Best 4 Chef Johns Bacon Jam Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary delight with Chef John's Bacon Jam, a savory and versatile condiment that adds a smoky, bacon-y flavor to any dish. This irresistible spread combines the richness of bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the tang of vinegar, creating a unique and addictive taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to elevate your meals, this bacon jam recipe is a must-try.

This article features not only the classic Bacon Jam recipe but also a collection of innovative variations to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From a spicy Chipotle Bacon Jam that packs a flavorful punch to a sweet and tangy Apricot Bacon Jam that adds a touch of fruitiness, these variations offer endless possibilities for culinary exploration.

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, a flavorful topping for burgers and sandwiches, or a unique ingredient to enhance your favorite dishes, this article has you covered. With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and stunning visuals, you'll be able to master the art of making bacon jam and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BACON JAM



Bacon Jam image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     condiment

Time 50m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 sweet onions, chopped
1/4 cup water, as needed
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Toast, for serving
Chopped chives, for garnish

Steps:

  • Add the bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's just starting to brown slightly and render its fat, 3 to 4 minutes. Add in the chopped onions and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and almost melting into the bacon fat, 30 to 40 minutes. If the pan starts to look dry or is browning too much, add a splash of water to deglaze.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, cayenne pepper and grated garlic, then add the balsamic vinegar. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Pulse until the bacon is chopped slightly finer, 5 to 6 pulses.
  • To serve, top the toast with the bacon jam and garnish with chopped chives.

SIMPLE ONION AND BACON JAM



Simple Onion and Bacon Jam image

Bacon jam isn't just for burgers, add it to grilled cheese, waffles or roasted veggies, the possibilities are endless. I prefer the ratio of more onion to bacon but feel free to add additional bacon. I've made the consistency thicker than a traditional jam.

Provided by Bren

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 ounces smoked bacon, diced
3 cups finely chopped onions
2 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon real maple syrup
2 tablespoons water, divided

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon is evenly browned but not yet crisped, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Add onions to the pan with the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until onions are soft and lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Lower heat to a simmer and add balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon water.
  • Simmer until jam comes together, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in remaining tablespoon water and remove from heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 57.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 6.3 mg, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 135.8 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

BACON JAM



Bacon Jam image

This recipe can be used for spooning on Granny's old-fashion biscuits, or put a dollop on fluffy scrambled eggs. On a toasted slice of a crusty bread or good crackers it would be divine. Whatever you use this for, it will work beautifully, because everything is better with bacon!

Provided by Cheryl Bricks

Categories     100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes     Meat and Seafood     Bacon

Time 1h35m

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup bacon drippings
2 large yellow onions, cut into very thin slivers
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup bourbon whiskey
1 cup brewed coffee
½ cup sherry vinegar
½ cup maple syrup
¾ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Cook and stir bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until bacon starts to brown, about 10 minutes; drain grease, retaining 1/4 of the drippings. Stir onions into bacon and drippings; cook and stir until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar; cook until onions are sticky and browned, about 5 more minutes. Mix in garlic, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook and stir until garlic is soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix in bourbon whiskey, coffee, sherry vinegar, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook until the bacon jam is thickened but not completely dry, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, about 35 minutes. Mix in ketchup and cook 5 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat, let the bacon jam cool, and pulse in a food processor to a slightly chunky, spreadable consistency. Bacon jam will store in the refrigerator, covered, up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.4 calories, Carbohydrate 9.6 g, Cholesterol 13.8 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 286.5 mg, Sugar 8 g

CANDIED BACON



Candied Bacon image

This makes a great party snack.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes     Meat and Seafood     Bacon

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound thick-cut bacon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Mix brown sugar, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Place bacon slices on cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, turn slices, and bake another 5 minutes.
  • Remove bacon and brush both sides with brown sugar mixture. Return bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Repeat basting every 5 minutes until bacon is browned and crisp, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Carbohydrate 13.9 g, Cholesterol 27.3 mg, Fat 10.4 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 576.9 mg, Sugar 12.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right bacon: Use a good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor.
  • Render the bacon slowly: Cook the bacon over low heat until it is crispy and golden brown. This will help to develop the flavor and prevent the bacon from burning.
  • Use a variety of onions: Chef John uses a combination of yellow, red, and white onions in his recipe. This gives the jam a complex flavor and adds a pop of color.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other ingredients to your bacon jam, such as garlic, chili peppers, or brown sugar. You can also use different types of vinegar or wine to create different flavor profiles.
  • Let the bacon jam cool completely before storing: This will help to prevent the jam from separating.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Bacon Jam is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It is perfect for spreading on sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Or, you can simply enjoy it on its own as a snack. No matter how you choose to use it, you're sure to love this bacon jam.

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