If you’re searching for the ultimate savory-sweet spread that instantly turns any dish into a showstopper, look no further than Bourbon Bacon Jam. With smoky bacon, deeply caramelized onions, a splash of bourbon, and a hint of coffee, this jam checks all the boxes: it’s rich, complex, a little bit sultry, and flat-out addictive. Whether smeared on burgers, piled on crostini, or spooned atop your morning eggs, you’ll find endless ways to love this crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into how you can make Bourbon Bacon Jam at home and bask in the delicious glory!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bourbon Bacon Jam is that it’s made with a handful of simple ingredients, but each one brings a powerful punch of flavor to the table. Every part of this recipe was chosen for a purpose—from deeply smoky bacon to the hint of tang from balsamic vinegar—contributing to the overall magic of this jam.

Thick-Cut Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon (1 lb): The star ingredient—the hickory smoke adds richness, and thick-cut delivers the signature hearty texture in every bite.
Extra Large Sweet Vidalia Onions (2, sliced thickly): Their natural sweetness balances out the saltiness and creates a luscious caramelized base for the jam.
Dark Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): This gives the jam beautiful depth and a subtle molasses flavor that complements both the bacon and onions.
Premium Bourbon (1/4 cup): Adds complexity and warmth, making the jam extra special and just a little bit decadent.
Strong Brewed Black Coffee (1/3 cup): A surprisingly perfect partner to the smoky and sweet notes, adding an earthy roundness.
Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity that brightens up the jam and balances out the richness.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps everything simmer together and infuse those flavors until perfectly jammy.

How to Make Bourbon Bacon Jam

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Cut your thick-cut bacon into hearty 1/2-inch pieces—you want them chunky so they stand out in the final jam. Toss them into a large frying pan set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring now and then, until the bacon is chewy, deeply browned, but still tender and not yet crisp. This is key to achieving that signature jammy texture!

Step 2: Drain and Save the Good Stuff

Scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate, but don’t be too hasty to dump that precious bacon fat! Leave about a tablespoon in the pan—this is where all the flavor begins for the next ingredient.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

Add your thickly sliced Vidalia onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Set the heat to medium-low and let the onions soften for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring gently to keep them cooking evenly. Sprinkle in the dark brown sugar and continue to cook, allowing everything to slowly caramelize and turn irresistible shades of golden and amber, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer to Jammy Perfection

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, pile the bacon back into the pan. Pour in the brewed black coffee and water, stirring everything together. Keep the heat on medium-low and let it all gently bubble and reduce for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it looks gorgeously glossy and thick.

Step 5: Finishing Flourish—Bourbon & Balsamic

Just before serving, swirl in the balsamic vinegar and that splash of premium bourbon. Stir well, then cook for a minute or two so the flavors blend and mellow. The jam will finish with a silky, spreadable consistency and a boozy, tangy kick that’s pure magic.

How to Serve Bourbon Bacon Jam

Garnishes

A final flourish always sets off a jam like this. For Bourbon Bacon Jam, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a microplane of sharp aged cheddar right on top. These little extras make each bite feel luxurious and elevate whatever dish you’re adding the jam to.

Side Dishes

A spoonful of this jam immediately wakes up classic sides—think buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a simple baked potato. Stir a dollop into roasted Brussels sprouts or top skillet cornbread for a sweet-salty punch. It will quickly become your go-to companion for breakfast, brunch, and beyond.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at burgers or toast—let Bourbon Bacon Jam shine at your next appetizer spread. Dollop it onto mini grilled cheese sliders, swirl it into mac and cheese, or add a spoonful to deviled eggs for a wow-factor twist. For an unforgettable snack board, serve it alongside aged cheese, olives, toasted nuts, and crisp apple slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bourbon Bacon Jam in an airtight container in the fridge. It will happily stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. The flavors only deepen over time, making day two (or day ten) jam just as crave-worthy as the first bite.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Bourbon Bacon Jam! Portion it into small freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Tuck them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving—no flavor lost at all.

Reheating

Take your jam out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for the best consistency, or gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally, and don’t allow it to boil—this keeps the texture just right and preserves all its lovely flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?

You can, though thick-cut really gives you those meaty, robust bites that set Bourbon Bacon Jam apart. If using standard bacon, keep an eye on the cooking time and aim for pieces that hold their shape for the best oral texture.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Absolutely! If you’d rather skip the alcohol, try a mix of apple cider with a touch of vanilla extract. You’ll get sweetness and gentle depth, though the classic bourbon flavor will be missed just a bit.

What’s the best way to chop the onions for this recipe?

Thick slices (about 1/4-inch) are perfect. This way, the onions break down slowly, caramelize beautifully, and still have a presence in the finished jam instead of disappearing completely.

Can I make Bourbon Bacon Jam in advance?

Yes—this is the ultimate make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to two weeks in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they mingle and settle, making your party prep even easier.

How do I get my jam to thicken if it seems too runny?

Just keep simmering! It can take a while for all the liquid to reduce, so patience is key. Remember, it will thicken up even more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit looser in the pan.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Bourbon Bacon Jam, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained—or even snacked—without it. This sweet, smoky, craveable spread is pure culinary joy. Gather your favorite people, make a batch, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Bourbon Bacon Jam, a decadent spread that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and smoky notes. Ideal for topping burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying with a cheese board.

Ingredients

Scale

Bourbon Bacon Jam:

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: Chop the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and cook in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until chewy but not crispy.
Cook Onions: 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.
Caramelize Onions: Stir in brown sugar and caramelize the onions for another 20–30 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the bacon to the pan with coffee and water, cooking until thickened (30–35 minutes). Stir in balsamic vinegar and bourbon before serving.