Contents
- 1 The First Bite
- 2 My Kitchen Mishap
- 3 Why It Works
- 4 A Little History
- 5 Ingredients:
- 6 How to Make Bourbon Bacon Jam
- 7 Three Tasty Twists on Bacon Jam
- 8 Serving Your Sweet and Savory Jam
- 9 Storing Your Bacon Bourbon Jam
- 10 Fixing Common Jam Issues
- 11 Your Bacon Jam Questions
- 12 Share Your Kitchen Success
- 13 Bacon Bourbon Jam
The First Bite
The smell of sizzling bacon filled my tiny kitchen. I stirred in bourbon and brown sugar. It bubbled into a dark, sticky jam. I slathered it on a warm biscuit. That sweet and salty mix was pure magic. Ever wondered how one jam could change every meal? It turns breakfast into a feast. It makes a simple burger something special. This jam is a kitchen superstar. You will want to put it on everything.My Kitchen Mishap
My first try was a bit messy. I didn’t cut the bacon small enough. Big chunks made the jam hard to spread. It still tasted amazing though! We ate it straight from the jar. That’s the joy of homemade food. Even a small mistake can create something delicious. Cooking is about the experience, not perfection. It’s about creating memories around food. What’s your best kitchen mistake story?Why It Works
The flavors here are a perfect balance. Smoky bacon meets sweet maple syrup. Sharp vinegar cuts through the rich fat. The texture is thick and chunky. It has little bits of bacon in every bite. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the bourbon with brown sugar? Or the vinegar with the savory bacon? This jam keeps you coming back for more. It is a true flavor adventure.A Little History
This jam is a modern American creation. It comes from our love for bold flavors. Chefs started making it about twenty years ago. They wanted to upgrade classic burgers and appetizers. *Did you know bourbon is a type of American whiskey?* It adds a deep, warm flavor to the jam. This condiment is now a backyard BBQ staple. Will you try it on a burger or a biscuit first? Share your plans below!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 3/4 pound | cut into inch slices then cut in half |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | minced |
| Shallot | 1 large | minced |
| Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Sherry vinegar | 1/4 cup | |
| Water | 1/4 cup | |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup | |
| Bourbon | 1/4 cup | optional |
| Yellow mustard | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | Dash | optional |
How to Make Bourbon Bacon Jam
Step 1Cook your bacon in a medium skillet. Stir it now and then until it is almost crispy. This takes about ten minutes. Move the bacon to a paper towel to drain. (Hard-learned tip: save just one tablespoon of that tasty bacon fat). Step 2
Put garlic and shallot in the warm bacon fat. Cook them until they are soft and smell good. Now add all the other ingredients except the bacon. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it gets a bit thicker. Step 3
Put the cooked bacon back into your skillet. Stir everything together really well. Take the pan off the heat. Your jam will get thicker as it cools down. What ingredient gives this jam its deep, rich sweetness? Share below! Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 2 cups
Category: Condiment, Appetizer
Three Tasty Twists on Bacon Jam
Try these fun ideas to change up your jam. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. Smoky Version: Use a smoky bourbon or a dash of liquid smoke. Apple Twist: Stir in some finely chopped apple at the very end. Which of these spins would you try first? Tell me in the comments!Serving Your Sweet and Savory Jam
This jam makes simple food special. Spread it on a good burger or a grilled cheese sandwich. Serve it with crackers and cream cheese for a quick snack. It is also great on top of a block of baked brie. For drinks, try a cold beer or a glass of iced tea. A nice bourbon on the rocks is a perfect match too. So many ways to enjoy this treat. Which would you choose tonight: a burger or the cheese board?
Storing Your Bacon Bourbon Jam
Let your jam cool completely first. Then put it in a clean jar. It keeps in the fridge for about two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you want it.
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. I always make a double batch. It makes a great gift for food-loving friends. Why does this matter? A ready-made condiment makes weeknight meals special. What is your favorite thing to put this jam on?
Fixing Common Jam Issues
Is your jam too runny? Just simmer it a bit longer. It will thicken as it cools. If it is too thick, add a splash of water. Stir it in over low heat until it looks right.
Bacon not crispy enough? Cook it a little longer next time. Crispy bacon gives the jam a better texture. If the jam is too sweet for you, add a pinch more salt. This balances the flavors perfectly.
Your Bacon Jam Questions
Q: Is this jam gluten-free? A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your bourbon label to be safe.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.
Q: What can I use instead of bourbon? A: Use more water or apple juice. You will still get a great taste.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, just use a bigger pot. It scales up very easily.
Q: How long does it last? A: It keeps for two weeks in the refrigerator. It also freezes well.
I hope you love this sweet and savory jam. It truly makes everything better. My neighbor now puts it on her morning toast! Show me your creations. Tag Savory Discovery on Pinterest. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Bacon Bourbon Jam
Description
My Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe will change the way you see jam. This jam is sweet and savory and also happens to be the most versatile condiment around.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook the cut bacon, stirring occasionally, until done and on the verge of crispy, approximately 10 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan. Discard the rest and reduce to low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and minced shallot directly to the same skillet with rendered bacon fat. Soften for approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir in the light brown sugar, sherry vinegar, water, maple syrup, bourbon and yellow mustard. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken and liquids are reduced by about 25%. It will not fully thicken until it starts to cool off-heat.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Remove from the heat and stir well.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.