Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (2024)

Bacon onion jam never lasts long. This highly addictive savory sweet spread, also called bacon marmalade, can be used for nearly anything a typical jam is used for, and more.

Patted in a little mason jar and cinched with a ribbon, it’s a perfect gift for anyone on any occasion.

This simple bacon jam recipe is extremely easy to make, but it does take some time for all the simmering. You’ll have to set aside about an hour and half to get everything done to perfection. But it’s well worth it.

The key parts of this simple bacon onion jam recipe is, of course, the bacon and onion. You’ll be using a whole 1 lb package of bacon as well as one whole yellow onion. Simply chop them up and simmer them for about 30 minutes.

Then you’ll need to add a binder like light brown sugar and a smidge of maple syrup. Some black pepper and vinegar finishes off the flavor palette. Add a bit of cayenne pepper if you want similar flavors to a spicy candied bacon recipe.

Unlike other marmalades, bacon onion jam isn’t really ideal for canning and keeping for a long period of time. You can keep it in the fridge for about two to three weeks (although it probably won’t last that long given it’s popularity!)

One of the best ways to use bacon onion jam is as a condiment with burgers. Try making a crostini by topping toasted bread with it, or using it as a dipping sauce for fresh apple slices.

Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (1)

You can use a bit of this simple bacon marmalade on simple pasta, or on a cracker. Once you make this versatile bacon onion jam, you can explore your own favorite ways to use. it.

Try one of our other tasty recipes:

  • Ultimate Spicy Candied Bacon Recipe
  • Arugula Bacon Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Bacon Onion Jam

Simple bacon jam recipe. Bacon jam with caramelized onion and a light brown sugar glaze can be used in many ways – from a cracker spread to pasta sauce.

Prep Time12 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time57 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Yellow Onion
  • 1 lb Bacon
  • 1/3 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbl Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions

  • Cut the pound of bacon into small bits, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Don't worry if some are stuck together because they will separate during cooking. Unlike cooking regular bacon, you can cook the whole pound at once.

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  • Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat. Don't be in a hurry – slow cooked bacon is good in this recipe. Stir frequently during cooking so that bits separate from each other and can cook evenly.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (4)

  • Remove bacon pieces from heat and set aside.

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  • Drain most of the bacon grease, either in a porcelain container to use later or in a disposable metal container like a can. Save about 2 Tablespoons in the pan.

  • Chop onion into small even pieces.

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  • Slowly cook onion pieces in bacon grease. When they begin to turn clear/transparent (after about 5 to 10 minutes) and become soft, add the bacon pieces back in.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (7)

  • Add light brown sugar, pepper, vinegar and maple syrup.

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  • Simmer the entire mixture for about 20 to 30 minutes. You will know when the bacon onion jam is ready when the onions have turned into a jam-like consistency.

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  • For a more jam-like texture, you can run the mixture through a food processor quickly. However, bacon onion jam is also fine to eat with the larger pieces.

    Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (10)

Notes

You can use bacon onion jam (bacon marmalade) in a variety of ways. Among them:

  • On crackers or toast triangles
  • As a condiment on burgers
  • As a pasta glaze
  • On apple slices

You can substitute another vinegar like balsamic vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.

For an extra kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne as the mixture simmers.

What Does Bacon Jam Taste Like?

Bacon jam, or bacon marmalade, has an unusual taste that is more sweet than savory. It does not taste exactly like bacon. Instead, caramelized onions along with a bit of brown sugar and maple syrup provide a layer of flavor that complements the bacon. You can use bacon jam a number of ways, from condiments on crackers to glazes for pasts.

What is Bacon Jam Made of?

Bacon jam is a simple recipe typically made with chopped bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and maple syrup. It may include other ingredients like balsamic, raisins, coffee, bourbon, or spices like cayenne. The mixture simmers together for about 30 minutes until it reaches jam-like consistency.

What is Bacon Jam Good With?

A simple recipe, Bacon Jam is often used as a condiment for burgers, but it has many possible uses. You can use Bacon Jam to glaze pasta or to coat vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots. You can use a dip for apple slices or other fruit, or to top a cracker. Some people use it as a chicken wing sauce, as a topper for top fish, or as an ingredient in meatloaf.

What is a Bacon Jam Burger?

A bacon jam burger is a hamburger that uses bacon jam, or bacon relish, as a condiment. Bacon jam has a sweet, savory flavor from its two main ingredients of caramelized onions and bacon, which are sauteed slowly to create a jam-like consistency. Bacon burgers can include many other toppers like cheese, lettuce, onions and can be served with or without a bun.

Bacon Onion Jam Recipe (Bacon Marmalade Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What is bacon marmalade made of? ›

Bacon jam is a sweet condiment made with onions, bacon, brown sugar, and coffee. The ingredients are slowly simmered until they become a jam-like consistency. This popular condiment (also sometimes called bacon marmalade) has been popping up on menus everywhere in recent years.

What goes with bacon marmalade? ›

Our list of things we want to use this jam in is ever-growing. Here are just a few to get you started: warm potato salad, grilled asparagus, fresh tomatoes, panzanella, grilled cheese, crackers and goat cheese, spinach salad, a spoon, fresh garden peas, scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese...

How long does bacon marmalade last? ›

For safety, we strongly recommend that bacon jam be refrigerated for times suggested by the recipe (2-4 weeks) or that it be frozen for longer storage.

What is the secret ingredient in marmalade? ›

Pectin is key

“Mandarin marmalade is harder to make; mandarins don't have as much pectin. Lemons are really good. A lemon and ginger marmalade's a really nice one to make, lots of pectin, so that one will set easily.

What is the main ingredient in marmalade? ›

Marmalade (from the Portuguese marmelada) is a fruit preserve made from the juice and peel of citrus fruits boiled with sugar and water. The well-known version is made from bitter orange. It is also made from lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, sweet oranges, bergamots, and other citrus fruits, or a combination.

How long does homemade bacon jam last? ›

Bacon jam can be safely refrigerated for two to four weeks. Any amount that you keep in the fridge will need to be used within that length of time. You can store bacon jam in any refrigerator-safe container. Many bacon jam enthusiasts choose to use mason jars for aesthetic reasons.

How do restaurants make perfect bacon? ›

They cook it the best way possible, on a sheet pan in the oven. The bonus is while it takes longer to make this way, you can make more at once, the pieces are more or less flat and they come out crispy. Or they throw it in the deep fryer once it's done.

What is bacon jam good for? ›

10 Bacon Jam Uses That Make Everything Better
  • Make a Bacon Jam Burger. ...
  • Whip Up a Sweet and Savory PB&J. ...
  • Swap It For Classic Bacon in a Breakfast Sandwich. ...
  • Innovate the BLT. ...
  • Serve the Best Charcuterie. ...
  • Spread it on Toast. ...
  • Make the Best Grilled Cheese Ever. ...
  • Bacon Dressing, Anyone?
Oct 8, 2019

What does bacon marmalade taste like? ›

The taste of bacon jam is supreme. Depending on which bacon you use, it may taste like barbecue sauce. But it's usually a little sweeter. The taste of bacon jam is fantastic because, although it is salty, it is also sweet at the same time.

What do you eat with onion marmalade? ›

Great as a sandwich topping (burgers in particular) or use on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or serve a block of cream cheese spread with this marmalade with crackers on the side.

Is it OK to eat bacon 3 days out of date? ›

Things You Should Know

Check the “sell by” or “use by” date on the bacon's packaging, and eat the bacon either before the “use by” date, or no longer than 7 days after the “sell by” date. Examine the bacon for green, gray, or brown discoloration, mold spots, or slimy texture, all of which indicate spoiled bacon.

Should you keep jam and marmalade in the fridge? ›

Homemade Jams and Marmalades: If you've made your own jams or marmalades and processed them using proper canning techniques, they can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry for an extended period. However, once opened, it's advisable to refrigerate them to maintain their freshness.

What happens if you boil marmalade too long? ›

Don't overcook your marmalade

Lady Claire Macdonald, food writer: While you're testing your marmalade to see if it's set, take it off the boil. Otherwise you risk boiling away the water content, and ending up with a dark, over-thick marmalade that's dry and rubbery.

What's the difference between jam and marmalade? ›

In the end, the difference lies in two things: the amount of fruit in the final product and the consistency. Jam is a bit lumpy and may contain seeds, but not many actual bits of fruit. Citrusy marmalade will have bits of fruit and rind dotted throughout or will be completely chunky.

What is the difference between fruit jam and marmalade? ›

Jam, a fruity delight

Jam is a versatile favourite that boasts a smoother, thicker texture compared to marmalade. The key difference lies in the preparation process. To create jam, ripe fruits are crushed, pulped, or mashed before being combined with sugar and pectin, a natural thickening agent.

What is traditional British marmalade made from? ›

Marmalade in Britain is overwhelmingly made from citrus aurantium, the bitter orange grown in the Spanish city of Seville.

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