Sweet-Tangy Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe: Holiday Magic!

Crisp autumn mornings call for this unexpected cranberry bacon jam that bridges sweet and savory worlds beautifully.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in a magical culinary symphony.

Salty, smoky bacon meets tart cranberries, creating a condiment that defies traditional expectations.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients can produce such complex flavors.

Small batches of this jam work perfectly as unique holiday gifts or impressive appetizer spreads.

Each spoonful tells a story of comfort and creativity.

You’ll want to spread this delectable mixture on everything from warm toast to grilled meats.

Dive into a recipe that promises to become your new favorite kitchen adventure.

Why Cranberry Bacon Jam Becomes a Favorite

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences with its sweet-savory combination of cranberries and bacon.
• Ideal for festive gatherings, potlucks, and seasonal celebrations where unique condiments steal the show.
• Elevates everything from toast and crackers to roasted meats, providing a delicious flavor boost in minutes.

Ingredients to Use for Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Bacon: Rich and smoky foundation for the jam, adding deep flavor complexity. Choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for best results.

• Cranberries, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Sweet-tart combination creating balanced jam profile. Fresh or frozen cranberries work well, with deep red color and bright taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and savory undertones. Fresh onions with no soft spots recommended.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance sweetness. Use high-quality, clear vinegar.

• Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon: Warm, smoky undertones enhancing overall jam complexity. Ground spices preferred for smooth integration.

Simple Way to Cook Cranberry Bacon Jam

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Cook diced bacon until golden and crunchy. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 2: Soften Onions and Awaken Garlic

In the same skillet with bacon fat, toss chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and tender. Add minced garlic and stir until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Create Cranberry Magic

• Fresh cranberries
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cinnamon

Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and the sauce thickens into a luscious consistency.

Step 4: Reunite Bacon with Mixture

Return crispy bacon bits back to the skillet. Stir everything together. Lower heat and let flavors dance and blend for several minutes.

Step 5: Optional Texture Transformation

Want a smoother spread? Pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor or use an immersion blender. Keep some chunks for rustic charm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve with Flair

Let jam cool slightly. Transfer to a clean jar. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a knockout condiment for toast, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.

Pro Tips for a Tasty Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Maximize Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even, crispy pieces without burning. Pat bacon dry before cooking for extra crunchiness.
• Prevent Burning Aromatics: Stir onions and garlic constantly to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors in the jam. Lower heat if needed for gentle cooking.
• Achieve Perfect Jam Consistency: Watch cranberries carefully while simmering- they should burst and create a thick, glossy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Customize Flavor Intensity: Adjust spices like smoked paprika and cinnamon to match your taste preferences. Start with small amounts and taste as you go for balanced flavor profile.
• Store and Preserve Properly: Cool jam completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. Consume within 1 week for best taste and texture. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal spreading.

How to Store and Reuse Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Store the cranberry bacon jam in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the jar is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer the cooled jam to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Gently warm the jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Let the reheated jam sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften and restore its spreadable consistency before serving.

Foods That Match with Cranberry Bacon Jam

• Match the jam with creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, and tangy goat cheese for a flavor explosion that balances sweet, smoky, and creamy notes.
• Drizzle over roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or pan-seared pork chops to add depth and richness that transforms ordinary proteins into gourmet experiences.
• Slather on warm buttermilk biscuits, toasted sourdough, or crispy english muffins for a morning meal that combines sweet-savory elements with incredible texture.
• Pair with full-bodied red wines like pinot noir or craft cocktails featuring bourbon and maple undertones to enhance the jam's complex flavor profile.

Twists to Try on Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipes

• Vegetarian Bacon Alternative: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon bits for a plant-based version that maintains a rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the jam's sweetness.
• Spicy Cranberry Jam: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to create a hot and tangy version with an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and verify that no cross-contamination occurs during preparation to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cranberry Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Cranberry bacon jam blends sweet and savory flavors in a mouthwatering spread that elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Homemade comfort merges perfectly with gourmet sensibilities, delivering a rich condiment you’ll want to slather on everything from toast to grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) bacon, diced

Fruits and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Select high-quality bacon and dice into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and render the bacon until golden brown and perfectly crisp, allowing the fat to release naturally.
3. Transfer the cooked bacon onto paper towels, preserving approximately two tablespoons of rendered bacon fat within the skillet for subsequent flavor development.
4. Lower the skillet’s temperature and introduce finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Incorporate minced garlic and quickly toast for approximately 30-45 seconds, creating an aromatic base that will enhance the overall jam’s complexity.
6. Carefully add whole cranberries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and cinnamon to the skillet, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer, gently pressing the cranberries to encourage bursting and natural thickening, which will create a rich, glossy consistency.
8. Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces into the developing jam, folding thoroughly to integrate all flavors and textures.
9. Reduce heat and continue cooking, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, creating a complex, balanced condiment.
10. Optional: For a smoother texture, briefly pulse the jam using a food processor or immersion blender, maintaining some rustic chunks for visual and textural interest.
11. Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring to a clean storage container, where it will continue to thicken and develop flavor.

Notes

• Swap out bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon to make this dish completely vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious umami flavor.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-glycemic option that still maintains the jam’s rich sweetness.
• Enhance storage life by processing the jam in sterilized jars, which can extend refrigerator preservation to 2-3 weeks when sealed properly.
• Experiment with heat levels by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those craving a spicier cranberry bacon jam experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 144
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg