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Flavorful Tomato Bacon Jam Recipe Easy Homemade Burger Topping

tomato bacon jam - featured image

A smoky, sweet, and tangy tomato bacon jam perfect as a burger topping or versatile condiment. Made with simple pantry staples and slow-simmered to a rich, jammy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Place the 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold large skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy but not burnt—about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces roughly 1/4 inch in size. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Transfer the onions and garlic to a medium saucepan. Add the drained canned diced tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine everything well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken and reduce by about half. Watch closely near the end to prevent sticking. The tomatoes should break down, and the mixture will start to look glossy and jammy.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Using an immersion blender, pulse the mixture a few times to partially blend—keeping some chunks for texture. If you don’t have one, mash gently with a potato masher or fork.
  7. Stir the chopped bacon into the tomato jam until evenly distributed.
  8. Let the jam cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

If jam tastes too sweet, add a splash more vinegar. If too tangy, add a pinch more brown sugar. Partial blending keeps a rustic texture. Cook bacon low and slow to avoid burning. Drain tomatoes well to prevent watery jam. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks refrigerated or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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