Easy Crock Pot Bacon Jam Recipe

Posted on July 20, 2025 · [Elisa]

Crock Pot Bacon Jam

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If you’re looking to add bold, smoky-sweet flavor to your sandwiches, burgers, or even morning toast, this Crock Pot bacon jam recipe is a must-try. Slow-cooked to perfection, this jam combines crispy bacon, caramelized onions, maple syrup, and a hint of spice for a truly irresistible condiment.

For more creative spreads and toppings, you might also enjoy our strawberry butter or cherry vanilla jam recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bacon Jam Recipe

This bacon jam is smoky, sweet, salty, and just a touch spicy — the ultimate flavor bomb. Slow cooking brings out deep caramel notes, and the jam keeps well in the fridge or freezer so you can always have some on hand. It’s perfect for elevating grilled cheese, adding to charcuterie boards, or even dolloping onto roasted veggies.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This Crock Pot bacon jam recipe is perfect for foodies, brunch lovers, and anyone who loves a unique, homemade condiment. It also makes a fantastic edible gift!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Bacon Jam

  • 1½ pounds bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¾ cup brewed coffee
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (use up to 1 tsp for more heat)

If you’re into savory-sweet flavors, try our honey mustard potatoes or salted honey pie next!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slow cooker
  • Food processor
  • Airtight container

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Bacon Jam

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon is lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet (save the rest for other recipes if you like). Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine

Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, brewed coffee, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the cooked bacon.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Jam

Transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook uncovered on HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until the liquid becomes syrupy and thick.

Step 5: Blend and Store

Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped but still slightly chunky. Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

For another bold, savory topping idea, check out our crying tiger sauce.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Bacon Jam

  • Use thick-cut bacon for better texture.
  • Don’t skip draining the fat — too much grease can make the jam oily.
  • Taste and adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking bacon in the skillet — it should just be lightly browned, not crispy.
  • Not stirring occasionally during slow cooking — this prevents sticking.
  • Over-blending — you want a chunky jam, not a paste.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve bacon jam in a small jar with a rustic spoon for brunch or on a charcuterie board. Spread it on burgers, crostini, grilled cheese, or even scrambled eggs.

Recipe Variations and Creative Swaps

  • Add a splash of bourbon for a deeper flavor.
  • Use shallots instead of onions for a sweeter, milder taste.
  • Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.

How to Store and Freeze

Store cooled bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge before use.

Best Food and Drink Pairings

Pair this jam with toasted bread, creamy cheeses, or even drizzle over roasted veggies. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it less sweet?
Yes — reduce the brown sugar and maple syrup to your taste.

Do I have to use coffee?
The coffee adds depth but you can replace it with water or beef broth if you prefer.

How do I know it’s done?
The jam should be thick and syrupy, not watery, after slow cooking.


Final Thoughts: Cook, Slather & Subscribe!

This Crock Pot bacon jam recipe is a flavor-packed addition to your culinary repertoire. With smoky, sweet, and savory notes, it’s sure to impress guests and elevate your meals.

If you loved this Crock Pot Bacon Jam, share it with your friends — and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more irresistible homemade recipes. Next, try our golden Greek honey pie for dessert!

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Crock Pot Bacon Jam Recipe You’ll Want to Slather on Everything


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 23 cups 1x

Description

Smoky, sweet, and savory bacon jam — slow-cooked with onions, maple syrup, and coffee for a rich, irresistible condiment. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and more!


Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¾ cup brewed coffee
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until lightly browned. Transfer to paper towels.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: In 1 tablespoon bacon fat, cook onions and garlic for about 6 minutes, until translucent.
  3. Deglaze and combine: Stir in vinegar, sugar, maple syrup, coffee, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, add bacon, and cook 2 minutes more.
  4. Slow cook: Transfer mixture to slow cooker and cook uncovered on HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until thick and syrupy.
  5. Blend and store: Pulse in food processor until chunky. Cool and store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for better texture.
  • Add a splash of bourbon for deeper flavor if desired.
  • Store in fridge up to 4 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

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