Gentleman’s Whiskey Bacon Jam

Name: Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3 cups.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds thick-sliced bacon strips, finely chopped; 8 shallots, finely chopped; 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup whiskey; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; Assorted crackers

You can slather this smoky bacon jam on pretty much anything. It lasts only a week in the fridge, so I freeze small amounts for a quick snack with crackers. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds thick-sliced bacon strips, finely chopped
8 shallots, finely chopped
1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup whiskey
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Add shallots and onion to the drippings; cook over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add seasonings. Remove from heat; stir in whiskey and maple syrup. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add vinegar and brown sugar; cook another 3 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.
Add crumbled bacon; reduce heat to low, and cook 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Allow jam to cool slightly. Pulse half of the jam in a food processor until smooth; stir puree into remaining jam. Serve with assorted crackers.

Test Kitchen Tips

Make prep easier by freezing the bacon (it helps to cut it into chunks first) and then pulsing it in the food processor until finely chopped.

Step up your grilled cheese game! Add smoky and sweet notes with a few tablespoons of this jam.

Not sure which brand of bacon to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 112 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam in Taste of Home November 2016

Reviews

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Average Rating:

LindaS_WI

Apr 11, 2018

Definitely a winner in my house. I made a batch of it for a party and served it as an appetizer with some crackers and slices of brie cheese. I took the leftovers and put them on a grilled chicken sandwich for dinner a few nights later. I froze the rest and will try it in a few weeks. Very delicious.
mtgrl4evr

Nov 5, 2017

How is this stored and how long does it keep?
ejshellabarger

Jan 12, 2017

I was intrigued by this dish and thought it was OK. Most people reacted with a "wow, this is different" but didn't go back for more. I served it over a block of soften cream cheese with crackers. Probably won't make it again but it was fun to try.