Sweet And Savory Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam Recipe
Sweet and Savory Caramelized Bacon Onion Jam are what a bacon lover’s dreams are made of. Sweet caramelized onions and crispy salty bacon bits swirled in a brown sugar and mustard glaze immediately elevate any dish.
Serve on top of meatloaf, melted brie, cream cheese, burgers, or even grilled cheese sandwiches. You will be hard pressed to find a food that bacon onion jam doesn’t transform into the best food you’ve ever had.
What is Bacon Onion Jam?
Bacon onion jam is the ultimate condiment for so many recipes. Made of smoky bacon, sweet onions, dark brown sugar, dijon mustard and ketchup it is the perfect blend of flavors to make a delicious savory spread.
TEN WAYS USE SWEET AND SAVORY CARAMELIZED BACON ONION JAM:
The best part of this bacon onion jam recipe is its versatility. There are so many delicious ways to serve this bacon onion jam. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
1. Serve bacon onion jam on top of cream cheese and serve with crackers like a dip for parties.
2. Spread on a grilled cheese sandwich for a more savory flavor twist on a classic.
3. Top your favorite meatloaf recipe with bacon onion jam to elevate a comfort food staple. Check out my bacon onion jam meatloaf recipe and serve your family the perfect weeknight cozy meal.
4. Use as the perfect sweet and savory condiment on a juicy burger for the ultimate bacon lover’s dream meal. Bacon jam burgers, need I say more?
5. A jar of bacon onion jam is the perfect condiment to add to cheese platters or a lavish charcuterie board.
6. Serve warm on top of melted brie for a show stopping and ridiculously easy appetizer.
7. Bacon onion jam makes a good addition on top of a hot dog, served chili dog style.
8. Package bacon onion jam in a glass jar with a decorative wooden spoon and gift a jar of bacon jam this holiday season. Bacon marmalade makes a great gift for the foodies in your life.
9. Top grilled salmon, chicken, or pork chops with this savory jam for an easy yet delicious dish.
10. Add bacon onion jam to pizza with fresh greens, mozzarella, crispy Brussels sprouts (just trust me on this one), roasted garlic and parmesan.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 pound thick cut bacon chopped
- 2 sweet onions or about 3 cups chopped
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (can substitute light brown sugar or sucanat)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease or lard
HOW TO MAKE SWEET BACON ONION JAM:
Sweet and savory caramelized bacon onion jam begins with frying smoky bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
Next, sweet yellow onions are cooked down in the bacon grease until they are caramelized. Brown sugar is added to the onions and bacon for a touch of sweetness.
The sweetness of the caramelized sweet yellow onions and dark brown sugar is balanced by the brightness of the ketchup and Dijon mustard.
Then, the mixture is cooked down on medium low heat until it reaches a jam-like consistency. This jam is the epitome of sweet and savory.
1. First, chop the bacon into small pieces and fry in a cast iron skillet. Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon and drain all but 3-4 tablespoons of the bacon grease. Place the cooked bacon in a separate bowl.
2. Dice the sweet onions. Cook the onions in the leftover bacon grease over medium-low heat until the onions are browned and caramelized. Stir frequently to avoid burning or sticking on the bottom of the pan.
3. When the onions are well caramelized add the bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook on low until very fragrant.
4. Next add the dark brown sugar to the skillet and stir to coat all of the bacon and onion pieces. Make sure the bacon and onion is well coated in the brown sugar. Then, add in the remaining ingredients and give the mixture a good stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens to a jam like consistency. Serve warm or let cool and refrigerate.
TIPS:
I like my bacon onion jam to be quite thick, so I cook mine on low until it easily clings to a spoon when held upside down.
Be sure to stir frequently while cooking down to avoid scorching.
I used thick cut bacon to give more texture to the jam. If using thin cut bacon be sure not to overcook so the bacon won’t be too frail to mix into the jam.
Caramelizing the onions is the key to bringing out their sweetness. Don’t rush this process. If the onions begin to burn reduce the heat and stir more frequently until all are nice and brown.
Try this onion bacon jam on my Sweet and Savory Bacon Onion Jam Meatloaf.
GRAB THE SWEET BACON ONION JAM PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD HERE:
Sweet Bacon Onion Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 lb thick cut bacon chopped
- 2 sweet onions about 3 cups chopped
- 3/4 cup sucanat or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 tbsp bacon grease or lard
Instructions
- 1. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain all but 4 tbsp of the bacon grease.
- 2. Roughly chop the onions and add to the skillet.
- 3. Cook the onion in the bacon grease, stirring often until they are well caramelized. Turn the heat down to low.
- 4. Stir in the garlic to the skillet and cook on low until fragrant.
- 5. Add the sucanat or brown sugar to the pan making sure to coat all pieces well.
- 6. Once the bacon and onions are coated in the sucanat add in the ketchup and dijon mustard. Mix to combine.
- 7. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture begins to boil making sure to stir frequently.
- 8. Once the mixture comes to a boil reduce the heat to low and let simmer until it is thick enough to coat a spoon easily and has a jam like texture.
Notes
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Loved this on meatloaf!
Thank you!