When you hear the word “jam,” your mind probably leaps to sweet, fruity spreads for your morning toast. But what if I told you about a jam that’s savory, smoky, sweet, and tangy all at once? A jam that can elevate a simple burger to gourmet status and become the star of any cheese board? Get ready to meet your new favorite condiment: this incredible homemade Tomato Bacon Jam. This recipe combines the rich flavor of ripe tomatoes, the salty, smoky goodness of crispy bacon, and a sweet and tangy background into a spread that is absolutely irresistible. It’s a simple, slow-simmered recipe that transforms a handful of ingredients into a truly special treat. Whether you spread it, dip it, or dollop it, this jam is guaranteed to make any dish it touches unforgettable.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this complex, deeply flavorful jam. The magic is in the slow simmer that brings them all together.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Smoked Bacon	½ pound	A good quality, thick-cut bacon works best.
Ripe Tomatoes	2 pounds	Chopped. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices.
Yellow Sweet Onion	1	Finely diced.
White Sugar	1 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar	2½ tablespoons	Adds the perfect tangy balance.
Salt	1½ teaspoons
Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon	Freshly ground is best.
Hot Pepper Sauce	1 dash	Such as Tabasco®, or to your taste.

Timing

The secret to a great jam is a low, slow simmer. While it takes a little time on the stove, the hands-on effort is minimal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, thick, and delicious savory jam.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Place the bacon slices in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the bacon to be evenly browned and perfectly crispy. Tip: Don’t rush this step! Cooking the bacon slowly renders the fat properly for the best flavor and texture. Once crispy, transfer the bacon slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let them cool, then crumble them into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Pour off all but about one tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet (you can save the rest for another use!). Add the finely diced sweet onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Jam Ingredients and Boil

In a separate large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, sautéed onion, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Simmer Low and Slow

Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the crumbled bacon. Reduce the heat to medium and let the jam cook at a steady simmer, stirring often, for about 1 hour. The jam is ready when it has reduced significantly and is very thick. You should be able to drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan and leave a clean trail that doesn’t immediately fill with liquid.

Step 5: Final Seasoning, Cooling, and Storing

Give the finished jam a final taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed. Allow the jam to cool completely in the saucepan before spooning it into a 1-pint glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving, calculated as 2 tablespoons of jam.

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 350 mg

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of bacon and tomatoes.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

This recipe is an indulgence, but you can make a few tweaks to suit your preferences.

Reduce the Sugar: For a more savory jam, you can reduce the white sugar by up to half. Note that this will result in a slightly less thick, jammy consistency.
Bacon Options: You can use turkey bacon for a lower-fat version, though you may need to add a bit of oil to sauté the onions. For a spicier kick, try using a black pepper or jalapeño-cured bacon.
Add a Kick: If you love heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of this Tomato Bacon Jam is its superpower! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:

The Ultimate Burger Topping: Spread a generous layer on your next cheeseburger for a mind-blowing sweet and savory flavor boost.
Elevate Your Grilled Cheese: Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by adding a schmear of bacon jam along with the cheese.
On a Charcuterie Board: Serve it in a small bowl alongside creamy cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar with crackers or crostini.
Appetizer Star: Spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for the easiest, most impressive appetizer imaginable.
Breakfast Hero: It’s surprisingly delicious served alongside scrambled eggs or on a warm biscuit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect jam every time, steer clear of these common issues.

Not Simmering Long Enough: If you pull the jam off the heat too early, it will be thin and watery rather than thick and spreadable. Solution: Be patient and trust the process. A full hour of simmering is usually necessary to allow the liquids to evaporate and the sugars to concentrate into a jammy consistency.
Burning the Jam: The high sugar content means the jam can burn if the heat is too high. Solution: Keep the heat at a steady medium to medium-low simmer and stir frequently, especially during the last 20 minutes of cooking as it thickens.
Using Underripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your jam is heavily dependent on the quality of your tomatoes. Solution: Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Juicy, in-season tomatoes will yield the best results.

Storing and Freezing Tips

This jam stores wonderfully, making it a great recipe to make ahead.

Refrigerating: Store the cooled jam in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week.
Freezing: This jam also freezes beautifully. For easy use, spoon the cooled jam into small freezer-safe jars or even an ice cube tray. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To use, simply thaw the jar or individual cubes overnight in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This homemade Tomato Bacon Jam is a true culinary game-changer. It perfectly balances sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy notes to create a condiment that is wildly versatile and addictive. It’s the secret weapon that will make your friends and family ask, “What is in this?!” Whether you’re upgrading your weeknight burgers or crafting an elegant cheese board, this is one recipe you’ll be making again and again.

We can’t wait for you to try this incredible recipe! Let us know your favorite way to use it in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, a 28-ounce can of high-quality diced or crushed tomatoes (drained well) can be used as a substitute. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q2. Is this recipe suitable for long-term canning?

No, this recipe is a refrigerator/freezer jam. It has not been tested for pH and safety for water bath canning and long-term pantry storage. Please stick to the refrigerator and freezer storage methods outlined.

Q3. What’s the best type of bacon to use for bacon jam?

A good quality, thick-cut smoked bacon is ideal. It provides a great texture and a deep, smoky flavor that stands up to the other ingredients. Avoid overly sweet bacon, like maple-cured, as it can make the final jam too sweet.

Q4. Can I make this jam spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of hot sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even sauté a finely diced jalapeño along with the onion for a significant kick of heat.