Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe

I absolutely love making Pioneer Woman’s Bacon Jam.

Why?

The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a touch of coffee creates the perfect savory-sweet spread like nothing else I can imagine!

You’ll need a few essential ingredients…including coffee!

Tip: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crisp and drain the excess fat for the best results.

Once you let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, your jam will develop that rich, deep flavor.

This recipe is not just for breakfast; it’s a versatile spread that you can enjoy anytime!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Bacon
• 2 large Onions (sweet yellow)
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

Step 2:

Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.

Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Step 3:

Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Stir to combine and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Return the bacon to the pan and stir.

Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is thick and jam-like, about 30 minutes.

Step 5:

Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse a few times until it’s chunky but spreadable.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Bacon

Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and richer flavor.

Caramelize the Onions Slowly

Don’t rush the onions. The key to great bacon jam is perfectly caramelized onions!

Adjust Sweetness

You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste.

If you prefer less sweetness, start with half the amount and add more if needed.

Adding Heat

For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes during the final simmering stage.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bacon jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe

You’ve whipped up a batch of Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam, and now you’re wondering what to serve it with.

Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next meal.

Simple and Classic: Bread and Cheese

Spread the bacon jam over a slice of crusty bread.

Pair it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

You can’t go wrong with this timeless combination.

Unexpected Delight: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with a dollop of bacon jam.

The sweetness of the jam complements the earthy sprouts wonderfully.

Tip: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch!

Perfect Pair: Burgers

Slather bacon jam on your favorite burger.

It adds an incredible depth of flavor.

Top with caramelized onions and goat cheese for a mouthwatering experience.

Fun Twist: Breakfast Pancakes

Yes, pancakes!

Serve bacon jam alongside fluffy pancakes.

The sweet and savory combo is breakfast bliss.

For You Foodies: Stuffed Mushrooms

Fill mushroom caps with a spoonful of bacon jam.

Bake until the mushrooms are tender.

These bites are fantastic as appetizers.

Hearty Option: Grilled Vegetables

Grill a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.

Brush with bacon jam in the last few minutes of cooking.

Enjoy the smoky, sweet flavors!

Variations and Substitutions

Experiment with Different Onions

You can try different types of onions, like red onions, for a sweeter taste.

Each variety of onion will give your bacon jam a unique flavor profile.

Alternative to Coffee

If you’re not into coffee, you can skip it or use strong tea instead.

Strong tea can provide a subtle, earthy depth without the coffee bitterness.

Sweeteners Options

Maple syrup adds great flavor, but honey or molasses work well, too.

Each sweetener brings its own distinct sweetness and richness to the jam.

Add Some Heat

For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños.

This will enhance the flavor complexity with a bit of heat and excitement.

Vegetarian Version

Replace the bacon with mushroom or eggplant to get that meaty texture.

Use liquid smoke to add a smoky flavor.

Low-Sugar Option

Use less brown sugar and add a bit of balsamic vinegar for sweetness.

Try a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Alternative Vinegars

You can use balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.

Red wine vinegar works well, too.

How to Store Leftover Bacon Jam

Storing in the Refrigerator

Store leftover bacon jam in an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator.

It can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Bacon jam can be frozen for up to three months.

Ensure it cools completely before freezing.

Label the container with the date before freezing.

Thawing and Usage

When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator.

Avoid leaving bacon jam at room temperature for extended periods.

This prevents any potential bacterial growth.

Portion Control

For best results, store in small, manageable portions.

That way, you only thaw what you need!

Maintaining Flavor

Lastly, keep the lid sealed tight to maintain its flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Bacon

Keep an eye on your bacon to avoid overcooking it.

You want it crispy but not burnt!

Overcooked bacon can make the jam too dry and give it a bitter taste.

Ignoring the Onion-to-Garlic Ratio

Balance is key!

Using too much garlic can overpower the onions.

Make sure to follow the recipe’s proportions.

Skipping the Simmer

Don’t rush the simmering process.

Letting the ingredients meld together for 30 minutes is crucial.

Skipping this step can result in uneven flavors.