Bacon Jam: The Ultimate Condiment
Sweet, smoky, salty, and a little tangy — the holler’s favorite spread
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I didn’t grow up with fancy jams or fancy kitchens, but we sure knew how to make something out of whatever was in the fridge. One morning I had extra crispy bacon, some onions, and a little maple syrup left over, and thought, “What if I turned this into something you could spread on everything?” That’s how Bacon Jam was born in the holler.
It’s sweet, smoky, salty, and a little tangy — perfect on eggs, smeared on toast, dolloped on biscuits, or just eaten straight off the spoon when nobody’s looking. It’s the kind of condiment that makes simple meals feel like Sunday dinner. Once you try it, you’ll keep a jar in the fridge at all times.
Ingredients (makes about 1–1.5 cups)
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon (about 12–16 slices)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 2–3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 Tbsp brown sugar erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Optional kicks: pinch of cayenne, black pepper, or smoked paprika
- A splash of water or coffee (1–2 Tbsp) if it needs thinning
How to Make Bacon Jam
- 1. Chop bacon into small pieces (½-inch bits). Fry in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (8–12 minutes). Scoop out bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave 2–3 Tbsp grease in the pan.
- 2. Add the diced onion (and garlic if using). Cook on medium-low, stirring often, until soft and golden-brown (10–15 minutes).
- 3. Add the crispy bacon back in, along with the maple syrup, vinegar, sweetener, and any spices. Stir well.
- 4. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and smells insane. Add a splash of water or coffee if it gets too thick.
- 5. Let it cool a bit, then pulse in a food processor or blender 5–10 times until it’s chunky but spreadable. Don’t over-blend or it’ll turn into paste.
Cletus’s Pro Tips from the Holler
- Thick-cut bacon holds up best and gives you nice meaty bits in the jam.
- Taste as you go — the onions and maple syrup bring sweetness, so start light on the sweetener.
- This jam is incredibly versatile. Slather it on biscuits, put it on eggs, use it as a burger topping, or just eat it by the spoonful when nobody’s watching.
- Make a double batch — it disappears fast once your family gets a taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Slather on hot buttermilk biscuits
- Top scrambled eggs or omelettes
- Spread on burgers or grilled cheese
- Serve with pork chops or fried chicken
- Spoon over cream cheese on crackers for a quick appetizer
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Got a tweak or your own family bacon jam secret? Drop it in the comments or holler at me! I read every one.
