Perfect Sweet and Savory Bacon Jam for a Smash Burger Bar Party

Finished bacon jam in a cast iron skillet. — Cool and serve at room temperature

Introduction

Living in Colorado means embracing outdoor cooking year-round, and our Traeger Timberline XL makes it a breeze. As a dad and teacher, I love creating easy, delicious meals that bring people together, and this Bacon Jam is no exception. Perfect for our twins’ 3rd birthday party, this jam is an incredible topping for a smash burger bar. Let’s dive into how we made this irresistible treat using our Traeger Timberline XL’s induction burner.

The Magic of Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam is a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky spread that elevates any dish. For our smash burger bar, it’s the perfect complement, adding a burst of flavor that will leave our guests wanting more. Whether you’ve had bacon jam before or this is your first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Other Delicious Uses for Bacon Jam

Bacon Jam isn’t just for burgers; its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. Try spreading it on a warm, toasted baguette for an indulgent appetizer, or mix it into scrambled eggs for a rich, savory breakfast twist. It also pairs beautifully with cheese, making it an excellent accompaniment to a charcuterie board or a grilled cheese sandwich. The smoky, sweet flavors complement sharp and creamy cheeses alike, adding depth and complexity to each bite.

Another great way to enjoy Bacon Jam is by incorporating it into your dinner recipes. Use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats like chicken and pork to infuse them with a unique, savory-sweet flavor. It can also be stirred into sauces and gravies to add a punch of umami. For a quick and delicious meal, toss it with pasta or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless, and once you start experimenting, you’ll find that Bacon Jam enhances a wide range of dishes, making every meal more flavorful and exciting.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

I’ve enjoyed bacon jam on various burgers over the years, and it never fails to impress. When planning our twins’ birthday party, I wanted to offer unique and delicious toppings for our guests. The idea of a smash burger bar came naturally, and the addition of homemade Bacon Jam felt like the perfect touch. This recipe, inspired by my love for grilling and creating memorable meals, is easy to follow and yields mouthwatering results.

Ingredients for Bacon Jam

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Bacon Jam:

1 sweet Vidalia onion, chopped
1 pound bacon (we used Snake River Farms’ bacon)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
4 tbsp Coffee Junkie seasoning from Spiceology

Ingredients for bacon jam on a cutting board. — Simple ingredients for big flavor

Even though Coffee Junkie rub is no longer available, it worked wonders in this recipe. Its blend of coffee and spices added a unique depth to the jam.

Choosing the Perfect Bacon for Bacon Jam

Selecting the right bacon for your Bacon Jam is crucial to achieving the best flavor and texture. The quality of the bacon you use will directly impact the final product, so it’s worth investing in a premium brand. Look for bacon that is thick-cut, as thinner slices can become too crispy and lose their juiciness during the cooking process. Thick slices ensure that the bacon remains tender and flavorful even after being cooked down and mixed with other ingredients.

For our Bacon Jam, we chose Snake River Farms Kurobuta bacon, and the results were outstanding. Kurobuta, or Berkshire pork, is known for its exceptional marbling and rich flavor, making it an excellent choice for recipes that require a deep, savory taste. Snake River Farms’ bacon is consistently delicious, with thick slices that cook evenly and render just the right amount of fat. This bacon not only provides a robust, smoky flavor but also adds a delightful chewiness to the jam, making every bite a treat.

Another reason we love Snake River Farms Kurobuta bacon is its balance of meat and fat. The fat renders beautifully, creating a luscious base for the onions to caramelize in, while the meaty portions add substantial texture and taste. This bacon’s high-quality and reliable flavor profile ensure that your Bacon Jam will be a hit every time. When choosing bacon for this recipe, prioritize quality and thickness, and consider premium options like Snake River Farms to elevate your homemade jam to gourmet levels.

A pile of chopped bacon pieces before cooking. — Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces

The Cooking Process

Using our Traeger Timberline XL induction burner and a cast iron skillet, this Bacon Jam comes together seamlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious spread:

Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating the cast iron skillet to hot on the Traeger Timberline XL induction burner.
Cook the Bacon: Chop the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the hot skillet. Cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is beginning to crisp. Be careful not to let it get too brown.
Remove the Bacon: Scoop out the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon grease behind.
Caramelize the Onions: Keep the pan hot and add the chopped Vidalia onion. Cook until the onions are caramelized, then pour off excess bacon grease.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar until melted and well combined. Add the bacon back to the mixture.
Add Water and Seasoning: Pour in the water and Coffee Junkie seasoning, mixing well. Cook on low heat for at least 20 minutes until the mixture becomes jammy.
Cool and Store: Allow the jam to cool, then transfer it to a mason jar and store in the fridge. Serve at room temperature as a topping for smash burgers.

A cast iron skillet with bacon cooking on the Traeger Timberline XL induction burner. — Cook the bacon until rendered and beginning to crisp

Onions cooking in a cast iron skillet of bacon grease. — Cook the bacon until rendered and beginning to crisp

Why the Traeger Timberline XL Works for this Recipe

The Traeger Timberline XL’s induction burner offers precise temperature control, making it ideal for recipes like this Bacon Jam. The consistent heat ensures the bacon cooks evenly and the onions caramelize perfectly. Using a cast iron skillet enhances the flavors, giving the jam a rich, deep taste. Plus, the convenience of cooking outdoors means no lingering bacon smells in the house!

Step-by-Step

Heat the Skillet: Start by heating your cast iron skillet on the Traeger Timberline XL induction burner until hot.
Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the hot skillet and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is just beginning to crisp.
Remove the Bacon: Scoop out the bacon pieces, leaving the flavorful bacon grease in the pan.
Caramelize the Onions: Add the chopped Vidalia onion to the hot skillet and cook until caramelized.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar until melted, then add the cooked bacon back to the mixture.
Add Water and Seasoning: Pour in the water and Coffee Junkie seasoning, mixing well. Cook on low heat for at least 20 minutes.
Cool and Store: Allow the Bacon Jam to cool, then transfer it to a mason jar and store in the fridge.

A pile of chopped onions for bacon jam. — Chop the onions for best results

Alternate Recipes and Product Links

If you enjoyed this Bacon Jam, you might also like these other recipes:

Products used in this cook:

Traeger Timberline XL
Snake River Farms Bacon
Spiceology Coffee Junkie Seasoning (no longer available)

This Bacon Jam is the perfect addition to any burger, especially when served at a fun and festive smash burger bar like the one we’re having for our twins’ birthday party. With its sweet, savory, and smoky flavor, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try on your Traeger Timberline XL and let us know how it turns out!

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