Bacon Jam: Sweet and Smoky Spread Made with Back Bacon

Bacon jam is sweet, smoky and savoury all at once: bacon slowly cooked down with onions, brown sugar, maple syrup and coffee until it turns into a thick, spreadable relish. A spoonful turns a burger, a cheese board or a slice of toast into something special. Made with dry-cured back bacon, it is meatier than versions made with streaky bacon.

Ingredients for 1 jar (about 350 g)

• 500 g Geordie's back bacon, preferably smoked, cut into 1 cm pieces
• 2 large onions (about 400 g), thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 100 g brown sugar
• 60 ml maple syrup
• 60 ml apple cider vinegar
• 120 ml strong coffee or espresso
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• A pinch of chilli flakes and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter, if needed

Method

1. Fry the bacon pieces in a heavy pan over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until browned but not crisp. Lift them out and leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan. Back bacon is leaner than streaky bacon, so add the butter if there is too little fat.
2. Add the onions and cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add the sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, coffee, paprika, chilli and pepper. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan.
4. Return the bacon to the pan and simmer uncovered over low heat for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick and glossy. Add a splash of water if it gets too dry.
5. Leave to cool slightly. For a spreadable jam, pulse briefly in a food processor; for a chunky relish, leave it as it is.
6. Spoon into a clean jar, let it cool completely, close and refrigerate.

Storage

Bacon jam is not shelf-stable: keep it in the fridge in a clean, closed jar and eat it within a week. It also freezes well for up to three months. Warm it briefly before serving so the fat softens.

What to serve it with

• On a burger or in a grilled cheese sandwich
• With mature cheddar or brie on a cheese board
• On toast with a fried egg
• As a glaze for pigs in blankets

Short of time? Our classic bacon sandwich is ready in ten minutes.