Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Bacon Jam with Jalapeño

Bacon Jam with Jalapeño
A zesty spread for breakfast breads or predinner canapés

This bacon jam (you could also call it relish or chutney) makes a great addition to morning biscuits or toast. But it’s also terrific atop a cracker (preferably with a bed of cream cheese or pimento cheese) as a canapé.

Or use it on about anything you can imagine. If you can think of it, it’ll probably be good.

Because bacon. One of our favorite food groups.

Bacon Jam with Jalapeño

Recipe: Bacon Jam with Jalapeño

You can also use this jam as a “sauce” on main dishes. Dollop a bit on sautéed scallops. Add a spoonful to grilled salmon, pork, or chicken. Or even steak. Add a tablespoon or two to your next stir fry. And wake up your morning oatmeal with a garnish of bacon jam (we haven’t tried the last two, but why not?)

Prep time for this recipe is 10 to 15 minutes. Cooking time adds at least an hour, often more. We’d allow at least 2 hours for making this from start to finish (though much of the cooking time is unattended).

This jam will keep for at least a week if refrigerated in an airtight container. Much longer than that calls for freezing (because although this is called “jam,” it can’t match a traditional preserve for keeping qualities).

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon, preferably thick cut
  • ~2 cups diced red onion
  • 1 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced finely (see Notes)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup coffee (the stronger the better)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (see Notes)

Procedure 

  1. Cut the bacon into pieces of about ½ inch, then scatter the pieces across the surface of a large frying pan (this is a lot of bacon, so do it in two batches if necessary). Place the frying pan over medium stovetop heat, then cook the bacon until it’s fairly well done, but not crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
  2. Remove most of the rendered bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño, then sauté until the onion is translucent (5 to 8 minutes).
  3. Scrape the cooked onion and jalapeño into a 2-quart saucepan (along with the bacon fat). Add the cooked bacon, the vinegar, the coffee, and the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook – stirring every 10 to 15 minutes – until the liquid has become thick and syrupy (and has largely disappeared). This will take at least 45 minutes, usually closer to an hour, but sometimes up to 1½ hours. Taste the mixture. If it's not sweet enough for your palate, add a bit more brown sugar (or some maple syrup; see Notes), then simmer a minute or two to incorporate. If the mixture is not spicy enough, add a bit of hot sauce (see Notes) and simmer a minute or two.
  4. Remove the mixture from the heat and cool until it reaches room temperature (or slightly warmer). You can use the jam immediately or refrigerate it for later use. If storing, scrape the jam into a lidded container – a glass mason-type jar is perfect – and refrigerate it until ready to use. If you refrigerate the jam, warm it to room temperature before using; you can microwave it briefly if necessary.

Bacon Jam with Jalapeño
Canapé with Pimento Cheese and Bacon Jam

Notes

  • You can prepare this recipe entirely in the skillet if you prefer (the liquid will reduce a bit faster and you’ll have one less pot to wash). However, we prefer scraping the onion and bacon into a saucepan and adding the liquid, then reducing the mixture. It takes a bit longer, but this method allows the flavor more time to deepen.
  • How much jalapeño to use? Your choice. One pepper will give you a small amount of heat, and few people will find the result too spicy. Another jalapeño or two will give you more flavor (and more heat).
  • BTW, if you don’t seed the jalapeño peppers, they’ll be hotter (much of their heat is contained in the seeds).
  • How sweet should this dish be? It’s “jam,” so there should be noticeable sweetness to it. We think the recipe is good as written, but you may want to add more brown sugar. Many recipes for bacon jam call for adding maple syrup (which does result in a slightly more complex flavor), so you may want to use ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup maple syrup.
  • How spicy should this jam be? Just a touch, we think (it’s best with a tingle of heat, not a burn). But if you want to make a spicier version, add some hot sauce at the end. Or add chipotle chile powder (a teaspoon or two) when you add the brown sugar in Step 3.
  • We like to use red onions in this dish, but yellow or white ones work too. Or shallots.
  • Many recipes for bacon jam include garlic. We don’t think it adds much to this dish, but include it if you wish (sauté it with the onion and jalapeño in Step 2).
  • When this jam is refrigerated, the bacon fat will congeal. So this is not something that you want to use straight from the refrigerator. We usually microwave it for 30 seconds or so. You can also warm it in a saucepan. Or let it sit at room temperature (though we think this jam is better when slightly warm).

Bacon Jam with Jalapeño
Jam Session

“Bacon jam?” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “With jalapeño? I’m in love!”

“Fun recipe,” I said. “Jam packed with flavor, you might say.”

“Maybe you should jam the brakes on those jokes,” said Mrs K R. “They’re getting old.”

“I prefer to think of them as well preserved,” I said.

“I was expecting bacon,” said Mrs K R. “Instead, I’m getting ham-bushed.”

“Speaking of which, you’ve heard of Francis Bacon,” I said. “But you probably don’t know about his son, Chris P. Bacon, heh heh heh.”

“If you keep peppering me with these comments, I may need to turn up the heat,” said Mrs K R.

Better stop before I get myself in a jam.

You may also enjoy reading about:

66 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

Bacon and coffee...what an explosion of flavours!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Bacon jam always makes me drool. Love this version!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, worth drooling over. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Such a tasty, versatile condiment! I'd spread it on everything (except maybe dessert, LOL).

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, actually, this would probably be pretty good on ice cream! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anne in the kitchen said...

We fondly call it pig jelly here! For an explosive taste treat spread it on a pimento sandwich then grill it. We only have it about once a year, but it is worth it. Of course you can eat nothing else for the day other than lettuce or cucumber slices!

Anonymous said...

Oh boy, I would make this right away if I wasn’t leaving for Germany. I love, love your humor.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, we actually some some pimento grilled cheese sandwiches with this. :-) Love the pig jelly name! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde (I assume!), have a great time in Germany! Thanks for the comment.

savorthebest said...

Oh wow! I love bacon jam. It never lasts long in our house. I haven't had it with jalapeno but that sure sounds good.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, bacon jam is so darn good, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

That definitely is an over-the-top flavor profile! I can't even imagine something like that on oatmeal.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Mae, oatmeal does sound a bit odd, we know, but savory things work quite well with oatmeal. And of course it contains brown sugar, which a lot of people like on oatmeal. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Barb said...

I haven't made bacon jam in a long time so thanks for that reminder. I made mine using some bacon I could cured myself in maple syrup and bourbon but now I see where I need to add jalapeno. Sounds great John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, we almost presented a recipe with bourbon instead of coffee. But decided the coffee kind of mimicked red-eye gravy flavor, so went in that direction. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund | angsarap.net said...

OMG that photo speaks for itself, It looks so good I want to grab it of my screen. Such a nice topper for canape crisps

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, this is really, really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

A hugely interesting recipe . . . I have often cooked legs and shoulders of lamb with coffee Swedish-style . . . hmm ! coffee and cream actually :) ! Delicious flavour achieved !! As bacon has not been on the shopping list for more than a few decades methinks, shall perchance look from the sidelines . . . yep, many ways to use this . . . :) !!!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Oh honey. You’re speaking my language.

Happy Retiree's Kitchen said...

Wow, this looks so delicious and amazing John. I've never had this which I find surprising, such an explosion of flavour. Chris P. BACON? Very clever and funny. Hope you both have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

This is Gerlinde trying to make a comment. I just love the photo and the appetizer .

David Scott Allen said...

Wow! Such incredible flavors here, John. I immediately want this to accompany cheeses. Just an amazing combo!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, isn't this a fun recipe? We don't make this very often (NOT the healthiest thing in the world!), but always enjoy it when we do. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, speaking of honey, we should try making it with some! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pauline, this is really, really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, the Blogger commenting system has become such a pain! Thanks for putting up with the frustration. And thanks, too, for the comment!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, cheeses are terrific with this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Oh my! According to teenagers, bacon belongs in its own food group. Your recipe is a going to be a huge hit on cheese boards and so many other recipes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, we agree with your teenagers! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

I have always heard about bacon jam but never tried it. The flavors sound AMAZING!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, it's really worthy making a batch -- terrific flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Well this is a very interesting jam. I came here thinking one thing and found a totally different recipe that expected. I love it! The flavors are quite unique with the bacon, jalapeño, coffee?, and apple cider vinegar. Saving this to make soon. Thanks John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, I suppose we should call this a chutney or relish, but it's really jammy. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

John, you know what they say, "everything's better with bacon". I know that's that an old hammy line. Alas, bacon is just a flavor of the past, as for me these days it's on my no-fly list. But, I still love enjoying it virtually...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, good as this is, it certainly isn't the healthiest dish going. But glad you're here to enjoy it virtually. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Judy@SavoringToday said...

The best application of bacon jam I've ever had was on a burger! I was concerned it would be too sweet, but it was amazing food pairing for sure. 2nd best was with brie ... oh so good!

Jeff the Chef said...

Very interesting! I make my own bacon jam, and it's very, very different from this - which very much makes me want to try yours! I'm curious about the coffee!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, bacon jam is great with a burger. Add some pimento cheese, and you'll be in heaven. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, I remember your bacon jam, and how different it is from this. The coffee sounds odd (or it did to me until I tried it), but it's really a nice addition. Thanks for the comment.

The-FoodTrotter said...

OMG it's bursting with flavours! I need to try ASAP!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi FT, you DO need to try this ASAP. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

Great top photo! I feel like I can reach into my computer screen and snatch that crostini to savor. If only! But that's how inviting it looks.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, :-) Thanks for the comment!

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Bacon jam sounds amazing. I can never get enough of bacon. Terrific recipe!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, bacon is rather addictive, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Looks fabulous John, I remember making bacon jam a few years ago, it was delicious.
BTW your blog no longer allows me to comment signed in to Google, I can only comment anonymously (same thing on Angie’s blog).
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

Izaa said...

appetizing sandwich

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, isn't this nice? Love this stuff! Sorry that Blogger makes it such a pain to comment -- they keep changing things. There actually is a drop down menu where you can use your name and url, but they don't make it obvious to find, alas. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Izaa, it's really good stuff! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

You gotta be kidding me - this is amazing! And I LOVE your "jam session" lol

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, this is SO worth trying! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ben | Havocinthekitchen said...

Who doesn't like caramelized bacon and onions, so these two coming together in one recipe is right in my alley. If looks and sounds ultra tasty!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ben, ultra, ultra. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

Love how versatile this jam is!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, it really is. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

Love the "Jam Session!!" AND the jam, of course. Seriously, it sounds amazing -- especially with the addition of the jalapeños. :-) ~Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, we have fun writing those endings. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Inger said...

During the pandemic, a local restaurant did take up hand minced burgers topped with bacon jam. They were to die for! I totally need to give this a try!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Inger, bacon jam is great on burgers! :-) Thanks for the comment.

bread&salt said...

WoW presentation photos look amazing! I am sure it must be delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi B&S, this was fun to photograph. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

I love bacon jam. I haven’t made it in ages. Yours looks wonderful. I’d almost forgotten these beautiful black glass backdrops. I need to pull mine out. Great photo!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anonymous, we love black acrylic photos! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

this sounds marvellous. I have a recipe for bacon jam with bourbon! all the flavour...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, bourbon is great in bacon jam! :-) Thanks for the comment.