Homemade Savory Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe to Wow Guests

Weeknight dinners transform with this mouthwatering cranberry bacon jam that blends sweet and smoky flavors into an irresistible spread.

Crispy bacon merges with tart cranberries, creating a condiment that elevates everything from sandwiches to cheese boards.

The rich, caramelized notes dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Sharp onions and a hint of brown sugar provide depth to this unexpected culinary creation.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Each batch promises a burst of complex flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Let this versatile jam become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 144 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredients for Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Bacon: Provides smoky, rich foundation with crispy texture and deep umami flavor; choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for best results.
• Ground Beef (optional): Adds hearty protein depth and additional richness to the jam.

• Cranberries: Delivers bright, tart profile with vibrant color; select fresh or frozen berries at peak ripeness for intense flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and helps thicken the jam; opt for dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces complex woodland sweetness and smooth consistency; choose pure, Grade A maple syrup for authentic taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness; select unpasteurized, raw vinegar for maximum flavor.

• Onion: Builds savory base with subtle sweetness; use yellow onions for traditional depth.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertone; fresh garlic cloves deliver most intense flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, slightly spicy dimension; Spanish paprika recommended for authentic taste.
• Cinnamon: Offers warm, subtle spice that complements the jam's complexity; ground Ceylon cinnamon preferred for delicate flavor.

Tools You’ll Want for Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking bacon and sautéing ingredients.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from grease.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess bacon grease.
• Food processor or immersion blender: Optional tool for creating smoother jam texture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Jar or storage container: Needed for storing finished cranberry bacon jam.

Cooking Cranberry Bacon Jam to Perfection

• Sizzle the Bacon

Toss diced bacon into a hot skillet, cooking until it turns wonderfully crisp and golden. Scoop out the bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate, keeping about two tablespoons of those delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

• Soften the Aromatics

Drop chopped onions into the same skillet, letting them dance and soften for several minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let its fragrance fill your kitchen for a quick moment.

• Create the Cranberry

Tumble in fresh cranberries along with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a whisper of cinnamon. Let everything bubble and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy concoction.

• Bring It All Together

Return the crispy bacon bits back into the skillet, stirring to marry all the flavors. Let the mixture gently simmer, allowing every ingredient to get acquainted.

• Final Touch

For those who love a smoother texture, give the jam a quick pulse in a food processor. Keep some chunky bits for that rustic, homemade feel.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the jam cool slightly before transferring to a jar. Serve warm or at room temperature, ready to add excitement to your favorite dishes.

Flavor Enhancements for Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Prepare this jam up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it even more delicious.
• Want chunky jam? Skip blending. Prefer smooth spread? Pulse briefly in food processor for perfect consistency that suits your preference.
• For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or caramelized shallots to maintain deep, rich flavor profile. Gluten-free folks can enjoy this recipe as-is.
• Experiment with spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or swap maple syrup with honey for different sweetness. Orange zest can bring bright, citrusy undertones that complement cranberry's tartness.
• Refrigerated jam stays fresh for a week. Pro tip: Freeze in small portions for unexpected culinary emergencies or quick appetizer additions.

Pairing and Serving Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Festive Charcuterie Star: Spread this cranberry bacon jam on a wooden board alongside soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar. Pair with crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer that's sure to impress guests.
• Gourmet Sandwich Enhancer: Elevate your sandwiches by adding a generous dollop of this jam to grilled chicken, turkey, or roast beef. The sweet-savory combination brings depth and complexity to your favorite lunch creations.
• Holiday Condiment: Use as a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats like ham, turkey, or pork tenderloin. The jam's tangy-sweet profile adds a festive touch to traditional holiday dishes, making every bite memorable and exciting.
• Unexpected Breakfast Twist: Swirl into morning favorites like cream cheese on a bagel, top waffles, or mix into yogurt for a unexpected burst of flavor that transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.

Save Cranberry Bacon Jam Without Losing Flavor

• Store the cranberry bacon jam in an airtight glass container with a tight-sealing lid, ensuring maximum freshness for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Keep the container away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its unique flavor profile.
• Divide the jam into small portion-sized containers or freezer-safe bags, removing excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing easy thawing and quick access to delicious spread whenever needed.
• Remove the jam from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, enhancing its spreadable texture and releasing more complex flavor notes.
• Enjoy this jam with crusty artisan bread, grilled meats, cheese boards, or as a gourmet sandwich spread. Experiment with different serving styles to discover your favorite combination and elevate everyday meals with a burst of sweet-savory goodness.

FAQs

• How spicy is this cranberry bacon jam?

The smokiness comes from smoked paprika, which provides a mild warmth without intense heat. The flavor is more savory and sweet than spicy.

• Can I make this jam without bacon for a vegetarian version?

While bacon is key to the recipe’s flavor profile, you could substitute smoked mushrooms or smoked salt to maintain a similar smoky essence.

• What can I do if my cranberries aren't bursting during cooking?

Gently press some cranberries with the back of a spoon while simmering to help them break down and release pectin for better thickening.

• Is this jam more sweet or savory?

This jam is a perfect balance of sweet from cranberries and maple syrup, and savory from bacon and spices, creating a complex flavor that works as both a condiment and spread.

Savory Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Cranberry bacon jam blends sweet and savory notes in a remarkable spread perfect for holiday gatherings. Hearty bacon, tart cranberries, and warm spices create a rich condiment that elevates sandwiches, cheese plates, and appetizers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) bacon, diced
• 1 cup (100 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Dice bacon into uniform small pieces to ensure consistent crispiness and even cooking throughout the jam.
2. Rendering and Browning: Heat skillet over medium temperature, cook bacon until golden and crisp, allowing fat to release naturally. Transfer crisp bacon to paper towels, reserving two tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Aromatics Development: Reduce skillet temperature, sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and soft. Quickly toast minced garlic for 30-45 seconds to build a robust flavor foundation.
4. Ingredient Fusion: Add whole cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly, gently pressing cranberries to encourage bursting and natural thickening.
5. Flavor Melding: Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, folding into the mixture to integrate complex flavors and textures. Simmer and reduce heat, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify, creating a rich, glossy consistency.
6. Finishing and Storage: Optional – briefly pulse jam using a food processor for smoother texture while maintaining rustic chunks. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and transfer to a clean storage container where the jam will continue to thicken and develop deeper flavor profiles.

Notes

• Choose Premium Bacon: Select thick-cut, high-quality bacon with good fat-to-meat ratio to ensure optimal flavor and crispy texture.
• Control Temperature Carefully: Maintain medium heat when rendering bacon and cooking jam to prevent burning and preserve delicate flavor nuances.
• Balance Sweet and Tangy: Adjust maple syrup and apple cider vinegar proportions to create perfect sweet-tart balance based on personal preference.
• Texture Customization: Use food processor sparingly if smoother consistency is desired, keeping some chunky elements for rustic appeal and interesting mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg