Bourbon Bacon Jam

One day, while Aiden was napping, I was doing some very important Facebook perusing and I came across a link from Specialty Produce via Evil Shenanigans for a Bourbon Bacon Jam. I knew immediately I had to make it. Looking through the ingredients my mouth just started salivating; Bourbon, Bacon, Maple syrup, lots of spices. I couldn’t wait to get started, but first I needed to get the best bacon I could find. Trader Joe’s has this awesome Applewood smoked bacon that is to die for! The smell of any bacon cooking is just too good to pass up, but this bacon puts those to shame. So I got my 2 pounds of special bacon and I was on my way.


While there are quite a few ingredients in this recipe, for the most part they are things you have around the house already. As if you needed more of a reason to make this, it can almost be your “spice rack clear out” go-to recipe.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Yield 1 1/2 cups

1 pound thick-cup applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1″ pieces

1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ thick slices

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch fresh grated nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon dry chipotle powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup good quality bourbon

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon hot sauce

Basically you cook the bacon until the edges are crispy but the center is still soft. Sauté the onion and garlic, and add the brown sugar to caramelize. Then add the spices, then liquid ingredients and simmer for 2 hours and pulse in a food processor to desired consistency.

How easy is that? Everything together just yields a very nice smoky, sweet, spicy flavor. I actually used a double shot of espresso instead of the regular coffee and thought it was pretty good. This jam would be great out with a cheese plate or even as a topping for some baked brie. My favorite way to use it was on an English muffin with a slice of heirloom tomato and some sharp cheddar cheese. It was the best breakfast sandwich. I also really liked it on my egg sandwiches. I think I would like it on almost anything!

Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures because I forgot to take them before I froze the jam. I was sending it to my parents and just didn’t think about pictures until it was gone. 