Boozy Maple Bacon Jam Recipe

Prepare yourself for the ultimate flavor explosion—Boozy Maple Bacon Jam is not your everyday condiment! Smoky, salty bacon meets the sweet warmth of maple syrup and brown sugar, with a sultry backdrop of bourbon and caramelized onions. This spreadable treasure elevates anything from burgers to breakfast toast. Whether you’re topping crostini for a crowd or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar, Boozy Maple Bacon Jam delivers a rich, deeply layered experience that’s as unforgettable as it is easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This jam keeps it simple, but each ingredient works overtime to create salty-sweet magic. Gather your favorites—each element builds irresistible layers of taste, making Boozy Maple Bacon Jam both bold and balanced!

• Bacon (1 lb, diced): The star of the show! Use a thick-cut, smoky bacon for best results—it forms the jam’s hearty, meaty backbone.
• Onion (1 large, sliced): Caramelizes into sweet, savory ribbons that soak up all the good flavors, adding depth and a gentle bite.
• Brown Sugar (66 g): Boosts the sweetness and promotes a lovely, sticky consistency while balancing the smoky notes.
• Maple Syrup (200 g): A generous pour of maple syrup gives Boozy Maple Bacon Jam its signature richness and a lingering, woodsy sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (10 g): Adds a tangy pop that brightens the jam, keeping it from getting too heavy.
• Splash of Soy Sauce: Just enough umami and salt to round out the taste and amplify the savoriness of the bacon.
• Bourbon (82 g): The boozy element—brings warmth, complexity, and that hint of grown-up indulgence.

How to Make Boozy Maple Bacon Jam

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by placing your diced bacon in a cold skillet (trust me, starting cold ensures even cooking). Slowly cook it over low heat, stirring now and then, until most of the fat has rendered out and the bacon is mostly crispy. This takes about 10 minutes and is where all the smoky, crunchy magic begins.

Step 2: Reserve the Fat and Bacon

Use a slotted spoon to scoop the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully pour off all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat from your pan. That little bit left behind is liquid gold—don’t skip it, because it’s going to flavor your onions beautifully!

Step 3: Soften the Onions

Return the pan to the heat and toss in your sliced onions. As they cook, scrape up any delicious brown bits lingering in the pan. Let them soften and start picking up color—about five minutes—stirring occasionally until they’re fragrant, tender, and becoming golden.

Step 4: Sweeten Slow and Low

Sprinkle the brown sugar over your softened onions. Dial your heat to low, and let everything hang out together for 15 minutes. As the onions collapse and caramelize, they form a sweet, jammy base, soaking up all the flavors you’re about to add.

Step 5: Add the Booze, Maple, Vinegar & Umami

Time to layer up the flavor! Deglaze the pan by pouring in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, bourbon, and luscious maple syrup. Stir well, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan, and inhale that mouthwatering, boozy-sweet steam.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the heat super low and let everything gently simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes. The liquid will reduce, the bacon will get incredibly tender, and the jam will take on an irresistible, glossy sheen. Give it an occasional stir—patience pays off for deep, complex flavor.

Step 7: Adjust Texture with Water

Once thick and rich, drizzle in a bit of water, stirring as you go, until you reach a scoopable, spreadable consistency. The water helps loosen things up just enough, giving you that dreamy, jammy texture without diluting the punchy flavors.

Step 8: Pulse for Perfect Consistency

Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse in short bursts—usually 20 to 30 seconds does the trick—until you’ve reached your ideal level of chunkiness or smoothness. There’s no wrong answer here, just follow your cravings!

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow your Boozy Maple Bacon Jam to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean, airtight jar. Refrigerate until ready to use (good luck waiting), and get ready to wow everyone who tries it.

How to Serve Boozy Maple Bacon Jam

Garnishes

Go for a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a fine shower of chopped fresh chives to add a pop of color and a touch of herbal sharpness. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny flake of flaky sea salt right on top takes each bite to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair Boozy Maple Bacon Jam with warm, crusty bread or toasted English muffins as an irresistible starter. It’s also killer spooned alongside scrambled eggs, folded into grilled cheese sandwiches, or nestled next to a cheese and charcuterie board for wow factor at any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Unleash your culinary creativity! Try swirling this jam over baked brie for a show-stopping appetizer, smearing it onto burgers at your next cookout, or dolloping it atop roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a bold twist. Even pizza gets an upgrade with a bacon jam drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Boozy Maple Bacon Jam fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will happily sit for up to two weeks, ready to amp up snacks and meals in an instant. Just make sure to use a clean utensil each time to keep things fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the jam in small, freezer-safe containers. Leave a bit of headspace for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. While freezing might slightly change the texture, the crave-worthy flavor of Boozy Maple Bacon Jam holds up brilliantly.

Reheating

If your jam firms up in the fridge, simply spoon out the amount you need and gently warm it in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water if needed to bring it back to that luscious, spoonable consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I make Boozy Maple Bacon Jam without alcohol?

Absolutely! If you prefer a booze-free version, just swap the bourbon for an equal amount of apple juice or water. You’ll still get a jammy, flavorful spread minus the alcohol kick.

How long does homemade Boozy Maple Bacon Jam last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, your jam stays tasty for up to two weeks. Always keep it chilled and use a clean spoon to help extend its shelf life.

Is Boozy Maple Bacon Jam spicy?

Not as written, but you can definitely add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat. It’s totally customizable to your taste!

What’s the best way to use up leftover Boozy Maple Bacon Jam?

Besides slathering it on toast or sandwiches, try stirring some into mac and cheese, topping baked potatoes, or using it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or chicken for a flavor-packed twist.

Can Boozy Maple Bacon Jam be canned for longer storage?

Because it has a lower acid content and includes bacon, traditional water bath canning isn’t considered safe for this recipe. Stick to refrigeration or freezing for storage to keep things delicious and safe.

Final Thoughts

Boozy Maple Bacon Jam is guaranteed to become one of those recipes you share with everyone you love. Its bold, sweet-savory depth is just plain addictive—and there’s nothing quite like seeing people’s faces light up after the first bite. Go ahead, whip up a batch and start spreading the joy!

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