Chipotle Brown Sugar Bacon Jam

Chipotle brown sugar bacon jam is smoky, sweet and a little spicy. Thick cut bacon and golden onions simmer with brown sugar, coffee and chipotle in adobo until the whole pot turns thick and syrupy. Spread it on burgers, grilled cheese or crackers. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and makes about 2 half pints.

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More bacon jams

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• Bourbon Maple Bacon Jam
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• All our jams and jellies

What goes into the pot

• 1 1/2 lb thick cut bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced, plus 1 tbsp of the sauce
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Two things to decide before you start

How hot you want it. Start with one chipotle if you like it mild and add the second after tasting. The heat builds as the jam simmers down, so it is easier to add than to take away.

How much fat stays in. Pour off all but 2 tbsp of the bacon fat before the onions go in. That amount cooks the onions and carries the smoke, and any more leaves the finished jam greasy.

How to make chipotle brown sugar bacon jam

• Cook the bacon in a large heavy pot over medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, until browned and the fat has rendered. Lift out the bacon and pour off all but 2 tbsp of the fat.
• Add the onions and cook over medium low heat for 15 minutes, until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic for 1 minute.
• Add the brown sugar, vinegar, coffee, chipotles, adobo, paprika and the bacon. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring now and then, until thick and syrupy.
• Cool 10 minutes, then pulse a few times in a food processor for a spreadable but chunky texture. A few short pulses are enough, because too many turn it into a paste.
• Spoon into clean jars and refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.

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For a peppery take with slow-cooked onions and a splash of coffee, try our black pepper bacon onion jam .

If you like the brown sugar side of this jam, our brown sugar pineapple jalapeno jelly brings the same warmth to a fruit pepper jelly for ham and crackers.

For a version with sweet smoked paprika and strong coffee, try this smoked paprika bacon onion jam .

Why the coffee and vinegar are there

Bacon and brown sugar are both rich, and the jam needs something to cut through them. The strong coffee adds a dark, slightly bitter edge, and the cider vinegar adds the sharpness that keeps each bite from tasting too sweet. Neither one tastes obvious in the finished jar. The chipotles and smoked paprika add a second layer of smoke on top of the bacon.

Keep it in the fridge or freezer

Bacon jam is not safe for water bath canning or pantry storage. Spoon it into clean jars and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The fat firms up when it is cold, so warm a spoonful gently before spreading.

What to put it on

A spoonful on a cheeseburger is the obvious start. It is also good inside grilled cheese, on crackers with a soft cheese, or next to eggs at breakfast. A small jar makes a good gift for anyone who will eat it soon, as long as it stays cold.

If you like this jar, our bourbon maple bacon jam goes sweeter and the bacon balsamic onion jam leans on the onions. The spiced tomato jam is another good burger spread, and for a party plate, set this out next to our bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese .

Chipotle bacon jam questions

Can I can bacon jam?

No. Bacon jam is not safe for water bath canning or pantry storage. Keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I use regular bacon?

Yes, but thick cut holds its shape and stays meatier through the long simmer, which is why the recipe calls for it.

Does it taste like coffee?

Not in an obvious way. The 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee adds depth to the brown sugar and bacon.

How do I make it milder?

Start with one chipotle, then taste and decide whether to add the second.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us