This tasty slow cooker Bacon Jam is a sweet and savory spread perfect for enhancing eggs, sandwiches, burgers, and more. It’s made with bacon, onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

To make Bacon Jam in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply combine the ingredients and let them simmer uncovered for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours until thick and syrupy.

Bacon complements nearly everything, and you can trust that this Crock Pot Bacon Jam will become a go-to addition to many of your meals!

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Can I Use Different Types of Bacon for This Bacon Jam Recipe?

Absolutely, you can mix things up with different types of bacon in this recipe. Whether you choose thick-cut, applewood-smoked, or even turkey bacon, just remember the fattier the bacon, the richer your jam will be. Experiment to find your favorite combo!

Slow Cooker Bacon Jam Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, smashed and peeled
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) of packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pure maple syrup
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) of brewed coffee
• 1/2 tsp (up to 1 tsp for more heat) of red pepper flakes

How To Make Slow Cooker Bacon Jam

1. Start the Bacon: Fire up your stovetop to medium-high and toss the bacon pieces into a large skillet. Stir them now and then. Once the fat melts away and the bacon gets a nice light brown, use a slotted spoon to move it onto a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Keep Some Grease: Drain off the excess bacon grease, leaving just about 1 tbsp in the skillet. You might want to save the leftover grease for another recipe—it’s gold!
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Throw the chopped onions and garlic into the skillet. Let them cook till the onions turn see-through, which should take around 6 minutes.
4. Mix in the Good Stuff: Now, pour in the apple cider vinegar, sprinkle in the brown sugar, and drizzle the maple syrup. Toss in the red pepper flakes and pour the coffee right in. Crank up the heat to get it boiling while you stir and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it all bubble together for about 2 minutes.
5. Bacon Back In: Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and give it a good stir to mix everything well.
6. Slow Cook It: Transfer everything from the skillet into your slow cooker. Set it on HIGH and leave it uncovered. Let it cook for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the liquid turns nice and syrupy.
7. Final Chop: Once it’s done, scoop the bacon mixture into a food processor and pulse it a few times. You want it coarsely chopped, not pureed.
8. Cool and Store: Let the jam cool down before you tuck it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Recipe Tips

• Maximize Flavor with Slow Rendering: Start cooking your bacon on a lower heat to slowly render out the fat, which helps in bringing out a deeper, smokier flavor to the jam.
• Skim the Fat, Not the Fun: During the slow cooking process, you might see some fat rise to the top; skim it off to keep your jam less greasy and more on the delicious side.
• Stir It Up: Give your bacon jam a good stir every now and then while it cooks in the slow cooker; it prevents sticking and ensures an even flavor throughout your jam.

Recipe Variations

• Whiskey Wonderland: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey towards the end of cooking; it’ll introduce a rich, woody note that makes your bacon jam fit for a gourmet platter.
• Sweeten the Deal: For a sweeter take, mix in some dried cranberries during the last hour of cooking; they add a tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon.
• Go Global with Spices: Experiment with different spices like a teaspoon of cumin or a pinch of curry powder to bring a unique twist to your traditional bacon jam.

What To Serve With Bacon Jam

Serve your Bacon Jam with mini goat cheese tarts, Sweet Potato Wedges, cucumber dill crostini, blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, and smoked sausage bites.

You can also pair it with parmesan-crusted asparagus and garlic herb cream cheese on rye toast, adding a delightful twist to any meal.

How To Store Leftover Bacon Jam

In The Fridge:

Place your Bacon Jam in an airtight container and make sure the lid is tightly sealed. Store it in the coolest part of your refrigerator to maintain its freshness. This method will keep your jam tasty and safe for up to 4 weeks.

In The Freezer:

Bacon Jam can indeed be stored in the freezer. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal it tightly. This will keep your jam fresh and ready to use for up to 6 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Bacon Jam

Reheat your leftover Bacon Jam by spooning the desired amount into a small saucepan. Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes warm and aromatic.

Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 20 seconds, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Onion Jam
• Slow Cooker Fig Jam
• Slow Cooker Rhubarb Sweet Chili Jam