DIY Bourbon Bacon Onion Jam Recipe With Maple Syrup

Bacon fans, get ready—this bourbon bacon jam is seriously next-level! This rich spread mixes salty bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a splash of bourbon for a flavor combo that’s perfect for everything from cheese boards and sandwiches to burgers and beyond.

When you hear the word “jam,” you probably picture fruity spreads like strawberry or peach preserves. But this bourbon bacon jam is a whole different story—and trust me, it’s a flavor bomb you’ll want on everything.

It isn’t the kind of jam you’d spread on PB&J, but its salty-sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes make it a total crowd-pleaser. From charcuterie boards and roasted veggies to sandwiches and baked brie, this boozy bacon jam adds that perfect punch of flavor wherever you put it.

What Makes It Irresistible

• Uniquely Delicious – Seriously, once you put this savory bacon bourbon jam on your charcuterie or sandwich, everyone’s going to ask you for the recipe—it’s that addictive.
• Really Simple – You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up. It only takes fewer than 10 ingredients to make a jar full of goodness.
• Endlessly Versatile – Whether you want to give it as a homemade gift (my brothers can’t get enough!) or need an easy way to spice up dinner, this bacon bourbon jam fits the bill. Keep reading for tons of tasty ways to use it!

If you’re all about big, bold flavors without a ton of fuss, this bourbon bacon jam is your new go-to. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe that feels fancy but is actually super simple—perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu guests, or even gifts that get rave reviews.

• Full flavor, fuss-free ingredients. With under 10 everyday ingredients—bacon, sweet onions, maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, and a few spices—you get this crazy good sweet, salty, smoky umami party without the need for anything fancy.
• Minimal hands-on time. Spend about 10 minutes prepping, then let it simmer gently for about 40–45 minutes while you tackle everything else.
• Big batch, many uses. This recipe makes roughly 1.5 pints, so you’ll have plenty to dress up cheese boards, sandwiches, grilled cheese, roasted veggies, or package up for gifting.
• Great for make-ahead magic. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for around 4 weeks or can be frozen for months, which means you can make it anytime and have it ready for parties or gift baskets.
• Customizable to your taste. Want to skip the pork or booze? No problem. Swap bacon for turkey or beef, use apple juice or vinegar instead of bourbon, or adjust the heat with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper—making this recipe your own is easy.
• Transforms everyday dishes. A simple spoonful turns ordinary bread, burgers, or cheese into something special—without needing any fancy cooking skills.
• Easy equipment and prep. All you need is a heavy pot or Dutch oven and some kitchen scissors for quick bacon chopping. No fancy gadgets required!

In short: it’s approachable, delicious, and super useful. Make a batch and watch how quickly it becomes your new favorite condiment—and that recipe request train starts rolling!

Ingredients for Bacon Onion Jam

• 1 pound Bacon cut into small pieces; scissors make it easy!
• 1.5 pounds Yellow Onion small dice
• 1 head Garlic sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Chipotle Powder (or smoked paprika)
• ⅓ C Bourbon (or whisky, brandy)
• ½ C Maple Syrup
• ¼ C Water
• ¼ C Brown Sugar

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cut bacon into small pieces, dice the onions, and slice the garlic.
2. Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low and render the bacon until cooked but not crispy, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Drain excess bacon fat, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pot.
4. Add the onions, sliced garlic, kosher salt, and chipotle powder to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften, turn translucent, and begin to brown, about 8 minutes.
5. Pour in the bourbon and cook down until evaporated, stirring frequently and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the maple syrup, water, and brown sugar and stir to combine.

7. Let the mixture gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like, about 40–45 minutes.
8. Spoon the jam into sterilized mason jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set; optionally skim off or stir back in any fat that rises to the top.

Serving Ideas and Pro Tips

Honestly, this bourbon bacon jam is tasty enough to eat straight from the jar. But if you want some ideas, here’s how I love to use it around my house:

• Charcuterie Board Hero. Add a little bowl of this jam to your cheese and meat board—you’ll up your hosting game with zero effort.
• Cracker Snack. Spread some cream cheese or goat cheese on crackers, then top with a dollop of the bacon jam for a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
• Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts. Roast halved brussels sprouts until crispy brown. Slather with a bit of jam and serve with toothpicks for a super easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Upgrade. Spread this bourbon bacon jam inside your grilled cheese sandwich. Trust me, it takes simple bread and cheese to a whole new level.

• Better Burgers. Dollop this jam right on a burger patty to transform it from plain to gourmet. Bonus points if you stuff the burger with cheese and top it with a runny fried egg and a spoonful of jam—breakfast, lunch, or dinner all sorted!
• Tool Tip: The easiest way to chop bacon is with sharp kitchen shears—fast and tidy. If you don’t have shears, just use a clean plastic or glass cutting board to keep things safe.
• Brown Sugar Hack. If you run out of brown sugar, just mix white sugar with molasses: 1 cup sugar to 1–2 tablespoons molasses (use less for light brown, more for dark).
• Fat Control. Feel free to drain some bacon fat after rendering, but keep 1–2 tablespoons to caramelize the onions. The rest will float on the top in the jar and is easy to scrape off or stir back in for flavor.
• Storage Tips. Use airtight, clean jars to keep your jam fresh and prevent bacon and onion aroma from taking over other fridge items like butter or cream cheese.

Easy Swaps and Flavor Add-Ins

• Pork-Free. Want to skip pork? Use beef or turkey bacon. (Beef bacon is so good.) Remember to add a little oil when sautéing onions if you use turkey bacon to keep the pan from drying out.
• Booze-Free. No bourbon? No worries. Substitute with diluted vanilla extract, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar for a different but delicious twist.
• Adjust the Heat. Chipotle powder has a smoky kick, but this jam isn’t overly spicy. Go milder with smoked paprika or sweeter chili powders. For extra heat, add more chipotle, cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a fresh minced chili pepper with the garlic.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

After cooking, let your bourbon bacon jam cool slightly, then transfer it to clean, airtight jars or containers. Store them in the fridge where it will keep well for about 4 weeks.

• Freezing: For longer storage, spoon the jam into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Don’t refreeze once thawed.
• Fridge Tips: Fat from the bacon will rise as the jam cools. You can scoop it off for a leaner spread, save it to cook with later, or just stir it back in for richer flavor.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until spreadable, or microwave in short bursts (15-20 seconds), stirring in between. Avoid high heat to keep sugars from burning.
• Food Safety: Always use a clean spoon when scooping jam to prevent contamination. Don’t leave jars sitting at room temp for more than two hours.
• Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect to make in advance—store refrigerated up to 4 weeks or freeze portions for later. Don’t forget to label your jars with dates!

Answers to Common Questions

What is bacon onion jam made of?

It varies by recipe, but this one uses bacon, onions, garlic, chipotle powder, bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt for that perfect sweet and savory balance.

What do you put bacon onion jam on?

The list is long! Try it on toast, crackers, biscuits, sandwiches, burgers, cheese or charcuterie plates, quesadillas, roasted veggies, or breakfast scrambles. If bacon or caramelized onions would taste good with your meal, this jam will too.

How long is bourbon bacon jam good for? Can you freeze it? How should I store it?

Because bacon is cured and this jam has salt and sugar, it keeps longer than you’d guess—about 4 weeks in the fridge and up to 6 months frozen. Store airtight and keep it refrigerated or frozen. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

What does bacon jam taste like? Is it sweet?

Expect a jammy texture with a rich, smoky, savory flavor thanks to the bacon and onions. This recipe has a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, brown sugar, and naturally sweet onions, balanced by smoky chipotle heat and rich bourbon depth.