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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For those desiring a more refined texture, utilize a food processor or immersion blender to gently pulse the mixture, maintaining a rustic, chunky character.
- 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