Fill your home with a heavenly aroma of bacon, bourbon, and sweet onions with our bourbon bacon jam recipe! This delectable blend of flavors offers a unique condiment perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this savory jam will elevate any dish. With its sweet, salty, and smoky profile, it’s time to swap your standard bacon jam recipe for this refined version that truly stands out.
Why You’ll Love This ourbon bacon jam
This whiskey-infused delight is not just delicious; it’s versatile and easy to make.
- Elevated Flavor: The combination of bourbon and bacon creates an irresistible taste that enhances any meal.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect as a topping for bread, crackers, or even ice cream – the possibilities are endless!
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this gourmet treat in no time.
- Perfect Gift: Packaged nicely, it makes a fantastic gift for food lovers or anyone who enjoys unique condiments.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this bourbon bacon jam is sure to impress guests at your next get-together.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing our bourbon bacon jam a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the bacon and onions evenly while allowing room for mixing.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing the crispy bacon without letting grease escape.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing ingredients with ease.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering bourbon bacon jam:
For the Jam
- 1/4 cup premium bourbon
- 1 lb pack of thick cut uncured (hickory smoked) bacon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (can also use light brown)
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup strong brewed black coffee
- 2 extra large sweet Vidalia onions sliced thickly
How to Make ourbon bacon jam
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- On a cutting board, slice the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Transfer the sliced bacon to a large frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Fry until pieces separate but remain chewy; do not cook until crisp!
Step 2: Remove Bacon and Save Grease
- Use a slotted spoon or fork to remove the cooked bacon from the grease.
- Transfer it to paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Save about a tablespoon of the rendered bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
- Add sliced onions to the empty pan with remaining grease.
- Cook on medium-low heat for about 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add brown sugar, and stir well.
- Continue cooking until onions caramelize to a dark golden brown (about 20–30 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Once onions are caramelized, add cooked bacon back into the pan along with black coffee and water.
- Increase heat to medium and stir every five minutes until mixture becomes thick and jammy (about 30–35 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in balsamic vinegar and bourbon.
Step 5: Serve Your Bourbon Bacon Jam
Serve warm on crunchy bread, crackers, toast, or waffles! You can also use it as a sandwich spread or even on pizza! And yes, spoonsful atop vanilla or caramel-flavored ice cream are absolutely acceptable! Enjoy your culinary creation!
How to Serve ourbon bacon jam
Bourbon bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious spread, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors in various forms.
On Toast or Bread
- Crunchy Baguette Slices: Spread bourbon bacon jam on toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer.
- Sourdough Toast: Top warm sourdough toast with bourbon bacon jam for a savory breakfast treat.
As a Dip
- Crackers and Cheese: Pair bourbon bacon jam with an assortment of crackers and cheese for a gourmet charcuterie board.
- Veggies: Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a unique flavor twist.
On Sandwiches and Burgers
- Grilled Cheese: Add bourbon bacon jam inside your grilled cheese sandwich for an unforgettable taste experience.
- Burgers: Elevate your burger by adding a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam as a topping.
With Breakfast Items
- Eggs: Stir bourbon bacon jam into scrambled eggs or serve it alongside fried eggs for added richness.
- Waffles or Pancakes: Drizzle over waffles or pancakes instead of syrup for a savory-sweet breakfast.
How to Perfect ourbon bacon jam
To ensure your bourbon bacon jam turns out perfectly every time, keep these essential tips in mind.
- Use quality ingredients: Choose premium bourbon and thick-cut uncured bacon to enhance the flavor profile of the jam.
- Monitor the onions closely: Caramelizing onions takes patience; stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture as it cooks and adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
- Cook low and slow: Allow your bourbon bacon jam to simmer gently. This helps develop deeper flavors and creates that desired jammy texture.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to two weeks, but it’ll likely be gone before then!
- Experiment with serving ideas: Don’t hesitate to try the jam on different dishes; its versatility makes it perfect for creative culinary adventures.
Best Side Dishes for ourbon bacon jam
Serving bourbon bacon jam alongside tasty side dishes can create an extraordinary meal experience. Here are some excellent pairings to consider.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty addition that complements the sweet and salty notes of the jam.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the richness of bourbon bacon jam, making it a refreshing side dish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors found in this condiment.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add an earthy component that enhances the overall flavor profile when served with bourbon bacon jam.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the bourbon-infused spread.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles cuts through the richness of the jam, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making bourbon bacon jam, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking the Bacon: Cooking bacon until it’s crispy can lead to an undesirable texture in the jam. Aim for chewy bacon pieces instead.
- Skipping the Caramelization: Failing to caramelize the onions can result in a jam that lacks depth of flavor. Allow them to cook slowly until they turn golden brown.
- Using Low-Quality Bourbon: A cheap bourbon can compromise the taste of your jam. Opt for a premium bourbon that you enjoy drinking.
- Not Adjusting Sweetness: If your jam turns out too sweet, you might have added too much brown sugar. Taste and adjust as needed, balancing flavors carefully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store bourbon bacon jam in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Place the jam in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the jam in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bourbon bacon jam?
Bourbon bacon jam is a savory-sweet condiment made from bacon, onions, bourbon, and spices. It’s perfect for enhancing various dishes.
How long does bourbon bacon jam last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, bourbon bacon jam lasts up to 2 weeks. If frozen, it can remain good for up to 3 months.
Can I customize my bourbon bacon jam?
Absolutely! You can add different spices or use alternative sweeteners if you prefer a unique twist on this recipe.
What dishes pair well with bourbon bacon jam?
This versatile condiment works great on sandwiches, burgers, crackers, and even as a topping for desserts like ice cream!
Final Thoughts
Bourbon bacon jam is not just a food item; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors. This recipe is incredibly versatile—use it as a spread or a topping on various dishes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Bourbon Bacon Jam
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Transform your culinary repertoire with our bourbon bacon jam—a savory-sweet delight that will tantalize your taste buds! This gourmet condiment blends the rich flavors of thick-cut bacon, sweet Vidalia onions, and premium bourbon into an irresistible jam perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a unique flavor experience, this versatile spread can elevate everything from toast and sandwiches to desserts like ice cream. Easy to make and packed with creativity, bourbon bacon jam is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore new culinary horizons.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup premium bourbon
- 1 lb thick-cut uncured hickory smoked bacon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup strong brewed black coffee
- 2 extra large sweet Vidalia onions, sliced thickly
Instructions
- Chop the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and cook in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until chewy but not crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, saving about a tablespoon of grease in the pan.
- Add the sliced onions and cook on medium-low for 8–10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and caramelize for another 20–30 minutes.
- Return the bacon to the pan with coffee and water, cooking until thickened (30–35 minutes). Stir in balsamic vinegar and bourbon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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