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Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam

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This savory bourbon bacon jam is a smoky, sweet, and jammy spread packed with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a splash of bourbon. Perfect for burgers, cheese boards, or as a gourmet gift, it comes together easily and delivers ultimate flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound thick-cut smoked bacon (applewood or hickory preferred)
  • 2 large yellow or sweet onions, finely diced
  • 2 small shallots, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Dice bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice onions and shallots. Mince garlic. Measure out all other ingredients.
  2. Place bacon pieces in a large, cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crispy but not burnt (about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan.
  4. Add onions and shallots to the pan. Cook over medium-low, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and soft—about 12-15 minutes.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in bourbon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and reserved bacon. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and jammy.
  7. Stir in apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  8. For a smoother jam, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor. For chunkier texture, leave as-is.
  9. Let the bacon jam cool completely before transferring to jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For best results, caramelize onions and shallots slowly over low heat. Use a good-quality bourbon for depth of flavor. The jam thickens as it cools and tastes even better after a day in the fridge. For dietary needs, substitute turkey or plant-based bacon and swap bourbon for coffee or apple juice. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon jam, bourbon bacon jam, savory spread, homemade condiment, burger topping, cheese board, easy bacon jam, smoky jam, sweet and savory, holiday gift

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-jam-recipe-easy-homemade-spread-for-ultimate-flavor/