Irresistible Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam: Your New Favorite Sweet & Savory Spread

Prepare to transform your meals with a condiment that’s beyond delicious: Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam. This incredible sweet and savory spread is surprisingly easy to make, coming together effortlessly in just one skillet. In under an hour, you’ll have a gourmet topping that promises to elevate everything from everyday toast to elaborate dinner parties. It’s the perfect balance of crispy bacon, caramelized sweet onions, and the rich tang of balsamic vinegar, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.

The versatility of this yummy jam knows no bounds. Imagine it generously slathered atop your morning avocado toast, or as a flavorful addition to your classic egg sandwich for a breakfast upgrade. It’s a game-changer as a burger topping, adding depth and a delightful texture. For a simple yet sophisticated snack, spread it on grilled cheese, or make it the star of your next cheese board. Once you try it, you’ll find countless creative ways to enjoy this goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam

This Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: It masterfully blends the smoky, salty notes of bacon with the sweet, caramelized essence of onions and the tangy, complex richness of balsamic vinegar. This creates a deeply satisfying sweet and savory combination that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Despite its gourmet appeal, this jam is incredibly straightforward. It cooks entirely in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and making it accessible even for novice cooks.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have a fresh batch of this delectable jam ready in under an hour. This makes it perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you crave a quick flavor boost for your meals.
• Incredibly Versatile: As you’ll discover below, its uses are almost limitless. It can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary, making it a fantastic ingredient to have on hand for various culinary applications.
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade. Making your own bacon jam allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference, ensuring a fresh and wholesome product.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or an elegant evening, this bacon jam is a fantastic appetizer component or a standout addition to any platter, always impressing guests.

Let’s gather the ingredients for your Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam…

Creating this flavorful jam starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, layered taste that makes this recipe so irresistible.

• Bacon – For the best texture and ease of handling, we recommend using regular-cut bacon. Its consistent thickness allows it to be easily chopped into small, uniform pieces, which is key for a jam-like consistency rather than large, chewy bacon bits.
• Vidalia onion – Sweet onions like Vidalia are the star here. When chopped and slowly cooked, they caramelize beautifully, providing a natural sweetness that forms the backbone of the jam. While Vidalia is preferred for its mild sweetness, any sweet onion variety can be used as a delicious substitute.
• Large garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds a pungent aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the bacon. Mincing or grating the cloves finely is essential to ensure they integrate smoothly into the jam without creating unwanted chunky pieces. A garlic press or cheese grater works wonders for this.
• Brown sugar – This isn’t just for sweetness; brown sugar brings a richer, more complex flavor than white sugar. Its molasses content imparts lovely caramel-like and slightly nutty notes that enhance the deep, savory flavors of the bacon and onions, contributing to the jam’s characteristic sweetness.
• Red wine vinegar – The acidity of red wine vinegar is crucial for balancing the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients. It provides a bright, sharp contrast that cuts through the fat from the bacon, enhancing and lifting all the flavors in the jam.
• Balsamic vinegar – The star of the show for its deep, complex flavor. Balsamic vinegar boasts a rich, syrupy texture with a beautiful balance of sweet and sour notes. You’ll often detect hints of fruit, wood, and caramel, which are perfect for adding sophisticated depth to this bacon onion jam.
• Water – Essential for providing the liquid base that allows the ingredients to simmer and reduce into a jam-like consistency. For those feeling adventurous and looking to add another layer of flavor, bourbon can be used in place of the water, infusing the jam with a subtle, smoky warmth.
• Fresh thyme sprigs – Fresh herbs are always preferred for their vibrant aroma and flavor. Fresh thyme offers a brighter, more aromatic, and slightly peppery taste compared to its dried counterpart, truly elevating the overall fragrance of the jam.
• Freshly ground black pepper – A simple yet effective seasoning that adds a subtle warmth and a touch of spice, enhancing the savory elements of the jam. Always grind fresh for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam

Making this incredible sweet and savory bacon onion jam is a rewarding culinary journey. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch every time.

• Chop the bacon into very small pieces. This step is crucial for achieving a true jam-like consistency rather than having large, chewy bacon bits. Smaller pieces render fat more effectively and integrate better with the onions.
• For ease of cutting, place the bacon in the freezer for about an hour before proceeding. This quick chill firms up the bacon, making it much easier to slice cleanly and consistently without it slipping or tearing.
• The smaller the pieces, the less chunky your jam will be. Aim for pieces roughly ¼ to ½ inch in size.

• Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s just about crisp. You want the bacon to be crispy but not burnt, as it will continue to cook slightly in subsequent steps. Frequent stirring ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• While the bacon is cooking, take this time to prep the onion and garlic. This multitasking helps save time and ensures all components are ready for the next stage.
• The onion can be chopped as large or small as you prefer. Smaller pieces will melt down more into the jam, while larger pieces will provide more texture.
• The garlic can be minced or grated as I’ve done here. Grating ensures a very fine consistency, which is ideal for incorporating the garlic flavor without noticeable chunks.

• Drain the cooked bacon over a heatproof container to remove the excess bacon grease. This step is crucial for preventing your jam from being overly greasy. While you want some bacon flavor, too much fat can make the jam heavy.
• Return the crispy bacon to the skillet along with about one tablespoon of the rendered drippings. This small amount of bacon fat will add a delicious depth of flavor to the onions and help them caramelize beautifully.

You’ll likely have quite a bit of excess bacon grease left over from making this. Don’t waste it! Once cooled, you can transfer it to a lidded, airtight container and save it in the fridge for future recipes – it’s excellent for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, or adding flavor to cornbread. Alternatively, when solidified, it can be easily scooped and thrown away with the container.

Bottom line… never pour bacon fat down the drain, as it can solidify and cause severe clogged pipes and plumbing issues.

• Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon and reserved drippings.
• Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and have softened. This initial sauté allows the onions to begin caramelizing, which will deepen their natural sweetness.
• Once the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic. It’s important to add the garlic after the onions have started softening, as garlic can burn easily.
• Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously. This short cooking time is enough to bring out the garlic’s fragrant aroma without browning or burning it, which can make it bitter.

• Add the brown sugar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and water (or bourbon).
• Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. The sugar will dissolve, and the vinegars will begin to reduce, creating the characteristic sticky, sweet, and tangy base of the jam.
• Now, add the fresh thyme sprigs and your preferred amount of freshly ground black pepper. The thyme will infuse the jam with its aromatic notes as it simmers.
• Continue to simmer for several more minutes, stirring often to avoid burning the jam around the edge of the skillet. This reduction process is crucial for thickening the jam and intensifying its flavors. Keep an eye on the consistency; it should be syrupy but still spreadable.

• Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, remove the sprigs of thyme. They have served their purpose in infusing flavor and are no longer needed.
• Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes in the skillet before transferring.

• Once completely cool, transfer the jam to airtight jars or containers. Cooling the jam completely before storing is important to prevent condensation, which can affect its shelf life.
• Store your homemade Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks. Its rich flavor will only get better over time! Note that the jam tends to thicken significantly after being refrigerated. If you prefer a looser consistency for spreading, you may need to add a small amount of water or another liquid (like a touch more balsamic vinegar or bourbon) when reheating, stirring until it returns to your desired texture.

What are the best ways to enjoy my Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam?

This sweet and savory condiment is incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate it into various meals and snacks, adding a gourmet touch to everyday dishes:

• Breakfast – Elevate your morning routine! Spread a generous amount of this delicious bacon jam on creamy avocado toast, or add it as a flavorful layer to your egg sandwich for an instant upgrade. It also pairs wonderfully with scrambled eggs or a breakfast burrito.
• Appetizer – Hosting has never been easier. Serve bacon jam as a sophisticated topping for crispy crostini, paired with a soft cheese like brie or goat cheese. It makes for an impressive and easy starter that guests will rave about.
• Burgers – Revolutionize your burger experience! Spread a thick layer of bacon jam on a toasted bun before adding your grilled burger. It adds a sticky, sweet, and savory punch that complements beef, chicken, or veggie burgers perfectly.
• Hot dogs – Who wouldn’t love some of this deliciousness piled on top of a grilled hot dog? It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional condiments, adding a gourmet twist to a classic comfort food.
• Grilled cheese – Take your grilled cheese to the next level. Add a luscious layer of bacon jam to your grilled cheese sandwich for an irresistible sweet and savory twist that melts beautifully with the cheese.
• Pizza – Unleash your inner pizzaiolo! Use this bacon onion jam as a unique and flavorful base or topping for your next white pizza. It pairs exceptionally well with fresh figs and peppery baby arugula for a truly gourmet pie.
• Grilled chicken – Upgrade your grilled barbecued chicken breasts. Top them with melted cheddar cheese, a generous dollop of bacon jam, and a sprinkling of fresh tomato salsa for a burst of flavors. It also works wonders with pork chops.
• Salad dressing – For a quick, flavor-packed dressing that will surprise and delight, mix a spoonful of bacon jam with your best olive oil and a splash of vinegar. It adds a delightful sweet-savory depth to any green salad.
• Quesadilla filling – Customize your cheese quesadillas by spreading a thin, even layer of bacon jam on the tortillas before adding your favorite cheese and other fillings. The jam will melt and meld into a delicious flavor bomb.
• Potatoes – A simple baked potato becomes a gourmet side dish. Top off your freshly baked potato with some shredded cheddar, fresh chives, and a luxurious dollop of bacon jam for an explosion of flavor. It’s also fantastic with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.

Customize Your Jam: Chunky or Smooth?

This Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam recipe, as written, tends to yield a somewhat chunky texture – which is absolutely perfect for providing substance and bite when topping hearty grilled meats, savory veggies, and, of course, your favorite burgers. The small pieces of bacon and caramelized onion create a delightful mouthfeel.

If you prefer a more “jammy” or spreadable texture, achieving a smoother consistency is incredibly simple. Once the jam has cooled slightly, transfer a portion or the entire batch to a heatproof container. Using an immersion blender, pulse the mixture to your liking. A few quick pulses will break down larger pieces, while more blending will result in a silker, more refined spread. This blended jam is especially perfect when aiming for an elegant presentation as an addition to your cheese board, or when you want a smoother topping for crostini or sandwiches.

There are so many ways to enjoy this Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam, that you may just want to have a jar of the goodness stashed away in your fridge at all times.

Once you’ve tasted the magic of homemade Balsamic Bacon Onion Jam, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have in your refrigerator. Its complex sweet and savory notes offer an unparalleled versatility that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary delights. Whether you’re enhancing a simple breakfast or adding a gourmet touch to your evening meal, this jam is your secret weapon. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making double batches – it’s truly that good!

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Love the flavor of balsamic vinegar? Try these other delicious recipes!

If the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet notes of balsamic vinegar captured your palate in this bacon jam, you’ll be thrilled to explore more recipes that highlight this versatile ingredient. Balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful depth to a variety of dishes, from hearty salads to roasted vegetables and even grilled fruits. Here are some other delightful creations where balsamic vinegar shines:

• Balsamic Roasted Potato Salad: A vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional potato salad, featuring tender roasted potatoes tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing.
• Balsamic Roasted Mini Peppers: Sweet mini peppers roasted to perfection with a hint of balsamic, making them a fantastic side dish or appetizer.
• Grilled Brie with Plums & Shallots: A sophisticated appetizer combining creamy grilled brie with sweet plums and caramelized shallots, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Explore these recipes and let the exceptional taste of balsamic vinegar inspire your culinary adventures!