The Best Damn Bacon Jam Recipe

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy and the fat has rendered. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the onions and garlic.

5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the bacon-onion mixture and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to caramelize.

6. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, brewed coffee, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Reduce the heat to low and let the bacon jam simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The jam should thicken and become glossy.

8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more brown sugar or apple cider vinegar if desired.

9. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the bacon jam to cool slightly.

10. Transfer the bacon jam to a food processor and pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier texture, while others like it smoother.

11. Spoon the bacon jam into clean, airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Serve it warm or at room temperature.