Bacon jam got its start as a street food craze. In 2011, however, consumers can buy manufactured jars of the loose jelly for their own cooking purposes. The jam is a blend of several ingredients, such as bacon, onions, and garlic, reduced and blended together. Consumers can use the jam as a spread or dressing on a variety of foods.
Depending on the chef, bacon jam can have several different blends of primary and secondary ingredients and spices. The jam contains great amounts of cooked and crumpled bacon, with different blends using different types of bacon, such as apple-smoked, maple, or peppered bacon. The chef then adds large amounts of chopped onion and garlic to the chopped bacon. To give the jam its consistency and flavor, brown sugar, salt, and balsamic vinegar can also be added.
By adding different ingredients, a chef can alter or further enhance the taste of bacon jam. For example, he or she may add chopped chilies such as anchos, jalapenos, or chipotles, to give the jam a spicy flavor. To add a rich, bold taste to the jam, a chef can add dark roast coffee or Mexican chocolate. Additional spices such as allspice, paprika, or pepper may also be added.
Creating bacon jam requires several steps. First, the bacon is cooked and then crumbled. Next, the onions and garlic are caramelized to bring out the flavors. All of the remaining ingredients are then combined with the bacon, onions, and garlic. The mixture is pureed for a few seconds to create a jam consistency and then chilled to preserve freshness.
The final product has a variety of uses. Consumers can spread the product on crackers or toast. Bacon jam also enhances the flavor of hamburgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Many people prefer to use bacon jam as a breakfast food, putting it on top of poached eggs or waffles.
Consumers can purchase manufactured bacon jam in small jars. The jam has a shorter shelf life than other manufactured products, but can last for several weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Cooks can also make their own version of bacon jam at home. Homemade versions do not last as long as manufactured versions, since the final product contains no preservative, but by making the jam at home, a cook will be able to add his or her own ingredients and personal touch.