Tangy Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe for Toasts and Boards

Tangy meets smoky in this irresistible cranberry bacon jam that will revolutionize your condiment game.

Sweet and savory notes dance together in every spoonful of this unexpected spread.

The combination of tart cranberries and crispy bacon creates a complex flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Each batch brings a rich, caramelized depth that transforms ordinary toast or crackers into something extraordinary.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this jam packs a punch of umami and brightness that keeps you coming back for more.

Impress your guests or indulge in a gourmet treat that elevates any dish from simple to spectacular.

Dive into this culinary adventure and experience a condiment that breaks all the rules.

Spreading Ideas For Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Festive Charcuterie Companion: Spread this jam on a variety of artisan crackers and pair with aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a delightful appetizer spread.
• Gourmet Sandwich Upgrade: Layer the cranberry bacon jam inside grilled cheese sandwiches or spread on turkey and ham sandwiches for an unexpected flavor burst that transforms ordinary lunch.
• Holiday Protein Glaze: Brush the jam over roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, or chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to add a sweet and savory caramelized coating that will impress dinner guests.
• Elegant Breakfast Topper: Dollop the jam over warm buttermilk biscuits, crispy waffles, or cream cheese-spread bagels for a decadent morning treat that balances tangy and rich flavors.

Storage Tips For Cranberry Bacon Jam That Lasts

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cranberry bacon jam in an airtight glass container, ensuring it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. The sealed environment protects the flavor and prevents contamination.
• Temperature Control Technique: Keep the jam between 35-40°F for maximum taste preservation. Cooler temperatures maintain the delicate balance of sweet and savory notes without compromising texture.
• Freezing Fresh Approach: Divide the jam into smaller portion-sized containers before freezing. This method allows easy thawing and prevents waste, with a freezer shelf life of 2-3 months while retaining robust flavors.
• Quick Serving Hack: Remove the jam from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving to allow natural warming, which enhances the intricate blend of cranberry, bacon, and spice profiles. Gently stir before presenting to redistribute ingredients evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Bacon: Delivers rich, smoky foundation that adds depth and incredible crunch to the jam.

• Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones that complement the tangy cranberries.
• Garlic: Introduces subtle aromatic warmth and complexity to the overall profile.

• Cranberries: Brings vibrant tartness and beautiful ruby color to the jam.
• Brown Sugar: Creates rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances the fruit's sharp edge.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces smooth, woodsy sweetness with natural depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky notes that enhance the bacon's character.
• Cinnamon: Offers warm, subtle spice that rounds out the jam's flavor profile.

Cooking Tools For Cranberry Bacon Jam Success

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking bacon and creating the jam base with deep, even heat.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon while draining excess grease.
• Paper Towels: Helps absorb extra bacon fat and keep bacon crisp.
• Food Processor or Immersion Blender: Optional tool for creating a smoother jam texture.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing bacon and chopping onions precisely.
• Glass Jar: Ideal for storing and serving the finished cranberry bacon jam.

Making Cranberry Bacon Jam In A Few Easy Steps

• Bacon Sizzle

Start by warming a large skillet and transforming bacon into crispy golden bits. Fish out the browned pieces onto paper towels, keeping a gloss of grease in the pan.

• Aromatic Base

Toss chopped onions into the skillet, letting them soften and release their sweet essence. Sprinkle minced garlic for a quick dance of fragrance.

• Cranberry Magic

Drop vibrant cranberries into the pan with a whisper of brown sugar, tangy vinegar, rich maple syrup, and warm spices. Watch the berries pop and bubble, creating a luscious ruby-colored mixture.

• Flavor Fusion

Reunite the crispy bacon with the cranberry landscape, stirring gently to marry the ingredients. Let the concoction simmer quietly, allowing flavors to intertwine and deepen.

• Texture Play

For those craving a silkier spread, briefly pulse the jam in a processor. Keep some chunky bits for rustic charm.

• Ready to Enjoy

Let the jam cool and settle, then transfer to a jar. Serve at room temperature as a tantalizing condiment that bridges sweet and savory worlds.

Ways To Customize Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Perfect Bacon Cranberry Jam Tricks
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this jam up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify and become more complex as they sit, making it even more delicious.
• Low-Sugar Swap: Reduce brown sugar by half and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version. This adjustment helps lower the overall glycemic impact without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a plant-based alternative. Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil to develop a similar rich, smoky depth that mimics traditional bacon's complexity.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a kick. Start with a pinch and gradually increase to match your personal spice preference.
• Preservation Pro: Properly canned, this jam can last up to three months in sealed jars. Process in a water bath for maximum shelf stability and enjoy your homemade condiment throughout the season.

Smoky Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cranberry bacon jam brings together sweet and savory flavors in a rich spread perfect for holiday gatherings. Homemade condiments elevate your charcuterie boards and sandwiches with complex, irresistible taste.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Render diced bacon in a cast-iron skillet over moderate heat until golden and crisp. Reserve two tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet, placing browned bacon on a paper towel-lined surface.
2. Aromatics Infusion: Sauté diced onions in the reserved bacon fat until translucent. Add minced garlic and briefly toast to release its aromatic essence.
3. Flavor Transformation: Introduce cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, paprika, and cinnamon to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat, allowing cranberries to burst and the mixture to reduce and thicken into a glossy, rich consistency.
4. Texture Development: Reintegrate crispy bacon pieces into the cranberry mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors. Continue simmering to develop a complex, harmonious profile.
5. Final Refinement: Optional: Use a food processor or immersion blender to gently pulse the jam, maintaining a rustic, slightly chunky texture. Cool completely before transferring to a clean glass container. Serve at room temperature as a versatile condiment that beautifully balances sweet and savory notes.

Notes

• Manage Bacon Rendering: Control heat carefully to prevent burning and ensure even, crispy bacon without excessive charring.
• Balance Sweet and Tangy Flavors: Adjust maple syrup and apple cider vinegar ratios to create a harmonious flavor profile that doesn’t become overly sweet or acidic.
• Control Liquid Reduction: Monitor skillet moisture during simmering to achieve desired jam-like consistency without becoming too dry or runny.
• Texture Customization: Pulse mixture minimally when blending to maintain rustic chunks, allowing for varied mouthfeel and visual appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg