Bacon Tomato Jam is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of brown sugar, it’s a tasty spread for burgers, sandwiches, and more.
This bacon tomato jam is packed with rich, savory flavors that make any meal better. I love using ripe Roma tomatoes for their deep taste, along with crispy bacon, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
The jam simmers into a thick, flavorful spread that’s perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or even breakfast eggs. It’s easy to make and keeps well in the fridge for weeks!
Why You’ll Love Our Bacon Tomato Jam
- Versatile: Spread it on toast with cream cheese, mix it into sandwiches, or top off a juicy burger. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to anything!
- Great for Cooking: Stir it into ground beef, glaze chicken, or even mix it into roasted veggies for a rich, smoky-sweet taste that stands out.
- Keeps Well: Make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge for quick, flavorful additions to your favorite dishes all week long!
How to Make Perfect Bacon Tomato Jam
Cook the Bacon – Heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until crispy and the fat has rendered.
Sauté the Onion – Stir in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent. This step builds a rich, savory base for the jam.
Add the Remaining Ingredients – Mix in the diced tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer Until Thickened – Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam should thicken to a spreadable consistency. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Blend – For a smoother texture, pulse the jam in a food processor or blender a few seconds at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Cool and Store – Let the jam cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean glass jar. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Ripe Roma tomatoes bring a deep, rich flavor to the jam. If fresh ones aren’t available, cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes can work too.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds the best texture and smoky flavor. Turkey bacon is a lighter option, but it won’t have the same depth of taste.
- Onion: Yellow onions provide a nice balance of sweetness and sharpness. Sweet onions like Vidalia make the jam milder, while red onions add a bolder bite.
- Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the jam with sweetness. Maple syrup can be used instead for a slightly different, more caramel-like flavor.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy contrast. Balsamic vinegar can be a flavorful swap, but it will darken the jam and slightly change its taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bacon tomato jam with canned tomatoes?
Yes! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes work well. They provide a rich flavor and make the jam easier to prepare. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before using them.
How long does bacon tomato jam last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.
Can I freeze bacon tomato jam?
Yes! This jam can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using, and stir well before serving.
How do I safely can bacon tomato jam?
Because this jam contains bacon, it’s not safe for traditional water bath canning. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated or freeze it in portions.
What are the best ways to use this jam?
It’s a delicious spread for sandwiches, burgers, and toast. Try it on a cheese board, as a topping for grilled meats, or even stirred into pasta for extra flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Absolutely! Reduce the brown sugar for a less sweet jam or add more cayenne for extra heat. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Bacon Tomato Jam
Ingredients
- 1 can Sundried Tomatoes roughly 10 tomatoes rehydrated in hot water for 10 minutes
- 1 lb Bacon thick cut about 10 slices cut into pieces
- 2 Roma Tomatoes
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon starts to crisp up.
- Stir in the diced onion and sauté with the bacon until soft and translucent. Sprinkle in a bit of salt for added flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 20 minutes. Keep the heat low to allow the flavors to develop without burning.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the jam in a food processor or blender a few times until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Let the jam cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass jar. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.