Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cranberry bacon jam! It’s this magical blend of sweet and savory that just dances on your taste buds. I first whipped it up for a holiday gathering, and it was gone in a flash! Imagine that tangy burst of fresh cranberries paired with the smoky richness of crispy bacon—pure bliss! It’s not just a spread; it’s a game-changer for sandwiches, cheese boards, or even just slathered on toast. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it at every meal. It’s that versatile and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bacon Jam
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Make sure they’re bright and plump; they’re the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup diced bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: This adds that lovely sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: A sweet onion works best here to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This brings a tangy kick that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint to add a touch of warmth and depth to the jam.
How to Prepare Cranberry Bacon Jam
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful cranberry bacon jam! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering spread that’ll impress everyone!
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First things first: grab your skillet and toss in the diced bacon. Cook it over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s crispy and golden brown. The smell will be incredible, and trust me, you’ll want to taste a piece (or two!). Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Now, in the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat (don’t waste that flavor!), add the chopped onion. Cook it on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes soft and translucent. You want them to be sweet and fragrant—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Here comes the fun part! Stir in the fresh cranberries, packed brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Mix everything together really well—this ensures all those glorious flavors meld together. You’ll see the cranberries start to pop; it’s a beautiful sight!
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Keep the heat on medium and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to keep stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the jam thickens. The consistency should be jam-like, and it’ll smell divine! Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Season and Cool
Finally, sprinkle in the black pepper and give it a good stir. This adds that lovely touch of warmth. Remove the skillet from heat and let the jam cool for a bit before transferring it to a jar or container. Letting it cool helps set the flavors, making it even more delicious when you use it later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: You won’t need any fancy techniques or equipment—just a skillet and a few ingredients!
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet tartness of cranberries paired with the savory crunch of bacon makes this jam a standout.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Serve it at your next party, and watch it disappear—everyone will be raving about it!
- Versatile Use: It’s not just for toast! Use it as a topping for cheese boards, sandwiches, or even as a glaze for meats.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can whip up a batch ahead of time, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks!
- Gluten-Free: This jam is perfect for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions—so no one misses out!
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Bacon: The better the bacon, the better the flavor! I always go for thick-cut bacon because it gives a nice texture and a deeper taste.
- Keep an Eye on the Heat: Cooking over medium heat is key. Too high, and you risk burning the bacon or onions; too low, and the cranberries won’t burst properly.
- Fresh Cranberries Only: Make sure to use fresh cranberries for this jam. Frozen ones can work, but they might alter the texture and flavor a bit.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter jam, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar. Just taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Want to change things up? Try adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon for a twist. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch!
- Let It Chill: Allowing the jam to cool completely before storing helps the flavors develop further. Plus, it thickens up even more as it cools!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your cranberry bacon jam is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a mason jar. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just that good! Just make sure to seal it tightly to maintain its fresh flavor.
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), you can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. There’s no need to reheat it; it’s delightful served cold or at room temperature, making it super versatile for any meal or snack!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this cranberry bacon jam! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general numbers to give you an idea, they’re not set in stone. For the most accurate information, I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients. It’s all about enjoying this delicious spread while being mindful of what goes into it! So, dig in and savor every bite without worry!
FAQ About Cranberry Bacon Jam
What can I serve cranberry bacon jam with?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! This cranberry bacon jam is fantastic on toasted bread or crackers, but you can also use it in sandwiches, on burgers, or as a topping for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with cheese, making it a must-have on any charcuterie board!
How long does it last?
This jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. I bet it won’t last that long, but just in case, you’ll know it’s safe to enjoy for a while!
Can I freeze it?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze cranberry bacon jam for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to heat it up—it’s delicious cold or at room temperature!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
Of course! If you like your jam a bit sweeter, feel free to add more brown sugar while cooking. Just taste as you go, and you’ll find the perfect balance for your palate.
What makes this jam so special?
It’s the magical combination of tart cranberries and crispy bacon that really sets this jam apart! The sweetness from the brown sugar and the tang from the apple cider vinegar create a flavor explosion that’s both unique and incredibly delicious!
Learn more about different types of jams and their uses!
Print
Cranberry Bacon Jam: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Make It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and savory spread made with cranberries and bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy.
- Add onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in cranberries, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
- Season with black pepper and let cool.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Great as a topping for toast or crackers.
- Can be used in sandwiches for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry bacon jam
