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Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam Recipe for Burgers

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A flavorful and easy-to-make bacon jam with bourbon that transforms burgers and other dishes with its smoky, sweet, and savory notes. Perfect for make-ahead use and versatile for many meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces thick-cut smoked bacon
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  1. Chop the bacon into small pieces (about ½ inch). Place in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp and browned, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and soft. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick or burn.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Carefully pour in the bourbon and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let bourbon reduce for about 5 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  5. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the jam thickens and darkens to a glossy consistency. Add water if too thick.
  7. Return cooked bacon pieces to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Transfer the jam to a clean jar or airtight container. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The jam will thicken further as it chills.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or peach nectar plus a splash of vanilla extract. The jam keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks and can be frozen for up to three months. Warm gently before serving to maintain texture. Adjust sweetness by varying brown sugar and maple syrup amounts. Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon jam, bourbon bacon jam, burger topping, savory jam, make-ahead condiment, smoky bacon jam, bacon recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-jam-recipe-for-burgers-easy-make-ahead-delight/