This recipe for sweet and savory bacon jam can be used as a condiment on a charcuterie board or for many other things. So easy to make and completely irresistible!.
Have you been introduced to the amazing world of Bacon Jam? Well, let me do the honors.
Once you meet, you’ll never be the same. This stuff is out-of-this-world delicious. The kind of delicious you wake up thinking about the next day. The kind of delicious where all of your guests ask for the recipe.
You can find Bacon Jam at some grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, but making it yourself is SO much better.
Bacon jam has become an extremely popular condiment in recent years. This sweet, savory and smoky spread adds a delicious twist to sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards and more. But like any perishable food, it’s important to store bacon jam properly to keep it safe to eat. So how long is bacon jam good for?
The shelf life of bacon jam depends largely on how it is stored. Follow these bacon jam storage tips to enjoy this versatile condiment for as long as possible.
What is Bacon Jam?
For those unfamiliar, bacon jam is a spread made by cooking down bacon, onions, brown sugar or maple syrup, spices and other ingredients into a chunky, jam-like condiment The end result is a balance of sweet, salty, smoky and umami flavors that pairs well with both savory and sweet foods.
Some of the most common ingredients in bacon jam recipes include:
- Chopped or diced bacon
- Onions
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Fresh thyme
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Coffee or bourbon (optional)
The bacon is cooked first to render the fat and get crispy. Then the onions are cooked down in the bacon fat until caramelized. Finally, the remaining ingredients are added and cooked together until thickened. The bacon jam can be enjoyed right away or canned or refrigerated for longer storage.
How to Store Bacon Jam
Since bacon jam contains fresh ingredients like onions rather than being heavily processed, it requires refrigeration for food safety. Here are some guidelines for storing bacon jam:
Refrigeration
Refrigerating an opened jar of bacon jam is the best method for short term storage. Place the jar towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is coldest.
Refrigerated bacon jam will keep for 2-3 weeks Be sure to refrigerate any bacon jam that will not be consumed within 2 days.
To help your bacon jam last as long as possible in the fridge, follow these tips:
- Store in an airtight container like a mason jar. Any exposure to air can cause it to go bad quicker.
- Make sure the bacon jam is completely cooled before refrigerating. Storing warm jam reduces its shelf life.
- Use clean utensils each time you take jam out of the container to prevent contamination.
- Check for signs of spoilage like mold, off smells or textures before consuming refrigerated jam past 2 weeks.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option for storing bacon jam for longer periods. Frozen properly, bacon jam can last 6-12 months in the freezer.
To freeze bacon jam:
- Allow jam to cool completely first.
- Spoon into freezer-safe containers like jars or freezer bags. Leave 1 inch headspace if using jars.
- Seal containers tightly. Label with name and freeze-by date.
- Freeze jam for up to 6 months for best quality and up to 12 months for safety.
- Thaw jam overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing prevents the growth of bacteria and mold that shortens bacon jam’s shelf life at fridge temperatures. The jam may lose some texture after long term freezing but will still be safe to eat within a year.
Canning Bacon Jam
Unlike fruit jams and jellies containing enough sugar or acidity bacon jam is not safe for water bath canning. The combination of low-acid ingredients like onions and bacon makes it prone to botulism growth when canned improperly.
However, some people do can bacon jam using a pressure canner to reach higher temperatures that kill C. botulinum spores. If attempting to pressure can bacon jam, only use tested recipes formulated for canning and follow all processing instructions carefully. Improperly pressure canned bacon jam can still harbor botulism bacteria.
For pressure canning bacon jam, the jam should be processed for 30-45 minutes depending on your altitude. This extends the shelf life to 1-2 years or longer when stored in a cool, dark place.
However, due to food safety concerns, the USDA and NCHFP do not currently provide guidelines for canning bacon jam. So proceed with caution and refrigerate any jars that you suspect did not seal properly or reach high enough temperatures.
How to Tell if Bacon Jam is Bad
Bacon jam can deteriorate in quality and safety over time, especially if not stored properly. Here are some signs that bacon jam has gone bad:
- Mold growth – Any fuzzy growth or discoloration means bacon jam should be discarded.
- Off odors – Bad bacon jam may smell sour, rotten or unusually unpleasant.
- Textural changes – Separated liquid, extreme thickening or mushy consistency indicates spoilage.
- Expired date – Bacon jam stored beyond recommended time frames in fridge or freezer should not be consumed.
- Improperly sealed jars – If vacuum sealed container lids are loose or bulging, do not eat that bacon jam.
Trust your senses. If bacon jam exhibits odd colors, textures or smells, it is best to play it safe and avoid eating it.
Tips for Making Bacon Jam Last
Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of your homemade or store-bought bacon jam:
- Use clean utensils and hands when handling jam. Double dipping introduces bacteria.
- Store jam in smaller containers so there is less surface area exposed to air each time you open it.
- Refrigerate jam immediately after opening. Do not leave it out at room temperature.
- Freeze any portion of jam you will not finish within 2-3 weeks.
- Check seals on canned bacon jam to ensure lids are concave and secure.
- Keep cooked bacon jam in a 200°F oven until ready to immediately jar and refrigerate if not canning. The heat prevents bacterial growth.
Enjoying Bacon Jam Safely
Bacon jam is a fun flavor to play with in the kitchen. Follow these guidelines for safely enjoying this porky spread:
- Refrigerate after opening. Do not store bacon jam on the counter like a fruit jam.
- Look for any signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Discard bacon jam that is past its prime. Do not try to salvage bad smelling or moldy jam.
- Thaw frozen bacon jam properly by moving to the refrigerator, not the microwave.
- Use clean utensils and wash hands before handling to prevent contamination.
- Can with caution. Only use trusted pressure canning methods for bacon jam.
- When reheating, heat thoroughly until steaming to 165°F.
Bacon jam is shelf stable for shorter time frames than traditional jams. But you can keep it for weeks in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer by following proper storage techniques. Always inspect bacon jam for freshness before serving and enjoy its unique flavors within its recommended shelf life.
Follow these bacon jam storage guidelines and tips for identifying spoiled jam. Paying attention to food safety recommendations will allow you to keep this tasty spread on hand for all your meal ideas without worry. So slather it on biscuits, stir it into dips, and spread it between buns to take advantage of bacon jam’s versatility during its prime.
How to Make Bacon Jam
- Add the bacon to a large sauté pan or Dutch oven after cutting it into ½-inch pieces. While stirring, cook the bacon until it’s just crisp enough. The fact that there will still be a few soft pieces is fine.
- Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease and place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain. Put the pan back on the stove and add the diced sweet yellow onion. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are very soft but not browned. If they are browning too quickly, turn down the heat under the pan a bit.
- Turn down the heat, add the garlic and brown sugar, and cook for another 15 minutes to make the onions caramelized.
- Add the bacon you saved, some water, coffee, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Turn up the heat and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring every now and then. As the water evaporates, add more in small amounts as needed to make a jam-like consistency.
- Take the pan off the heat and add the balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients for Bacon Jam
Big, flavorful ingredients create this incredible condiment.
- Thick-sliced bacon
- Sweet yellow onions
- Brown sugar
- Strong coffee (a good French Roast or another strong brew will do)
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
