Epic Bacon Onion Jam with Bourbon Recipe (2024)

If you’ve been looking for an epic Bacon Onion Jam recipe, well look no further. I got this original bacon onion jam recipe from one of the head cooks at The Smithfield Inn, she was in her 80s at the time and had perfected the recipe at this Historic Inn in Smithfield, Virginia (the birthplace of Country Ham) where George Washington had once stayed (the Inn was built in 1752!). So, when I tell you this is a truly Epic (and authentic) Bacon Onion Jam recipe, it has seen the test of time!

My modifications of the recipe were to add a touch of Bourbon, a dash of curry, and to make it in the crock pot. This recipe is so good – use it as a base and make it your own! I like to add it to a cheese plater, slather it on my favorite Paleo Biscuit Recipe, and of course, slather it on Bacon Jam Burgers!

How this Bacon Onion Jam Recipe Came to Be (Originally Published October 30, 2016).

This post was originally shared after I got back from a Smithfield Press Trip and had the wonderful opportunity to see some of my OG, Old School BBQ Blogging Friends at the unofficial pork capital of the world, Smithfield, Virginia.

One of the highlights for me, was getting a chance to catch up with two of my blogging buddies, Chris from NibbleMeThis and Clint from Grillocracy, and when I arrived to the Smithfield Inn (an Historic Bed and Breakfast where George Washington stayed), everyone was in the midst of making bacon jam!

And this recipe inspired me to go home and make a somewhat simplified version that I’m sharing with you now, that can even be made in the crockpot. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make a big batch and freeze for adding to all the things later: Cheese platters, burgers- the sky is the limit! I love gifting this to people as a holiday gift!

Ingredients for Bacon Onion Jam

• 12 oz (1 packet) sliced bacon, I recommend nitrate free hickory smoked heritage bacon from a trustworthy source like REP Provisions. Use Code GRILLGIRL for 15% off!
• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 dash curry powder
• 1 dash nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)

How to Make This Bacon Onion Jam with Bourbon Recipe

Cut the bacon in small pieces and then cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is getting crispy- about 20 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, and discard all of the fat except 1 tbsp of the bacon fat. Cook the onion and garlic until translucent, scraping up crispy bits.

Next, remove the onion mix and add to a crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 2-3 hours on high, or until the mixture is thick and bubbly.

Pulse the mix in a food processor or with a hand blender until a smooth consistent paste like texture. Spoon into a cute jar and keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Substitutions and Variations for this Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

Substitutions:

• Bacon: Can substitute with pancetta, prosciutto but the texture will be slightly different
• Onion: Any type of onion can be used such as yellow, red, white, or shallots
• Vinegar: Balsamic, red wine, rice wine, or white wine vinegar can be substituted
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar, date sugar or if you want to cut down the sugar swap with Wholesome Yum Brown Sugar Substitute
• Maple syrup: Can be substituted with honey
• Coffee: Espresso or strong black coffee works too

Variations:

• Add dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, apricots, or golden raisins
• Use different spices such as allspice, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, etc.
• Add peppers like jalapeño or chipotle for a kick of heat
• Swap out bourbon for whiskey, rum, brandy or vanilla extract
• Fold in cheese like goat, feta, parmesan, cheddar or blue cheese
• Top with nuts like pecans, walnuts, pine nuts or almonds
• Serve as a sandwich spread, bruschetta topping, or crostini spread
• Use as a glaze for meats like pork chops, chicken, or salmon

Tools Needed

• Cast Iron Pan or can also be made in the crockpot or an instantpot on slow cooker mode
• Nonstick Spatula
• Cute Mason Jars for serving/gifting

Tips for Making Bacon Onion Jam with Bourbon

• Cut the bacon into small, uniform pieces so it renders and crisps evenly. About 1/4 inch pieces work well.
• Cook the bacon over medium heat to render the fat slowly. Stirring occasionally will help the even cooking.
• Drain all but 1 tbsp of bacon fat before cooking the onions. The fat adds flavor.
• Cook the onions and garlic over medium-low heat. Go slowly so they caramelize and don’t burn.
• Use a nonstick pan when cooking the bacon and onions. This makes scraping up the brown bits easier.
• Add the onions and bacon to the crockpot while still hot so they absorb flavors as it simmers.
• Simmer the jam uncovered so excess liquid can evaporate, resulting in a thicker jam.
• Stir the jam occasionally as it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Use a food processor or immersion blender to get the jam perfectly smooth.
• Let the jam cool completely before transferring to a storage jar or container.
• Store the jam in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze extras for longer storage.
• Consider canning the jam in mason jars if you want to give it as gifts. Follow proper canning procedures.
• Double or triple the recipe as needed if you are making a large batch to give away

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