Strawberry Bacon and Onion Jam

Name: Strawberry Bacon and Onion Jam
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup diced bacon (5-6 strips); 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 cup brown sugar

Lena B.

3 weeks ago

strawberry bacon and onion jam in a small white ramekin with sweet potato biscuit and turkey blurred in the background

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I’ve been thinking about biscuits lately (which isn’t really new), and something occurred to me. Biscuits are delicious on their own, but they really shine with the perfect condiments and toppings. So I’m going to do a more intentional job of sharing some of my favorite biscuit additions. Then, even if you want to grab pre-made biscuits from the store, at least you can make them shine with spreads like this strawberry bacon and onion jam. It’s sweet, salty and simple to make.

Your grocery list

Produce

Strawberries
Yellow onion

Baking or Pantry Items

Brown sugar (light or dark will work – you can more about the difference here)

Meat

Bacon of your choice (I prefer to use center cut to reduce the amount of fatty pieces – you’ll only need 5-6 strips)

Equipment/tools you’ll need

Medium or large non-stick pan
Rubber spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups (1 cup and 1/2 cup)
Mason jar or other airtight container for cooling and storage

Step-by-step instructions for making strawberry bacon and onion jam

1. Cook the bacon

In a medium or large non-stick skillet, add the diced bacon over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the bacon is almost crispy and golden. Move the bacon to one side of the pan with the rubber spatula and use a paper towel to absorb all but about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. We’re leaving that to help the onions saute and for flavor.

2. Sauté the onions

In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onions to the remaining bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.

3. Add the strawberries and brown sugar

Add the diced strawberries and brown sugar to the skillet with the bacon and onions. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the sugar has dissolved, creating a syrupy base. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

5. Taste and adjust

Taste your jam! If you’d like it a little sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. If you want more tang, a splash of vinegar can help balance the sweetness. There are more suggestions for ways to adjust your jam below.

6. Cool and store

Once the jam has thickened and the flavors are well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the jam cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring it into an airtight jar or container. It will thicken even more as it cools. Store the jam in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.

Ways to adjust strawberry bacon and onion jam

1. Swap the strawberries for other berries

Different berries will give this jam a unique twist. Here’s how to adjust the recipe for various berries:

Raspberries: Raspberries will give your jam a more tart, bright flavor. You can use them in place of strawberries, but you may need to reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
Blackberries: Blackberries are sweeter than raspberries but still offer a mild tang. Their natural pectin will help the jam set nicely. You may not need to adjust the sugar much, but do be mindful of their larger seeds (if you prefer, you can strain the jam through a fine mesh sieve after cooking to remove the seeds).
Blueberries: These will create a jam with a smoother, slightly less tangy flavor than strawberries. You may need to cook the blueberries a bit longer to break them down into a jam-like consistency.
Mixed Berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries will bring a deeper flavor profile and a lovely color. Just make sure to keep an eye on the sweetness level and adjust accordingly.

2. Adjust for dietary restrictions

Paleo/Whole30:
- Bacon: Choose sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon to meet paleo and Whole30 guidelines. Or, for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon for that smoky flavor.
- Sugar: Replace the brown sugar with a paleo-friendly sweetener such as coconut sugar or maple syrup. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow for a thicker consistency, as these alternatives can sometimes make the jam a little runnier.
Vegan:
- Bacon: Replace the bacon with vegan bacon (which is often made from tempeh or coconut) or smoked mushrooms for a smoky flavor. Alternatively, you could just omit the bacon and add a dash of liquid smoke to maintain that signature flavor.
- Sugar: Ensure you use an organic sugar if you are strictly vegan, as some non-organic sugars are processed with bone char. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.
Gluten-Free: The original recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure any bread or crackers you serve with the jam are gluten-free.
Low-Carb/Keto:
- Sugar: Substitute the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia (note that these alternatives are often sweeter than sugar, so adjust the quantity accordingly). You may need to cook the jam for a bit longer to achieve the same consistency as with regular sugar.
- Bacon: Traditional bacon is keto-friendly, so no changes needed here!

3. Add some spice

If you like a little heat, you can easily add some spice to your strawberry bacon and onion jam. Here are a few suggestions:

Chili flakes: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
Jalapeños: Finely dice a fresh jalapeño (seeds and ribs removed for a milder version) and sauté with the onions. This will give the jam a fresh, green heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the berries.
Chipotle powder: For a smoky heat, try adding chipotle chili powder. It will enhance the flavor of the bacon and give the jam a deeper, more complex heat.
Cayenne pepper: For a more intense, immediate heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Start with a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) and taste as you go.
Ginger: Fresh grated ginger can provide a spicy, zesty undertone that pairs well with the sweet and savory components of the jam.
Five-Spice: Add a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder for a unique, aromatic twist.

4. Adjust the sweetness level

If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or experiment with alternative sweeteners:

Honey: If you like the flavor of honey, try swapping the brown sugar for about 1/3 cup of honey. Be mindful of the texture—honey will make the jam a little looser, so you may need to cook it for a little longer.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, warm sweetness. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust based on taste.
Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: These are great zero-calorie alternatives if you’re looking to cut out sugar entirely. Just be sure to adjust the quantity since they can be significantly sweeter than sugar. Be sure to check your sweetener’s packaging for conversion charts.

5. Add herbs for a fresh twist

If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh herbs can bring an unexpected depth to the jam. Here are a few ideas:

Thyme: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme while simmering the jam. It pairs beautifully with the bacon and adds an herbal earthiness to balance the sweetness.
Rosemary: For a more aromatic note, a small sprig of fresh rosemary can lend a woodsy, pine-like flavor that works surprisingly well with both the strawberries and bacon.
Basil: For a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, you can add a few chopped basil leaves at the end of cooking. This will provide a bright, herbaceous finish.
Mint: Fresh mint would bring a refreshing quality to the jam, especially if you’re pairing it with a savory dish like lamb or a tangy cheese.

6. Create a sweet-tart balance

To balance the sweetness of the jam, you can add a little acidity. This can brighten the flavors and help cut through the richness:

Apple cider vinegar: Add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar in the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the jam a nice, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the bacon.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can bring a light, citrusy tang that enhances the flavor of the berries and balances out the sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar: For a more complex, rich acidity, a splash of balsamic vinegar works wonders with the strawberries and bacon. It adds a slight sweetness on its own, too!