Smokey Bacon Jam

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 3 hrs

Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 12

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This specialty condiment combines crispy rendered bacon with sweet onions caramelized slow and low over hardwood smoke. Dark brown sugar, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices reduce with brewed coffee to create a glossy, jammy texture. It delivers an intense sweet-and-savory punch that elevates burgers, grilled cheese, crostini, or breakfast sandwiches.

Ingredients

1.5 lb thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 EA large sweet yellow onions, finely diced
3 EA cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
2 Tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

1
Pre-heat smoker to 250°F.
2
In a #8 cast iron skillet over medium heat, render bacon until browned and rendered, but not fully crispy.
3
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 Tbsp of bacon fat in the skillet.
4
Add sweet onions and garlic to skillet and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until softened and translucent.
5
Stir rendered bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper into the skillet with onions.
6
Transfer skillet uncovered to the smoker at 250°F and smoke for 1-1/2 hours.
7
Stir in homemade balsamic glaze and continue smoking for an additional 1-1/2 hours, stirring halfway through, until dark, thick, and reduced.
8
Transfer hot jam into a clean pint Mason jar.

Note

Adding the balsamic glaze halfway through prevents the concentrated sugars from scorching early while letting the bright acidity set into the rendered fat as it finishes reducing.
Cooking the reduction in a wider #8 skillet increases surface area for maximum smoke exposure and faster evaporation.
The jam thickens significantly as it cools down in the jar.

Read it online: https://brinnerbites.com/recipe/smokey-bacon-jam/