Introduction

Bourbon bacon jam is a rich and savory spread that combines crispy bacon with sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your appetizers, sandwiches, or cheese boards, this jam is sure to impress your guests.

The image shows several small toasted bread slices arranged on a round wooden tray. Each toast has three layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown toasted bread slice with a crunchy texture, the middle layer consists of thick, creamy white cheese slices, and the top layer is a shiny, chunky dark brown onion chutney spread with visible bits of caramelized onion. Small green thyme leaves garnish some of the toasts, adding a fresh touch. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with some thyme sprigs scattered around and pieces of cheese placed on a wooden board in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Applewood Smoked Bacon (or bacon of choice)
1 Small Onion (finely diced)
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Sherry Vinegar
1/4 cup Bourbon
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 cup Water
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme (roughly chopped)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (plus more for brushing on crostini)
1 Large Baguette
6-8 oz Creamy Brie Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven-proof wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips in a single even layer on the rack and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Step 2: Remove bacon from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. The bacon will become even crispier as it cools and shrink in size.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine sherry vinegar, bourbon, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and water. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour the prepared vinegar and bourbon mixture into the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes until the mixture thickens and reduces slightly.
Step 6: Chop the cooled bacon into ½ to 1-inch pieces. Stir the bacon and fresh thyme into the simmering mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. The jam will thicken as it chills.
Step 8: For the crostini, preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack about 8 inches from the heat source. Slice the baguette into ½ inch slices and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Step 9: Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Watch closely to avoid burning and remove immediately once golden.
Step 10: While the crostini are still warm, top each slice with a piece of creamy Brie cheese, then add a tablespoon of bourbon bacon jam. Serve at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use a smoky or applewood bacon for a deeper, richer flavor in the jam.
Try substituting bourbon with whiskey or rum for a different twist.
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat in your jam.
The jam is delicious not only on crostini but also as a burger topping or mixed into scrambled eggs.

Storage

Store the bourbon bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or serve cold at room temperature. The jam will thicken when chilled, so allow it to soften slightly before spreading.

How to Serve

The image shows four toast slices arranged on a round wooden serving tray, each slice topped with a layer of white creamy cheese and a generous scoop of glossy, dark brown caramelized onion jam with visible soft onion pieces. Small sprigs of green thyme rest on top of the jam for garnish. The toasted bread is golden brown and crisp, and the tray sits on a white marbled surface with some green thyme scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make bourbon bacon jam without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple cider vinegar or additional maple syrup for sweetness. The flavor will be less complex but still tasty.

How long does bacon jam last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, bacon jam will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best flavor and safety, consume it within this timeframe.