GOAT Bacon Jam Recipe

GOAT Bacon Jam

Sweet. Smoky. Savory. Addictive.

Sweet, smoky, and unapologetically bold, GOAT Bacon Jam turns almost anything from good to legendary.

Thick-cut bacon is slowly rendered until crisp, then combined with sweet caramelized onions, fresh garlic, brown sugar, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh cracked black pepper, and a touch of heat.

The result is glossy, savory, slightly sweet, and loaded with real bacon flavor. Spoon it onto burgers, steaks, grilled cheese, eggs, tacos, flatbreads, roasted vegetables, or anything else that needs a serious flavor upgrade.

Yield: About 1 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 fresh red chile, finely minced, optional
• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, only if needed

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Clean glass jar or airtight container
• Food processor, optional

Instructions

1. Place the diced bacon in a cold, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven.
2. Set the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate. Leave approximately 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pan.
4. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onion is soft, golden, and deeply caramelized.
5. Add the fresh garlic and minced red chile, if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
6. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh cracked black pepper.
7. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir until completely combined.
8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick, glossy, sticky, and jam-like.
9. If the bacon jam becomes too dry before it is properly reduced, add 1 tablespoon of water and continue cooking.
10. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the bacon jam to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. It will thicken further as it cools.
11. For a finer texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor. Do not puree it completely; the finished jam should retain visible bacon and onion texture.
12. Transfer the bacon jam to a clean glass jar or airtight container.

Chef Tips

• Start the bacon in a cold pan so the fat renders slowly and evenly.
• Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and strongest bacon flavor.
• Do not rush the onions. Proper caramelization creates the foundation of the jam.
• Cook the garlic briefly to preserve its sweetness and prevent bitterness.
• The finished bacon jam should be glossy and spoonable—not watery and not dry.
• For maximum flavor, refrigerate the finished jam overnight before serving.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

GOAT Bacon Jam may be prepared several days ahead. Refrigerate it in a clean, airtight container and use within one week.

Because the recipe contains cooked bacon and rendered fat, it must remain refrigerated. Do not store it at room temperature.

To serve, warm the bacon jam gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave it in short intervals until soft and spoonable.

For longer storage, freeze the bacon jam in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Related Recipes

• The GOAT Burger
• The GOAT Steak Sandwich
• The GOAT Cheese Steak Sandwich
• GOAT Sweet Pepper Jam
• GOAT Pickled Bermuda Onions
• GOAT Roasted Garlic Butter

Nutrition disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided only as an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, portion sizes, preparation methods, and substitutions. THE GOAT CHEF™ does not guarantee the accuracy of nutritional calculations.