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This quick and easy bacon jam is sweet, smoky, savory, and just a little bit sticky—basically everything you want in one irresistible spread.

Whether you’re slathering it on burgers, spreading it on toast, or adding it to a charcuterie board, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

If you’ve never had bacon jam before, get ready to fall in love. When you create foods like this and keep them stored in your refrigerator, it makes it SO easy to create a weeknight meal.

What is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a rich, spreadable condiment made by slowly cooking bacon with onions, sugar, and a touch of acid (like vinegar or coffee). As it cooks down, it becomes thick, glossy, and packed with bold flavor.

Think of it as the perfect cross between caramelized onions and crispy bacon—with a sweet and savory twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes
• Big flavor payoff – sweet, smoky, salty goodness
• Versatile – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or entertaining
• Make-ahead friendly – stores beautifully in the fridge

Ingredients Needed to Make Quick and Easy Bacon Jam

• 2 pounds bacon, raw, chopped
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

How to Make Bacon Jam

Making bacon jam is so easy. It is basically bacon and onions, cooked down and caramelized. Of course, you have to start with bacon 🙂

While the bacon is cooking (you can do this in the oven, on the grill, or on the stove top) grab your onions and start letting them cook down.

Just a good rough chop will work, or you can even slice them — whatever is easiest for you. As they cook down, take your bacon out of the oven and TRY really hard not to eat any of it. Bet you can't do it!

Once the bacon is done cooking, rough chop it. At this point, you can still have a bite or two, but not too much because you are going to need all that bacon goodness to go into your onions in a bit.

Now, mix together your seasonings and spices, your chopped bacon, and your cooked onions into the pan and let it cook down until everything is browned.

Now, a lot of people like to leave their bacon jam chunky with big bits of onion, but not me. I take mine and throw it into the food processor and chop it down until it is more of a jam consistency.

Tips for the Best Bacon Jam

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture
• Don’t rush the onions—caramelization = flavor
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar

How to Use Bacon Jam

This stuff is incredibly versatile! Try it on:

• Baked brie
• Burgers (game changer!)
• Toast or biscuits
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Charcuterie boards

How to Store

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving

Looking for Other Jams and Jellies recipes? Check these out

• Green Pepper Jelly
• Red Pepper Jelly
• 20 Minute Pumpkin Butter
• Super Easy Freezer Strawberry Jam
• Homemade Blackberry Jam
• Peach Jam