Tomato and Bacon Jam Recipe

Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that is the heart of this jam.

Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down.

Garlic: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Tomatoes: Provide the fresh, juicy base that turns into the jam.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the jam thicken.

Apple cider vinegar: Gives a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the jam.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of heat and spice.

One of the most important steps in this Tomato and Bacon Jam recipe is cooking the diced bacon until it’s crispy. Getting that right really makes the jam taste amazing because crispy bacon adds a great texture and a deep, smoky flavor. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Start with a cold skillet and add your diced bacon. This helps the fat render slowly, so the bacon cooks evenly.
2. Turn the heat to medium and let the bacon cook without stirring too much at first. This way, it can get nice and crispy on one side.
3. After a few minutes, stir or flip the pieces so they cook on all sides.
4. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. When the bacon looks golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to take it out and put it on a paper towel to drain the extra fat.
5. Don’t throw away the fat left in the skillet! That’s where the magic happens next because it adds tons of flavor when you cook the onion and garlic.

Cooking bacon this way makes the jam richer and tastier because the crispy bits give you a nice crunch, and the fat helps soften the other ingredients while adding a smoky taste.

I remember the first time I made this, I got impatient and turned the heat too high. The bacon burned on the outside but was still chewy inside—not fun! Now, I always keep the heat medium and wait patiently. Also, saving the rendered fat is a little trick I love because it makes the whole jam taste like it’s been cooking for hours. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

• diced bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a smoky flavor.

• diced bacon - Substitute with mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, mushrooms offer a meaty texture and umami flavor.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• diced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh aroma of minced garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with a hint of sweetness.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient and often have a richer flavor due to being picked at peak ripeness.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor, adding depth to the jam.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a unique flavor profile.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different kind of sweetness and can enhance the overall flavor.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a sweeter and more complex flavor.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami depth.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different mineral flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness.

• Allow the tomato and bacon jam to cool completely before storing. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which could affect the jam's texture and flavor.

• Transfer the cooled jam into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal, as they help preserve the freshness and flavor.

• Store the jam in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, maintaining its rich, savory taste.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the jam. Portion it into smaller, freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.

• Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the jam has been stored and ensures you use the oldest batches first.

• When ready to use, thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the jam's texture and flavor.

• If you prefer a quicker thawing method, place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the jam is fully thawed.

• Once thawed, give the jam a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor throughout.

• Use the thawed tomato and bacon jam within a week for the best taste and quality. Avoid refreezing the jam, as this can affect its texture and flavor.

• Enjoy your tomato and bacon jam on a variety of dishes, from burgers and sandwiches to cheese platters and crackers. Its versatile, savory-sweet flavor enhances any meal.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the tomato and bacon jam in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, reheat the jam on the stovetop. Transfer the jam to a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain the jam's texture and flavor.

• For an added touch of flavor, reheat the jam in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the jam in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method can slightly caramelize the edges, enhancing the jam's sweetness.

• If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the jam. Place the jam in an air fryer-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a gourmet touch, reheat the jam using a double boiler. Place the jam in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the jam is warmed through. This gentle method preserves the jam's consistency and prevents scorching.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the bacon and other ingredients evenly.

• Slotted spoon: Useful for removing the crispy bacon from the skillet while leaving the fat behind.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safely dicing the bacon, onion, and tomatoes.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for efficiently dicing the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients together and ensuring they cook evenly.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for setting aside the cooked bacon before adding it back into the mixture.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Timer: Useful for keeping track of the simmering time to achieve the perfect jam-like consistency.

• Storage container: Needed for storing the tomato and bacon jam once it has cooled.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can skip the initial cooking step and save time.

Use canned tomatoes: Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes to cut down on prep time.

Chop ingredients ahead: Dice the onion and mince the garlic beforehand and store them in airtight containers.

Simmer in a slow cooker: Use a slow cooker to simmer the jam. This allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks.