Irresistible Bacon Jam Recipe: Chef John's Secret

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds bacon, chopped
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 4 large yellow onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup sherry vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, stirring until crispy and the rendered fat begins to foam, about 10 minutes. Strain the bacon and fat into a bowl. Once cooled, finely chop the bacon.
2. Return the pot to medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of reserved bacon fat and butter to the pot. Sauté the onions with salt until softened and translucent, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Stir in brown sugar, sherry vinegar, 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves, black pepper, and cayenne. Add the chopped bacon. Pour in water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the jam achieves a rich brick-brown color and thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme until the jam is shiny and warmed through.
5. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Nutrition

• Calories: 154 kcal
• Fat Content: 9 g
• Fiber Content: 1 g
• Sugar Content: 7 g
• Sodium Content: 634 mg
• Protein Content: 8 g
• Cholesterol Content: 22 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 10 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g