This recipe for sweet and savory Jalapeno Bacon Jam is amazing! With a zing from the fresh jalapenos and sweetness from the maple syrup, it's a perfectly balanced condiment that compliments any dish!
I am a firm believer that bacon was made to go on everything! This bacon jalapeno jam recipe is going to blow you away. It hits all the right notes. There's spice from the jalapenos, savory from the bacon, sweet from the syrup, and tang from the vinegar. It is such a deliciously balanced bite - you'll want to eat this stuff with a spoon straight from the jar!
The pieces of bacon in this jam are unmistakable. So, it is a little bit chunkier than a bacon marmalade. This makes it perfect as a spread or a dip!
Jams are such a versatile condiment. If you want more like this pepper bacon jam, try this jalapeno Jams, and Homemade Rhubarb Jam.
Why You Will Love This Jalapeno Bacon Jam
- Easy to Make: You don't have to be a professional chef to make this recipe. It's so simple!
- Balanced Flavors: Like I said, it hits all of the notes in one bite.
- Endless Uses: There are so many possible uses for this bacon jam - there's no wrong answer!
Ingredients
The ingredients used in this spicy bacon jam recipe are easy to find, everyday items!
- Bacon: Use any variety of bacon that you like. Hickory smoked is one of my favorites because the smokey flavor tastes great with the spice and sweetness. You can also use thick-cut bacon if you like, just be sure that the fat is properly rendered before combining it with the other ingredients.
- Red Onions: I like to use red onions in this recipe because they have a milder flavor compared to white and yellow onions.
- Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh peppers are the best here. I do not recommend pickled jalapenos as they will turn mushy when cooked. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat or leave them in if you prefer.
- Maple Syrup: Good quality, pure maple syrup is going to give you the best flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a pop of acidity to marry everything together!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and the exact quantities of each one.
Variations
- Switch the Peppers: Use diced habaneros instead of the jalapenos for even more heat! You can also use any other variety for a new tasty hot pepper bacon jam.
- Add Coffee: Brewed coffee or espresso brings out the richness of the bacon while helping to balance the sweet maple flavor.
- Infuse Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme or rosemary to this bacon jalapeno jam recipe for even more depth of flavor.
How to Make Jalapeno Bacon Jam
Here are the steps to make this rich and tasty jam recipe.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until the fat is rendered and it is crisp. Drain all of the fat except for about 1 tablespoon.
- Cook the onions, jalapenos, and garlic until the onions are transparent.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon.
- Simmer for 1 hour and stir often.
- Allow the jam to cool before transferring it to jars. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
⭐️ Hint: If the bacon jam becomes too thick as it's cooking, add a splash of water.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this homemade rhubarb jam and this quick homemade mango jam. This Blueberry Jalapeno Jam is one you'll want to make as well.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative ways to use this bacon jam.
- You can turn any juicy burger into a jalapeno bacon jam burger! It pairs so incredibly well.
- Serve it on crackers, with chips, or toasted baguette for an easy and yummy appetizer!
- It's great on sandwiches, too! Try it on a Chicken Apple Brie Sandwich, Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich, or Provolone Grilled Cheese.
- Add it to Chardonnay Vinaigrette for a spicy, zesty kick.
- Incorporate it into a charcuterie board like this Easy Game Day Food Board.
- Spoon the bacon jam over these Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms.
Tips
- Cook Low and Slow: Ensuring that the onions are caramelized and the other ingredients have cooked down and thickened properly is essential to achieving the right texture in your bacon jam.
- Cool Completely: Before transferring the jam to sealable jars, allow it to cool. Not only does it make it easier to handle, it gives the flavors a chance to develop.
- Make a Large Batch: This recipe is great when made in bulk! It lasts a couple of weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly, so feel free to double or triple it so you have extra on hand.
- Storing: This hot pepper bacon jam should not be stored at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a sealable jar and store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. I do not recommend freezing this recipe as it takes on a displeasing texture.
- Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon, which will provide a hearty texture and rich flavor to your jam.
FAQ
Absolutely. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing them while leaving them in will make the jam spicier.
It can be used as a spread on crackers or sandwiches. You can even add bacon jam to cream cheese!
Yes! I recommend balsamic vinegar as a substitute for apple cider vinegar if you don't have it on hand.
Video
More Delicious Bacon Recipes
Do you like bacon in everything? Here are some recipes you may also like to try:
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Bacon Jalapeno Jam
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon diced
- 1 cup diced red onions
- 1 cup diced jalapenos remove seeds to a milder jam
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat.
- Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel.
- Drain grease out of saucepan except 1 tbsp.
- Add onions, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook until onions become transparent.
- Reduce heat to low. Add maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and cooked bacon. Stir well.
- Simmer for 1 hour, stirring often.
- If jam gets a bit too thick, add a small amount of water.
- Allow jam to cool before transferring it to sealable jars. Chill for an hour before serving.
Video
Notes
- Cook Low and Slow: Ensuring that the onions are caramelized and the other ingredients have cooked down and thickened properly is essential to achieving the right texture in your bacon jam.
- Cool Completely: Before transferring the jam to sealable jars, allow it to cool. Not only does it make it easier to handle, it gives the flavors a chance to develop.
- Make a Large Batch: This recipe is great when made in bulk! It lasts a couple of weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly, so feel free to double or triple it so you have extra on hand.
- Storing: This jalapeno bacon jam should not be stored at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a sealable jar and store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. I do not recommend freezing this recipe as it takes on a displeasing texture.
- Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon, which will provide a hearty texture and rich flavor to your jam.
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