Sweet-Tangy Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe: Irresistible Spread!

A cranberry bacon jam that’ll make your taste buds dance with unexpected delight.

Sweet meets savory in a culinary adventure that defies traditional condiment boundaries.

Crispy bacon mingles with tart cranberries, creating a spread that’s both bold and irresistible.

Slathering this magical concoction on warm toast or pairing it with a sharp cheese.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the complex flavor profile.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.

Grab a skillet and prepare to revolutionize your breakfast or appetizer game with this incredible jam.

Best Pairings With Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Pair with Creamy Goat Cheese: Spread the cranberry bacon jam on a crisp crostini topped with tangy goat cheese for a flavor explosion that balances sweet, savory, and creamy notes.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough Toast: Slather the jam generously on warm, crusty sourdough bread to enhance its rich, smoky undertones and create a perfect breakfast or appetizer.
• Complement with Aged Bourbon: Sip a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon that highlights the jam's complex sweetness and smoky bacon elements, creating a luxurious taste experience.
• Serve alongside Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Use the jam as a delectable glaze or condiment for roasted pork, letting its bright cranberry and bacon flavors elevate the meat's natural richness.

Tasty Twists On Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Sweet and Spicy Fusion: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a warm, fiery kick that complements the smoky bacon and tart cranberries.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme to create an aromatic version with earthy undertones that elevate the jam's complexity.
• Bourbon-Infused Indulgence: Splash a tablespoon of bourbon during the simmering process to introduce deep, rich notes that enhance the bacon's smokiness and cranberries' tartness.
• Citrus Zinger: Grate orange or lemon zest into the mixture to brighten the jam with a fresh, tangy dimension that cuts through the richness of the bacon.

Your Cranberry Bacon Jam Questions Answered

• What makes this cranberry bacon jam unique?

This jam combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with the savory richness of crispy bacon, creating a complex and unexpected taste that’s both sweet and salty.

• Is this jam spicy or sweet?

It’s a balanced blend of flavors – slightly sweet from the maple syrup and brown sugar, with a hint of warmth from smoked paprika and a tangy undertone from apple cider vinegar.

• How can I use this cranberry bacon jam?

It’s incredibly versatile – spread it on toast, use as a glaze for meats, top burgers, mix into grilled cheese, or serve as a unique condiment for charcuterie boards.

• Can I make this jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! This jam can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to develop and become even more delicious over a few days.

Why Cranberry Bacon Jam Is Sweet, Savory, And Addictive

• Savor Sweet-Savory Harmony: Experience an incredible flavor explosion where crispy bacon meets tangy cranberries, creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Culinary Magic: Whip up this gourmet spread in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, transforming ordinary cooking into an impressive homemade delicacy that looks professionally crafted.
• Enjoy Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread this jam on toast, pair with cheese boards, glaze meats, or use as a unique condiment that elevates everything from breakfast to dinner with minimal effort.
• Embrace Textural Wonderland: Delight in the jam's rustic texture featuring crispy bacon bits, burst cranberries, and silky smooth undertones that provide a complex mouthfeel in every single bite.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, rich foundation with crispy texture and deep flavor; choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a sweet and pungent base that deepens the overall taste profile; fresh ingredients ensure maximum flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Create a balanced sweetness that complements the savory bacon; use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness; raw or organic varieties work best.

• Smoked Paprika: Contributes additional smoky depth and complexity to the jam.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, subtle background notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cranberries: Bring tartness and vibrant color to the jam; fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well.

Steps To Make Cranberry Bacon Jam At Home

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Toss diced bacon into the pan and cook until it transforms into crispy, golden-brown perfection. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about two tablespoons of the delicious bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook onions until they become tender and translucent, around 5 minutes. Add garlic and let it dance around for another minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Unleash the Cranberry Magic

• Fresh cranberries
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cinnamon

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as the cranberries burst and the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy concoction, which takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Reunite the Bacon

Bring the crispy bacon back to the party by stirring it into the cranberry mixture. Lower the heat and let everything mingle and develop deep flavors for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Customize the Texture

For those who love a smoother spread, grab a food processor or immersion blender. Pulse the mixture a few times, but keep some chunks for a rustic feel. Skip this step if you prefer a chunkier jam.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the jam cool slightly before transferring to a jar. Serve warm or at room temperature. This versatile spread works wonderfully on toast, crackers, or as a glaze for meats.

Tips To Perfect Your Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Bacon Crispiness Check: Cook bacon until golden brown and crisp for maximum flavor and perfect texture in the jam.
• Cranberry Burst Technique: Gently press some cranberries while cooking to help release natural pectin and create a thicker consistency.
• Flavor Depth Trick: Use smoked paprika to enhance the smoky undertones from the bacon and add complexity to the jam.
• Storage Savvy Tip: Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Spread on grilled meats, use as a condiment for sandwiches, or serve alongside cheese boards for a gourmet touch.

How To Store Cranberry Bacon Jam The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled cranberry bacon jam to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Portion jam into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving a small space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
• Restore Texture: If jam becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar to help restore its original consistency and make it more spreadable.

Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry bacon jam blends sweet and savory flavors into a luxurious spread that elevates any dish. Rich caramelized notes and tangy fruit create a sophisticated condiment perfect for charcuterie boards or gourmet sandwiches you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) bacon, diced
• 1 cup (100 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious cast-iron skillet over moderate heat, transforming the diced pieces until golden and crisp. Transfer the browned bits onto a paper towel-lined surface, preserving approximately two tablespoons of rendered fat within the skillet.
2. Gently sauté the diced onions in the residual bacon drippings, coaxing them to a translucent and soft state. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for a brief moment.
3. Incorporate vibrant cranberries alongside brown sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, rich maple syrup, smoky paprika, and warm cinnamon into the skillet. Orchestrate the ingredients over medium heat, encouraging the cranberries to burst and the liquid to gradually thicken into a luxurious consistency.
4. Reunite the crispy bacon fragments with the cranberry concoction, stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Reduce the heat, allowing the jam to simmer and develop a complex flavor profile.
5. For those desiring a more refined texture, utilize a food processor or immersion blender to gently pulse the mixture, maintaining a rustic, chunky character.
6. Allow the jam to cool and settle, then transfer to a clean glass vessel. Serve at room temperature as a versatile condiment that bridges sweet and savory elements.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring a robust base for your cranberry jam.
• Spice Customization: Adjust smoked paprika and cinnamon levels to match your taste preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for lighter, vegetarian-friendly versions without compromising the jam’s essence.
• Storage and Preservation: Refrigerate the jam in an airtight container for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 194
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 605 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg