I’ve discovered the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering—this smoky tomato bacon jam that hits every perfect note on your taste buds. Sweet, savory, smoky, and just a touch spicy, it’s the kind of condiment that makes people ask, “What’s in this?” while reaching for another scoop. You can slather it on burgers, tuck it into grilled cheese, or simply let it shine atop a simple cracker with cheese. Ready to transform ordinary meals into something extraordinary with minimal effort?
Why You’ll Love this Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam
Once you try this smoky tomato bacon jam, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your kitchen arsenal. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky—hitting all those flavor spots in one delicious spoonful.
I’m talking about crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and juicy tomatoes transformed into a versatile spread. Can you imagine this on a burger? Or spooned over cream cheese with crackers? Maybe dolloped on a grilled cheese sandwich?
The subtle heat from red pepper flakes wakes up your taste buds, while the smoked paprika adds that irresistible campfire essence. Trust me, friends will beg for the recipe.
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam?
Let’s gather everything you need for this mouthwatering bacon jam that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.
- 1 pound of bacon (the star of our show)
- 1 yellow onion (for sweet caramelized goodness)
- 1.5 pounds of tomatoes (fresh and juicy, please)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for that perfect sticky sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds the perfect tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (crucial for that smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a gentle heat)
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste (season to your preference)
Quality matters with these ingredients, so I recommend using thick-cut bacon and ripe, in-season tomatoes when possible—the better your starting ingredients, the more extraordinary your jam will be.
How to Make this Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam
Let’s get cooking, shall we? Start by cooking 1 pound of bacon until it reaches that perfect crispy texture we all crave. I like to do this in a large, heavy-bottomed pan where we’ll eventually make the entire jam—why dirty more dishes than necessary? Once your bacon is crisp, remove it and let it drain on paper towels, but here’s the essential part: save that liquid gold bacon grease in the pan. When the bacon has cooled, crumble it into pieces that will distribute beautifully throughout your jam.
Using that flavorful bacon grease (about 2 tablespoons), sauté 1 yellow onion that you’ve diced until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, creating a depth of flavor that’s absolutely worth the patience.
Now comes the fun part—add your crumbled bacon back to the pan along with 1.5 pounds of chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (which gives our jam that signature smoky flavor), and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. For even more cooking versatility, try preparing this jam in a cast iron griddle pan which provides excellent heat retention and distribution for perfectly consistent results.
Reduce the heat and let this mixture simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a jam-like consistency—roughly 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid has reduced considerably and the mixture has a glossy, sticky appearance. During the final 10 minutes, taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper as needed. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can make it as sweet, smoky, or spicy as your heart desires. Remember, the jam will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose when hot. Once done, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though I doubt it’ll last that long once you taste it.
What to Serve with Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam
This versatile smoky tomato bacon jam transforms ordinary foods into extraordinary culinary experiences with just a dollop or spread. I love it on toasted sourdough bread topped with a fried egg, where the runny yolk mingles with the jam’s smoky goodness.
Try it on burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, or stirred into mac and cheese for an instant upgrade. Couldn’t your morning avocado toast use a flavor boost? It also pairs beautifully with cheese boards, especially with sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. For a quick appetizer, spoon it over cream cheese and serve with crackers.
Leftovers and Storage for this Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam
Storing your homemade smoky tomato bacon jam couldn’t be easier, and it actually gets better with time as the flavors continue to meld together. I recommend transferring it to an airtight glass jar while it’s still warm, then letting it cool completely before refrigerating. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two weeks in the fridge—if it lasts that long in your household!
For longer storage, you can freeze portions in small containers or ice cube trays. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy that smoky-sweet goodness again.
Irresistible Smoky Tomato Bacon Jam Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for this smoky tomato bacon jam creates a perfect balance of flavors, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Need a vegetarian version? Try using mushrooms instead of bacon—portobello or shiitake work beautifully with their meaty texture. Can’t do pork? Turkey bacon makes a lighter alternative.
For sweeteners, maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar. Need it spicier? Double the red pepper flakes or add a minced jalapeño. No smoked paprika? Regular paprika plus a drop of liquid smoke works in a pinch.
My favorite variation? Adding a splash of bourbon during simmering. Divine.
Final Thoughts
After whipping up this smoky tomato bacon jam, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your kitchen arsenal. The perfect balance of savory bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and acidic tomatoes creates something truly magical that transforms ordinary dishes into memorable meals.
The jam delivers that in spades. Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two weeks, though I doubt it’ll last that long. Whether slathered on burgers, spooned onto cheese boards, or simply eaten by the spoonful (no judgment here), this versatile condiment deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
For those who enjoy simple yet flavorful recipes, this jam pairs wonderfully with homemade guacamole that requires just four basic ingredients.