Jazz Up Your Breakfast or Appetizer Spread with Our Pepper Bacon Jam Recipe!
Looking for a unique twist on your breakfast or appetizer spread? Try the Pepper Bacon Jam Recipe! This savory and sweet spread is versatile and easy to make, with a surprise ingredient that will have you coming back for more. What could it be? You’ll have to try it to find out!
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The History Behind Pepper Bacon Jam
Sometimes a recipe comes along that perfectly captures the essence of a time and place. In the case of Pepper Bacon Jam, that place is America and the time is now. This mouth-watering condiment has quickly become a favorite in households across the country, and it’s not hard to see why.
But where did this delicious concoction come from? Many food historians believe that bacon jam has its roots in Europe, where it was often made with cured bacon and sometimes referred to as “bacon marmalade.” Over time, bacon jam made its way across the Atlantic and became a staple in American kitchens.
While the traditional recipe for bacon jam involves slow-cooking onions and garlic with bacon and seasonings, this variation kicks things up a notch with the addition of sweet red bell peppers and a spicy kick from cayenne pepper. The result is a bold and complex flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Whether you’re serving it up on toast for breakfast, spreading it on a sandwich for lunch, or pairing it with cheese and crackers for a snack, Pepper Bacon Jam is the perfect addition to just about any meal. So why not whip up a batch today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Pepper Bacon Jam
Cut the Vegetables in Similar Size
Cutting the vegetables in similar size ensures that they cook evenly. Dice the red bell peppers and red onion into small pieces, about a 1/4 inch in size. This will also help the jam to cook faster and create a smooth texture.
Use Good Quality Bacon
The flavor of the bacon is a significant component of this recipe. Use good quality bacon for the best taste. Alternatively, you can use pancetta or prosciutto as a substitute.
Stir Often
Stir the mixture frequently during the cooking process to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. The sugar can make the mixture sticky and cause it to burn quickly.
Seasoning Is Key
The combination of flavors in this recipe must be balanced correctly to ensure the best Pepper Bacon Jam. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste
This recipe uses a small amount of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. If you prefer a spicier bacon jam, you can increase the cayenne pepper quantity as per your preference.
Store Properly
Store the leftover jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. The jam can last for up to 2 weeks when stored properly. You can also freeze the jam for up to 3-4 months.
How Many Calories are in Pepper Bacon Jam?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 15g
- Added Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 2g
What Drinks Pair Best with Pepper Bacon Jam?
Wine pairing: A full-bodied Syrah or Zinfandel wine would pair well with the sweet and smoky flavors of the Pepper Bacon Jam Recipe.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Dubbel with its rich and malty flavors will pair well with the savory and sweet notes of the Pepper Bacon Jam. The caramel, toffee and dark fruit flavors of the beer complement the umami in bacon and sweetness of brown sugar. Moreover, the spicy and smoky notes in the beer are a good match with the cayenne and smoked paprika in the jam.
Cocktail pairing: Cocktail Pairing: A bold and smoky whiskey cocktail, such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, would pair well with the savory and sweet flavors of the pepper bacon jam.
How to Make Pepper Bacon Jam
Ingredients
- 6 Slices of Bacon
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Red Bell Peppers, diced
- 1/2 Red Onion, diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy in a skillet. Remove and chop into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add diced red bell peppers and diced red onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add reserved bacon to the skillet along with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and is thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature on toast or as a condiment for meat, cheese board or crackers.
- Store any extra jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
