, it may have cooked too long or at too high a temperature.

Solution: To fix this, you can add a splash of water or apple cider to the jam while heating it gently, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the bacon isn't crispy, it may need more time in the pan.

Solution: Make sure to cook the bacon over medium heat and allow it enough time to render its fat and become crispy. You can also finish it in the oven if needed.

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Overcooked

Problem: If the jam has become too thick or burnt, it may be overcooked.

Prevention: Prevent this by monitoring the cooking time closely and stirring frequently towards the end of the cooking process. If overcooked, add a bit of liquid to loosen it up.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the jam is undercooked, it may not have thickened properly.

Recovery: To remedy this, return the jam to the heat and let it simmer longer while stirring frequently, ensuring even cooking throughout.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the edges of the jam are burnt, it may have cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: To prevent burning, cook on low to medium heat and stir often to ensure even cooking. If it burns, you may have to scrape off the burnt bits and salvage the rest.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the jam is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it’s too salty, you can dilute it with a little water or add more chopped onions to balance it out.

Bland: For bland jam, adjust the seasoning by incorporating more black pepper, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.

Fresh ingredients for Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam

Essential Ingredients for Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam

The key ingredients for this delicious jam include high-quality bacon and sweet onions. The bacon provides a rich, savory flavor while the onions caramelize to bring sweetness and depth. Together, they create a perfect balance that makes this jam irresistible. Other ingredients like balsamic vinegar and maple syrup enhance the overall taste profile, making it a standout condiment.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Opt for thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture and sweeter onions for maximum caramelization. These choices significantly impact the final flavor and texture of the jam, so it's worth investing in quality ingredients.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a more substantial bite and better flavor. The fat content will render beautifully, contributing to the richness of the jam. Cooking it slowly helps achieve the perfect crispiness.
  • Onions: Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for optimal sweetness. Caramelizing them slowly brings out their natural sugars, resulting in a rich, golden flavor that complements the bacon.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: A good-quality balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity to the jam. It balances the sweetness and provides acidity, enhancing the overall flavor. Look for an aged variety for the best results.
Cooking process for Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam involves several key steps. First, you’ll need to cook the bacon to render its fat, which will be used to sauté the onions. After the onions are caramelized to perfection, the mixture will be deglazed with vinegar and simmered to create a rich, thick jam.

Achieving perfect results requires patience, particularly when caramelizing the onions. The goal is to coax out their natural sweetness over a low flame, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. The final product should have a harmonious blend of flavors, with a thick, spreadable consistency.

Key Technique for Perfect Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam

The most important technique in making Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam is the slow caramelization of the onions. This process requires time and low heat to draw out the sugars in the onions, resulting in a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. Stirring them frequently will ensure they don’t burn while allowing for even caramelization, which is essential for the jam’s success.

Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp honey
    For sweetness
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    For cooking
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    To taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    For moisture
  • 1 cup green beans
    Trimmed

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

  2. Sauté the Onions

    In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings

    Add the minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and salt to the onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Deglaze the Pan

    Pour in the balsamic vinegar and apple cider, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

  5. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients

    Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, water, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.

  6. Simmer the Jam

    Reduce heat to low, add the bacon back to the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  7. Finish with Lemon Juice

    Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the jam cool before transferring it to a jar or serving dish.

  8. Serve

    Enjoy your Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam on crusty bread, crackers, or as a condiment for meats.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store the Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure it is completely cooled before sealing it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this jam on toasted baguette slices, with cream cheese, or alongside charcuterie boards. It also makes a fantastic topping for grilled meats or hamburgers.

Recipe Variations

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as red wine or apple cider vinegar, to alter the flavor profile.