Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

If you are craving a luscious, savory-sweet spread that will elevate anything from burgers to cheese boards, then this Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Rich caramelized onions mingle with smoky, crispy bacon, while the warm sweetness of maple syrup and the depth of bourbon create an irresistible harmony of flavors. This jam is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and hearty all in one jar—a versatile delight you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple yet crucial ingredients that work beautifully together to build a deeply flavorful jam. Each element adds its own special touch, from the rich saltiness of bacon to the mellow sweetness of maple syrup, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation.

• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon: Provides a smoky, crisp texture that forms the foundation of the jam’s savory profile.
• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet): When caramelized, these bring natural sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds a warm, sweet note that perfectly balances the smoky bacon and tangy elements.
• 1/4 cup bourbon: Imparts a subtle boozy depth that enhances the richness without overpowering the dish.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Introduces a touch of tanginess to lift the flavors and add brightness.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Contributes a mild sharpness and complexity to the jam.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all other ingredients.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): Fresh herbs for garnish that add a fragrant herbal finish.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by placing the chopped thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it until the bacon is wonderfully crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. By cooking the bacon first, you render the fat that will be invaluable for cooking your onions, giving them an unforgettable depth of flavor. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it drain the excess grease, but make sure to keep that flavorful rendered fat in the pan for the next step.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Using the bacon fat left in the skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally for about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cooking draws out the onions’ natural sugars, transforming them into golden, soft caramelized goodness. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, splash a bit of water to deglaze and loosen those tasty browned bits.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to reunite the bacon with them in the skillet. Stir the bacon back in, then add the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring this glorious mixture to a lively simmer. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes while stirring frequently until the liquid evaporates enough to turn the mixture sticky and jam-like.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove your skillet from the heat and allow the jam to cool slightly—it’s hard to resist tasting it straight away! After a brief rest, transfer the jam to a clean jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing it up, ensuring your jam is perfectly preserved for whenever you want to enjoy it next.

How to Serve Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary over the top of your serving can add a vibrant touch of herbal aroma and color. It’s a small addition, but it makes the jam look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Try it on freshly grilled burgers, alongside roasted meats, or as a flavorful companion to creamy cheeses and crackers. It’s sensational on toasted baguette slices or mixed into a charcuterie platter as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, dollop this jam on softened cream cheese or goat cheese for a sweet and smoky spread. You can also swirl it into mashed potatoes for an indulgent surprise or layer it under a savory tart topping. The possibilities with the Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Its flavors actually deepen as it rests, so it might taste even better after a day or two.

Freezing

If you want to store it longer, the jam freezes beautifully. Pop it in a freezer-safe container and use within three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir to bring back its luscious consistency.

Reheating

To serve warm jam, gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overheating as the sugar can burn or become overly sticky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Absolutely! While bourbon adds a rich, smoky sweetness to the jam, you can experiment with whiskey, rum, or even brandy. Just use a similar amount to maintain the balance of flavors.

Is it possible to make this jam vegetarian or vegan?

Since bacon is key to the flavor profile, it’s challenging to create the exact same experience without it. However, you can try using smoked tempeh or mushrooms as a substitute to achieve a smoky, savory element.

How long does the jam keep once made?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, this jam will stay fresh for up to two weeks. The flavors continue to develop, so it might taste even better after a day or so.

Can I use different types of onions?

Yellow or sweet onions give the best caramelization and natural sweetness, but you can experiment with red onions for a sharper flavor or shallots for a milder option.

What dishes work best with this jam?

This jam is fantastic on burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or as part of a cheese platter. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mixed into mashed potatoes for a flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who loves a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory, then you cannot miss making this Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe. It’s straightforward to prepare yet bursting with complex flavors that will impress family and friends alike. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself spooning it on everything and sharing the recipe as your latest kitchen triumph.

Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 86 reviews

• Author: Elina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This Maple Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam is a rich and savory condiment perfect for elevating burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards. Made by slowly caramelizing onions in rendered bacon fat and simmering with sweet maple syrup, smoky bourbon, tangy apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this jam balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors for a complex and irresistible addition to any meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions work well)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Drain Bacon: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the onions.
3. Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. Add a splash of water if they begin to stick to the pan to deglaze.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the drained bacon to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir in the maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, mixing well to combine all flavors.
5. Simmer Mixture: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid thickens and the jam becomes sticky and glossy.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly. Transfer the jam into a clean jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.

---

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor in the jam.
• Yellow or sweet onions work best for caramelization and sweetness balance.
• Add a splash of water during caramelization to prevent onions from burning or sticking.
• Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet jam.
• The bourbon adds depth and smokiness but can be omitted or replaced with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• This jam pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, cheeses, and breakfast dishes.
• Store jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.