Who doesn’t love a burst of flavor that tingles the taste buds? If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with unique and delicious recipes, then you’re in for a treat with this hot pepper bacon jam recipe.
This jam will take your culinary masterpieces to a whole new level since it combines the fiery kick of hot peppers with the smokey taste of bacon. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this delectable condiment that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to cheeseboards.Prepare to wow your loved ones with this delicious hot pepper bacon jam!

What Is Bacon Jam?
Jam is a fruit-based preserve.It is different from jelly in that it has pieces of fruit in it, but jelly doesn’t.
Although fruits like blueberries and strawberries are frequently used to make jam, other ingredients such as vegetables and even meats can also be used. Another name for these delicious preserved jars is chutneys.
To be honest, in casual conversations, the terms jam, jelly, and chutney are often used interchangeably. I make a great red pepper jelly, but since it has processed red pepper in it, it should really be called jam.
A condiment known as bacon jam is created by preserving cooked bacon and onions in vinegar and sugar. It’s delicious on hamburgers as well as on crackers with smoked garlic cream cheese. Traditionally, recipes for bacon jam call for slow-cooking onions with vinegar, brown sugar, and spices along with bacon jam. Then, in a food processor, mix the ingredients until they have a relish-like consistency. To keep things chunkier, I opted not to use a food processor when making this keto bacon jam recipe.
Ingredients Of Bacon Pepper Jam
Bacon pepper jam is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that can elevate any dish. You can make this hot bacon jam with some simple ingredients:
Bacon – 2 pounds
Use any type of bacon that you choose.I really like hickory smoked because the spicy taste goes well with the spice and sweetness. You can also use thick-cut bacon, but make sure the fat is cut down enough before adding it to the other ingredients.
Red Onion- 1 ½ cups
Red onions are better for this dish than white or yellow onions because they don’t have as strong of a taste.
Garlic- 4
The aromatic essence of garlic enhances the overall taste profile of the jam, complementing the smoky bacon and spicy peppers. Whether minced finely for a subtle hint or added generously for a robust flavor, garlic plays a crucial role in elevating the complexity of the bacon pepper jam.
Brown Sugar- 1 cup
Too much brown sugar will make the jam thick. This also makes the jam sweeter. Dark brown sugar is better for me because it has more syrup.
Red Wine Vinegar- ¼ cup
Red wine vinegar is a key ingredient in the flavorful Bacon Pepper Jam. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste adds depth to the jam, complementing the richness of bacon and the spiciness of peppers.
Balsamic Vinegar- 2 TBS
Balsamic vinegar gives the jam a rich, tangy taste that goes well with its sweetness.Its deep, complex taste profile enhances the overall taste experience of the jam, making it a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways.
Water – ¼ cup
water to help create the perfect consistency. Putting together crispy bacon and hot peppers that have been simmered with water makes a taste that is both sweet and spicy.
Fresh Thyme- 6
Fresh thyme adds a delightful aromatic flavor to bacon pepper jam. Its earthy and slightly minty notes complement the smoky bacon and spicy peppers, creating a well-balanced and flavorful condiment.The addition of fresh thyme enhances the complexity of the jam, adding a refreshing herbal undertone that elevates its overall taste profile.
Black Pepper- 1 Tbsp
This unique sauce gets a kick of spice and more flavor from the black pepper. When combined with savory bacon, the black pepper creates a perfect balance of heat and smokiness that enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
Maple Syrup- 1 Tbsp
To make this delectable condiment, you’ll need some key ingredients, starting with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness. The maple syrup will complement the savory and spicy notes of the bacon and peppers perfectly.
How To Make Spicy Bacon Jam
Cook the Bacon
Place a large saucepan on a medium-high stove. Stir in the bacon.Drizzle with olive oil if preferred. Stirring often, cook till almost brown and crisp. Transfer onto a paper-towel-lined plate to cool and drain.
Cook the Vegetables
Turn the heat up to medium-high. In the saucepan with the bacon grease, soften the onions and peppers for around five minutes. Stirring, add the garlic. Give it two minutes or so.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Whisk in the vinegar, seasonings, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the bacon, chopped, to the saucepan.
Cook Low and Slow
Cook, stirring now and again, over low heat for around two hours. Jam will stick together thickly. The same effects can be obtained via slow cooker cooking. See how it ages and darkens.
Cook jam in slow cooker on high for three to four hours, stirring now and again, until it thickens.
Process the Bacon Jam
Once it’s nice and creamy and uniform, put some of it in a food processor and pulse until slightly chunky, if desired. Stir well into the leftover bacon jam.
As much processing is required to achieve the right homogeneity. When I want a thick, chunky bacon jam, I just smash it up with a wooden spoon.
Tips For Slow Cooker Bacon Jam
- Extra components. It’s easy to add more ingredients to this bacon jam recipe anyway you see fit.
- Among the often used seasonings are cracked black pepper, thyme or other herbs. Replace the maple syrup with agave nectar or honey.For extra caramelization, add Coke or Dr. Pepper. Have a go with Bourbon.
- Do two batches. Double or even triple the ingredients to easily scale up this recipe, but the cooking time will need to be increased.
- Well worth the wait. Give the bacon jam time to thicken and break down into a deliciously gooey consistency. Although it could take a little longer than the recipe calls for, particularly if you add extra ingredients. Give it enough of time.
- An element of heat. Even with jalapeno peppers, this is not a very hot dish because the sweets somewhat balance the heat. Use spicier peppers and use hot red pepper flakes or spicy chilli powder if you want a hot bacon jam.
How To Store Habanero Bacon Jam?
At this stage, the habanero bacon jam can be stored in an airtight container or sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. In the event that you decide not to use the jars right away, they can be refrigerated for a few months. For the best results, chill them.
Bacon grease will start to set on the jam’s surface as it cools. If preferred, remove the top layer; if not, microwave it for 15 seconds and then swirl the fat back into the jam.
How To Use Spicy Bacon Jam?
Make all of the bacon lovers in your life happy now.
- As food presents, hand out jars of bacon jam. For decorating, tuck in a little sheet of fabric beneath the jar ring, or use double stick tape and a brown paper bag strip to create a straightforward tag. Just be certain the receiver understands that it must be refrigerated.
- The savoury spread can be spooned straight out of the jar and is excellent served on a cheese board.
- Spread bacon jam on a grilled cheese sandwich or use it to top a pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Top a patty with blue cheese and bacon onion jam for an adult pub burger.

Hot Pepper Bacon Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Bacon
- 1 ½ Cups Red Onion
- 4 Garlic
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 6 Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Chop your bacon and fry until almost crispy, stirring frequently.
- Remove all bacon oil except for about ½ TBS.
- Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Combine brown sugar, vinegars, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the thyme sprigs and pepper, and simmer for another few minutes, stirring frequently and being careful not to burn.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and let the mixture cool.
- You can then pulse the jam a few times in your food processor to get a finer texture, or leave it as is. It's up to you.
- Once totally cooled, place in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
- Heat it up a little to enjoy with whatever you prefer. If the jam becomes too thick after reheating, add about a TBS of water.
Nutrition
Final Words
Spice up your meals with the irresistible flavors of hot pepper bacon jam.Use it as a glaze, dip, or spread to elevate your food to new heights. It’s a savory and sweet condiment. Smoky bacon and spicy peppers combine to produce a flavor sensation that will make you want more. Elevate your culinary creations with this delicious hot pepper bacon jam recipe and bring a burst of flavor to every bite.
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