logo

Bourbon Bacon Jam

I have been meaning to make this recipe for a long while now.

Bourbon Bacon Jam

Ever since Kevin on Top Chef and Lisa at Homesick Texan made their versions of bacon jam I have been dreaming of the day when I would make mine.  Like any jam you can make it any flavor you like best.  I like bourbon and I like maple syrup. Those flavors, with their earthy caramel notes and natural sweetness, are the perfect foil to salty, smoky bacon.

Bourbon Bacon Jam

I recommend you get the best quality bacon you can find. If you can find thick cut Applewood smoked I would suggest you use that because it has a nice smoke flavor that will not overpower the jam as the bacon mixture reduces.   Good quality bourbon is also a suggestion I would make.  Don’t go crazy and use best quality, but please do not use anything in a plastic bottle for this.  The maple syrup, however, should not be the very best quality.  Any B grade will be fine here because you want the deep maple flavor and the sweetness, but since it is not the star don’t spend the money.   Serve this jam on toast, in a panini, on a buttermilk biscuit, with sliced apples, or with some sharp cheddar cheese.  I will not disappoint.

Bourbon Bacon Jam     Yield 1 1/2 cups

1 pound thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1″ pieces
1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ thick slices
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch fresh grated nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon dry chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup good quality bourbon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Bourbon Bacon Jam

In a large skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon pieces until the begin to crisp at the edges but are still soft in the center, about 1 – 1 1/2 minutes per side.  Set aside to drain.  Pour all but one tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the pan.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Bourbon Bacon Jam

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the onion and brown sugar.  Cook until the onions are well caramelized, about twenty minutes.  Add the garlic and spices and cook an additional five minutes.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Bourbon Bacon Jam

Add the liquid ingredients and the bacon to the pan.  Increase the heat to medium heat bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about two hours.  Check the mixture every 30 minutes.  If the mixture becomes too dry add a few tablespoons of water.  You want the final mixture to be moist and very sticky.

Bourbon Bacon Jam

Let the mixture cool slightly them put it into the bowl of a food processor, or blender, and pulse about 20 times, or until it reaches your preferred consistency.  (I prefer mine slightly chunky so you really notice the bacon)

Bourbon Bacon Jam

Enjoy, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Bourbon Bacon Jam

Bacon on Foodista

Author: Kelly

Share This Post On

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This