Name: Savory Crock Pot Bacon Jam: Your New Favorite Flavor Boost
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 280 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds Bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 medium Yellow onions (peeled and diced); 3 cloves Garlic (smashed and peeled); 0.5 cup Apple cider vinegar; 0.5 cup Light brown sugar (packed); 0.25 cup Pure maple syrup; 0.75 cup Brewed coffee (or strong brewed tea); 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

As I stirred the bubbling aroma of savory goodness wafting through my kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon something magical—this Sweet & Savory Crock Pot Bacon Jam. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a dazzling spread that you’ll want to pair with everything. Taking only minutes to prep, this slow-cooked delight marries crispy bacon with sweet onions and a hint of coffee, creating a versatile condiment that elevates any meal from breakfast to dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests at a gathering without spending all day in the kitchen! Are you ready to discover how to make this irresistible spread?

Why is Crock Pot Bacon Jam Irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Effortless Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade goodness without the fuss.
Versatile Spread: Use it on burgers, mix into dips, or slather it on toast—this jam enhances any dish!
Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Bring it to gatherings, and watch as guests rave about this unique flavor boost, often asking for the recipe!
Long-Lasting Enjoyment: Store it in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or freeze for easy access to gourmet flavor anytime.

Crock Pot Bacon Jam Ingredients

For the Bacon Jam
• Bacon – 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces; it’s best to use regular bacon for richness.
• Onions – 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and diced; sweet onions can add a milder touch.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, smashed and peeled; fresh garlic ensures the best aroma.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – ½ cup; this balances the sweetness perfectly with its acidity.
• Light Brown Sugar – ½ cup, packed; helps enhance caramelization for a delightful texture.
• Pure Maple Syrup – ¼ cup; provides a unique flavor dimension you won’t want to miss.
• Brewed Coffee – ¾ cup; enhances richness, and you can substitute with strong brewed tea for a twist.
• Red Pepper Flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional); adjust to taste for a hint of heat, or use cayenne for more spice.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crock Pot Bacon Jam

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook 1.5 pounds of bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the bacon is lightly browned and most of the fat is rendered, about 8–10 minutes. Ensure it is crispy but not burnt. Once done, drain the excess grease, reserving about 1 tablespoon to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and smashed garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and soften, which should take approximately 6 minutes. This step allows the onions to absorb the delicious bacon flavor, creating a savory base for your Crock Pot Bacon Jam.

Step 3: Create the Mixture
Stir in ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and ¾ cup of brewed coffee. Bring this mixture to a boil for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any flavorful bits. This helps to combine the sweet and savory elements perfectly.

Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Add the cooked bacon into the skillet, stirring until the bacon is well combined with the sauce. The mixture should have a thick consistency. Once combined, transfer everything into a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring an even spread across the bottom for optimal cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Jam
Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH, cooking uncovered for 3.5 to 4 hours. As it cooks, the mixture will bubble and thicken to a syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent burning and to help meld the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Blend for Texture
Once the cooking time is up, carefully pulse the Crock Pot Bacon Jam in a food processor until it reaches a coarse consistency, ensuring some chunks remain for texture. This blending will create a spreadable jam that perfectly balances the sweet and savory flavors you’ve created.

Step 7: Cool and Store
After blending, allow the bacon jam to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months, making it a convenient gourmet addition to your meals anytime!

Expert Tips for Crock Pot Bacon Jam

• Crispy Bacon Perfection: Ensure the bacon is cooked until just crispy to enhance the overall texture of your jam.

• Flavorful Grease: Reserve any extra bacon grease; it can be used in other dishes for an extra layer of flavor.

• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the slow cooker as it nears the end of the cooking time to avoid burning.

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before blending and adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or brown sugar if desired.

• Storage Strategy: Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for easy portioning, making it convenient to sprinkle gourmet flavor into meals later.

Make Ahead Options

These Crock Pot Bacon Jam is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the entire mixture, from cooking the bacon to blending the jam, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the cooking steps, allow the mixture to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only helps to blend the flavors but keeps the jam just as delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it gently in the slow cooker for about 30 minutes on low or until warmed through. This way, you have a gourmet spread ready at a moment’s notice, adding a flavor boost to any meal!

What to Serve with Crock Pot Bacon Jam

Elevate your meals by pairing this luscious, sweet, and savory spread with delightful accompaniments for a truly unforgettable experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery texture of mashed potatoes beautifully complements the jam’s smoky sweetness, creating a comforting bite that warms the soul.
Toasted Crostini: Serve on crispy crostini for a perfect appetizer. The crunch of the bread pairs wonderfully with the sticky jam, enhancing each flavor note.
Savory Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar and creamy brie; the jam’s sweetness cuts through the richness, making each bite simply irresistible.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Spread a layer inside your grilled cheese for a gourmet twist. The melty cheese combined with the jam’s depth adds an exciting flavor profile.
Fresh Arugula Salad: A light salad balances the jam’s rich flavors. The peppery notes of arugula with a simple lemon vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast.
Gourmet Burgers: Elevate your burgers by spreading this bacon jam on top. Its rich flavor adds that extra zing that transforms a classic into something extraordinary.
Charcuterie Board: This spread is a stunning addition to any charcuterie board, pairing beautifully with meats and pickles, inviting guests to explore diverse flavors.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness harmonizes with the bacon jam, creating a delightful contrast that keeps satisfying your taste buds.
Sparkling Wine: Celebrate with a glass of sparkling wine, which cuts through the richness of the jam while enhancing the savory sweetness of each bite.

Storage Tips for Crock Pot Bacon Jam

Fridge: Store the cooled bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bacon jam in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Once solid, transfer cubes to a zip-top bag for easy portioning later.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat or microwave for a quick burst of flavor. Enjoy the rich taste of your Crock Pot Bacon Jam any time!

Room Temperature: Let the bacon jam sit out for no more than 2 hours when serving, as it contains perishable ingredients and should not be left unrefrigerated for safety.

Variations on Crock Pot Bacon Jam

Feel free to get creative with this delicious Crock Pot Bacon Jam and tailor it to your taste preferences!

Turkey Bacon: Swap out traditional bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner alternative, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously sweet and savory!
Vegan Version: Use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon to create a plant-based take that still captures smoky flavors.
Combine with the same mix of onions and seasonings, and you’ll have a vegan delight!
Sweet Onion Twist: Try using sweet Vidalia onions instead of yellow for an extra layer of sweetness.
This adds a delightful flavor dimension that complements the savory notes beautifully.
Apple Cider Swap: Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic for an unmistakable tangy depth.
The sweet, complex flavor profile will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or a teaspoon of chipotle powder to elevate the heat level for those who enjoy a fiery kick.
This twist will transform your bacon jam into a spicy, bold condiment that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
Maple Infusion: Increase the amount of pure maple syrup for a sweeter spread, or use flavored syrups like pecan.
This will make your jam a sweet, unique addition to any breakfast item.
Coffee Alternatives: Opt for brewed espresso instead of regular coffee for a more intense flavor.
This swap enhances richness, creating an aromatic experience that’s hard to resist.
Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking for added earthy notes.
Your bacon jam will take on a gourmet twist that pairs well with cheeses on a charcuterie board.

If you’re looking for even more delicious options, try pairing it with a Honey BBQ Bacon dish or use it to enhance a Chipotle Ranch Grilled chicken burrito for a full-flavored meal experience!

Crock Pot Bacon Jam Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best bacon for bacon jam?
Absolutely! Opt for regular bacon over thick-cut for a better texture and flavor integration. If you love a spicy kick, pepper bacon can be a delightful alternative.

What’s the best way to store leftover bacon jam?
For storage, place the cooled bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze it: pour the jam into ice cube trays to create convenient portions, then transfer the cubes into a zip-top bag for up to 6 months of storage.

Can I freeze bacon jam, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze it! After cooking, let the bacon jam cool completely. Then, fill ice cube trays with the jam and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a portion whenever you need a quick flavor booster!

What if my bacon jam is too sweet?
Not a problem! If you find the sweetness isn’t to your liking, simply stir in a bit more apple cider vinegar or brewed coffee after cooking. This will help balance the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust until it matches your personal preference.

Is bacon jam safe for pets?
It’s best to keep bacon jam away from pets, particularly dogs, due to the high salt content and the presence of onions, which can be toxic to them. Always prioritize pet safety and avoid sharing any bacon jam.

How long can bacon jam sit out at room temperature?
When serving, you should only let the bacon jam sit out for a maximum of 2 hours to ensure food safety. After that, it needs to be either refrigerated or discarded.