Bacon Jam Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

If you’ve ever tasted bacon jam, you know it’s nothing short of magical. Imagine the salty, smoky flavor of bacon fused with a subtle sweetness and tangy undertones-it’s like breakfast and dessert had a deliciously decadent love child. And the best part? Making it doesn’t have to be intimidating. A slow cooker is your secret weapon here, turning simple ingredients into a luscious, spreadable jam that will make you want to put it on everything: toast, burgers, cheese boards, even scrambled eggs.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With a few pantry staples, some patience, and the gentle heat of a slow cooker, you can create a jar of flavor that tastes gourmet but feels totally homemade. I’ll walk you through every step, give you options for ingredient swaps, and even share ways to make it uniquely yours. By the end, you’ll be a bacon jam master, ready to impress friends, family, or just yourself.

Bacon Jam Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you need to get started. I’ll also provide some optional extras to tweak the flavor to your preference:

• 1 pound of thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on sweetness preference)
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey as an alternative)
• 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (optional, adds depth)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, enhances smokiness)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)

Optional for extra flair:

• A splash of bourbon or whiskey for a boozy twist
• A teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for herbal undertones

Instruction Guide

Making bacon jam in a slow cooker is wonderfully hands-off, but there are a few steps you want to follow to ensure perfection:

1. Cook The Bacon First

   • In a skillet, lightly cook the chopped bacon until just starting to crisp.
   • Remove and drain excess grease, leaving a bit in the skillet to cook the onions.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Add the onions to the bacon fat and cook until they soften and begin to caramelize.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Combine In The Slow Cooker

   • Transfer bacon, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
   • Add brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, coffee, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

4. Slow Cook The Magic

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
   • The mixture should become deeply caramelized and jam-like.

5. Blend To Perfection

   • For a smoother spread, pulse in a food processor or use an immersion blender.
   • If you prefer chunkier bacon jam, simply mash lightly with a fork.

6. Cool And Store

   • Let cool slightly, then transfer to jars. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Ingredient Swaps

Flexibility is key in a recipe like this. Here are some swaps to accommodate dietary preferences, pantry limitations, or flavor experiments:

• Bacon alternatives: turkey bacon, pancetta, or even smoked tempeh for a vegetarian version
• Sweeteners: honey, agave, coconut sugar, or molasses instead of brown sugar or maple syrup
• Vinegars: balsamic, red wine, or sherry vinegar for different flavor profiles
• Coffee substitute: strong black tea or brewed chicory for caffeine-free depth
• Smokiness: smoked salt or chipotle powder can replace or complement smoked paprika

Helpful Tips

Making bacon jam is part science, part patience, part intuition. Here’s what will make your batch truly stellar:

• Don’t rush the slow cooker: Low and slow is the secret to caramelization. High heat can make it greasy rather than jammy.
• Skim the fat: If there’s too much liquid fat at the end, remove some for a better texture.
• Taste frequently: Adjust sweetness, acidity, or heat in the last hour of cooking.
• Sterilize jars: If planning to gift or store long-term, sterilized jars help preserve freshness.

Customization Ideas

Make this jam uniquely yours by adding creative twists:

• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.
• Fruity notes: Stir in chopped apples, pears, or dried figs for extra depth.
• Boozy version: A tablespoon of bourbon or rum gives warmth and complexity.
• Herbal infusion: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage complement the smokiness beautifully.
• Cheese pairing: Spread on a creamy brie or sharp cheddar for a wow factor at your next party.

FAQs

What Is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a savory-sweet condiment made from bacon, onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and various seasonings. It has a thick, spreadable consistency and is used to enhance the flavor of sandwiches, burgers, crackers, and more.

Can I Make Bacon Jam In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is an ideal method for making bacon jam. It allows the ingredients to cook slowly over several hours, which develops rich, deep flavors and creates a spreadable consistency without constant attention.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Bacon Jam In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking bacon jam in a slow cooker typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low heat. The slow cooking ensures the bacon renders properly and the onions and other ingredients caramelize and meld together.

What Ingredients Are Needed For Slow Cooker Bacon Jam?

Common ingredients include bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, coffee, maple syrup, and spices such as black pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika. Some recipes also add a splash of bourbon for extra depth.

Can I Use Turkey Bacon Or Other Alternatives?

You can use turkey bacon or other meat alternatives, but the flavor and fat content will differ. Traditional bacon provides the best balance of fat and smoky flavor needed for authentic bacon jam.

How Should I Store Bacon Jam After Cooking?

Bacon jam should be allowed to cool to room temperature and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for up to 2 weeks refrigerated or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Do I Need To Chop The Bacon Before Cooking?

Yes, chopping bacon into small pieces helps it render evenly and mix properly with the other ingredients. This also ensures the final jam has a consistent texture.

Can I Adjust The Sweetness Or Spiciness Of Bacon Jam?

Absolutely. You can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness and add more or fewer chili flakes, black pepper, or hot sauce for heat. Taste testing during cooking is recommended.

Do I Need To Stir The Bacon Jam While It Cooks?

Stirring occasionally is helpful, but not strictly necessary. Slow cookers provide gentle, consistent heat, so the bacon and onions will slowly caramelize and meld even with minimal stirring.

What Are The Best Ways To Serve Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam can be spread on burgers, sandwiches, toast, or crackers. It also pairs well with cheese boards, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables, adding a sweet, smoky, and savory flavor boost.