If you were to ask me to list 10 of my favourite foods, 3 items that would always make the list are:
-Caramelized onions
-Crisp Bacon
-Jam
So you can understand my jubilation (a word I save for only the most special of occasions) when I combined them together to create the ultimate condiment – Caramelized Onion and Bacon Jam.
Over the past week I have managed to find a way to add this jam to just about everything I have eaten. So far I have used it:
- As a burger topping – AMAZING!
- With a cheese platter – it actually outshone the cambozola!
- To complete the perfect bacon and egg breakfast sandwich – I would wake up an hour earlier every morning just to eat this
- With roasted chicken
- On a prosciutto, rocket and parmesan pizza – So gourmet!
- Served as an appetizer on Salt & Pepper Crackers and topped with baked figs and brie (they were so pretty I included a photo below)
I am also guilty of sneaking a spoonful out of the fridge (more often then I would like to admit). I have yet to experiment with the world of canning but I think this would make for a great gift to bring to friends for dinner parties or as part of a Christmas gift basket. The options are truly endless! Give this jam a try and let me know how you enjoy eating it. Happy Jamming!
If you make this recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!
Ingredients
- 2 cups bacon chopped (500 grams)
- 4 cups onion chopped into chunks approx 5 onions
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee
- 3 tbsp honey or other sweetener
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into approx 1 cm wide pieces and fry on medium high heat until they begin to brown (approximately 10-15 minutes)
- Remove the bacon from the pan and transfer to a paper towel, set aside. Keep the fat from the bacon in the pot and add the onions.
- Cook the onions until they begin to soften (10 minutes or so)
- Reduce the heat to low, add the coffee, honey, cumin and bacon and allow to simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the mixture has begun to thicken and become jam like in consistency
- Once it has reached the desired consistency, stir in the balsamic vinegar
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse 3-4 times so the bacon is broken down into smaller pieces, don't over do it as the jam should be chunky rather then a paste/puree
- Transfer to a airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
*To make these crackers topped with jam, figs and brie:
Cut figs in half, lightly drizzle with oil and place in the oven at 175 degrees for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes top each fig with a slice of brie and place back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until the brie has melted. Remove from the oven and place each fig on a cracker with the caramelized onion and bacon jam.
Does it have to be balsamic vinegar?
Sounds yummy, I will try it with maple syrup instead of honey. Do you leave a lid on the pan during the 40 minutes of simmering?
Yes leave the lid on while it simmers
How much is 2 cups of bacon?., like a whole pack?
Yes once cooked I would say approximately a pack would equal 2 cups
I’m allergic to coffee and caffeine. What can I substitute?
The point of the coffee is to deepen the flavor, right? So I might use Worcestershire sauce, Fish Sauce, and/or tomato paste instead.
Yes the coffee just gives the jam a rich flavour, this would easily be replicated by using Worcestershire and tomato paste.
I’m keen to try the recipe, however i don’t understand what kind of coffee?
Alexis you can use filter coffee or espresso depending on how much of a coffee kick of flavour you want.
I cooked a whole pack of bacon. There was a good amount of bacon grease. After cooking the onions in the grease, I poured off the grease. I imagine that is what u are supposed to do, correct? If not, that would be a lot of grease
Yes thats correct Keb, its used to help cook the onions but anything left over once they are done should be drained from the pan.
Thanks, sooooo good. I put it on hamburgers. What a great combination
I’m so glad you liked it!
If I put it into small mason jars will it last longer that 3 weeks?
Marcus I think if you put it in sterilized mason jars the shelf life should dramatically increase.
Can you taste the coffee? Neither my husband like the taste of coffee. Thanks
Hi Susan, no the coffee provides a richness in flavour but there is not a strong taste of coffee, it is masked by the flavour of caramelized onions.
I am actually making this right now … it’s on the stove. 🙂
Hi Vivienne, I hope you like it! Let me know how it goes
Your onion + bacon jam was a success … used it in my savoury pear tart recipe. Have referenced you and your website in my post. 🙂
http://foodflurries.com/savoury/rustic-pear-tarts-blue-cheese-onion-jam
Your pear tarts look absolutely beautiful, I’m so happy it worked out. Thanks for mentioning me in your post!
Can i ask why is coffee added and can you actually taste it? Thank youuu
Hi Bec, the coffee is added to give the jam a deep rich flavour but if you are not a fan of coffee then don’t worry, once the jam is cooked down you cannot taste it.
Looks like a delicious party dish!