Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

Made with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a touch of brown sugar and bright vinegar, this bacon onion jam recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich and tangy. It’s easy to make and stores beautifully, making it ideal for topping burgers, spreading on roast beef sandwiches, or pairing with cheese boards.

labeled photo for ingredients to make bacon and onion jam.

Ingredients and Substitutions

These are the main ingredients needed to make bacon onion jam. For the full list, check out the recipe card below.

Bacon – I highly recommend using thick cut bacon for this jam recipe.
Onion – I prefer yellow onions, but white onions, or red onions will also work.
Light Brown Sugar – You can substitute in dark brown sugar, if that’s what you have on hand.
Vinegar – I’ve made this with both apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar; both options are fantastic.

skillet with a variety of ingredients inside.

Uses For Bacon and Onion Jam

Here are 10 delicious ways to use Bacon Onion Jam:

Spread it on burgers for a sweet and savory upgrade. I alternate with cowboy candy.
Use it as a sandwich or panini spread — especially grilled cheese or Prime Rib Dip.
Serve it on a charcuterie or cheese board alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It’s fantastic on Steak Crostini.
Add a scoop onto this Captain Rodney’s Dip for a killer dip recipe.
Spoon it over baked brie or cream cheese for an easy appetizer.
Use it as a topping for Sous Vide Beef, grilled steak, pork chops, or chicken.
Stir a spoonful into mac and cheese for a smoky-sweet twist.
Add it to breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast sandwiches.
Spread it on pizza or flatbread with mozzarella and arugula.
Use it as a glaze for roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.

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Recipes Tips and Notes

Use thick-cut bacon — it holds its texture better during cooking and adds a satisfying bite.
Slice the onions evenly to ensure they caramelize uniformly without burning.
Low and slow is key — cook the mixture over medium-low heat to allow the sugars to develop and the jam to thicken properly.
Adjust sweetness and tang to taste — add more brown sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra brightness.
Store properly — keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and reheat gently before serving.

Similar Recipes

Two other popular jam recipes to check out – Carrot Cake Jam and Red Pepper Jelly.

Bacon Onion Jam

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Servings: 1.5 cup

Calories: 1830kcal

Author: Darcey Olson

Cost: $8

Ingredients

16 oz thick cut bacon
3 cups chopped yellow onion (*Note 1)
2 tsp finely minced garlic
½ cup light brown sugar (*Note 2)
⅓ cup balsamic or apple cider vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring frequently.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
Remove all but about 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the onions to the skillet. Cook for about 20-25 minutes to caramelize, stirring frequently.
Add the garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, maple syrup, and cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
Simmer for 7-10 minutes, until the jam has thickened. It will thicken as it cools.
Transfer to a clean container and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.