Sweet and Savory Tomato Bacon Jam Recipe: Easy Homemade Bacon Jam

Tomato bacon jam is a decadent, sweet-savory condiment featuring crispy bacon cooked down with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and a touch of sweetness, creating a thick, spreadable jam that elevates everything from burgers to cheese boards with its addictive balance of smoky, tangy, and rich flavors. This easy tomato bacon jam recipe transforms simple ingredients into gourmet magic in just about an hour, making it perfect for entertaining, gift-giving, or simply keeping in your fridge for those moments when you need to make ordinary food extraordinary. Whether you’re spreading it on grilled cheese sandwiches, topping burgers, serving it with crackers and brie, or slathering it on toast, this sweet and savory bacon jam delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What makes this homemade bacon jam recipe so irresistible is how it hits every flavor note—salty from bacon, sweet from brown sugar and tomatoes, tangy from vinegar, with deep umami richness from the long, slow cooking process. Unlike store-bought versions that can be expensive and contain preservatives, this homemade version lets you control the ingredients and customize the sweetness and spice levels to your exact preference. The best part? It’s actually quite simple to make, requiring just one pot and straightforward techniques that anyone can master.

This bacon jam recipe works beautifully for countless occasions—holiday gift jars, weekend brunch spreads, elevated burger nights, cheese board centerpieces, cocktail party appetizers, or simply having on hand to make weeknight dinners feel special. It’s naturally gluten-free, can be made less sweet or more savory based on preference, and keeps for weeks in the refrigerator. Best of all, this tomato bacon jam proves that homemade condiments are easier than you think and taste infinitely better than anything you can buy!

History / Background

Tomato bacon jam represents a delicious modern twist on traditional fruit preserves, emerging from the artisanal food movement of the 2000s-2010s when chefs began reimagining classic condiments with savory ingredients. To understand this trendy condiment, we need to explore both the history of jam-making and how bacon became an unexpected star of sweet-savory preserves.

Jam-making itself dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations preserving fruits with honey or sugar to extend their shelf life. Traditional jams were almost exclusively sweet—strawberry, apricot, grape—designed to capture summer’s bounty for winter enjoyment. These preserves were practical necessities before modern refrigeration, allowing families to enjoy fruit flavors year-round.

The innovation of savory “jams” or “confits” emerged more recently from restaurant kitchens in the late 1990s-2000s as chefs experimented with texture and flavor combinations. French onion confit (slowly cooked onions with sugar and vinegar) inspired chefs to apply similar techniques to other savory ingredients. The concept of cooking bacon with sweet elements wasn’t entirely new—bacon and maple syrup is a classic American breakfast combination—but transforming these flavors into a spreadable condiment was innovative.

The specific trend of “bacon jam” exploded in popularity around 2009-2010 when Chef April Bloomfield served a bacon onion jam at her New York restaurant The Breslin, which became a sensation. Food bloggers and home cooks quickly embraced the concept, creating countless variations. The addition of tomatoes to bacon jam likely emerged as home cooks experimented with the base recipe, discovering that tomatoes added acidity, body, and a beautiful color while complementing bacon’s smokiness perfectly.

The recipe gained massive traction on Pinterest and food blogs in the 2010s, fitting perfectly into several food trends: artisanal condiments, bacon everything, sweet-savory combinations, homemade gifts in jars, and elevated comfort food. Tomato bacon jam specifically became popular because tomatoes are affordable, widely available, and create a jam that’s less sweet and more versatile than fruit-only bacon jams.

Today, tomato bacon jam represents how home cooks have embraced restaurant techniques and flavors, creating sophisticated condiments that transform everyday meals into special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tomato bacon jam is about to become your secret weapon for making everything taste better. This easy tomato bacon jam recipe delivers complex, layered flavors that taste like you spent hours perfecting it (you kind of did, but it’s hands-off time!). Whether you’re a condiment lover, bacon enthusiast, or just want to impress guests with minimal effort, you’ll appreciate how this sweet and savory bacon jam elevates everything from simple sandwiches to elegant appetizers.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator:

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes like something from a gourmet shop
• One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
• Long Shelf Life – Keeps 3-4 weeks refrigerated
• Perfect for Gifting – Makes thoughtful homemade presents
• Incredibly Versatile – Works on everything from burgers to brie
• Naturally Gluten-Free – Safe for most dietary restrictions
• Customizable Sweetness – Adjust sugar to your preference
• Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients, gourmet results
• Impressive – Always gets rave reviews from guests
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after a day or two
• Bacon Makes Everything Better – Need we say more?
• Conversation Starter – Everyone wants to know what it is!

Ingredient Notes

Understanding your ingredients helps you make the best tomato bacon jam possible. Let’s break down each component:

Bacon – The star ingredient providing smoky, salty richness. Use 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces. Thick-cut bacon has better texture and doesn’t shrivel too much during long cooking. Regular bacon works but may become very crispy. Choose quality bacon with good meat-to-fat ratio. Turkey bacon can substitute but won’t have the same richness.

Onions – Provide sweetness and body when caramelized. Use 2 large yellow or sweet onions, diced. Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing; sweet onions like Vidalia create even sweeter jam. Red onions add color but are sharper. The onions cook down significantly, creating the jam’s base texture.

Tomatoes – Add acidity, color, and body. Use 4-5 medium tomatoes (about 1½ lbs), diced, or one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes create brighter flavor during summer; canned tomatoes work perfectly year-round and are actually more consistent. Roma tomatoes are less watery; beefsteak tomatoes are juicy and flavorful.

Brown Sugar – Essential for sweetness and caramelization. Use ½-¾ cup packed brown sugar. Brown sugar adds molasses notes that complement bacon’s smokiness. Start with ½ cup and adjust to taste. Maple syrup or honey can partially substitute for different flavor profiles.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity that balances richness. Use ¼ cup apple cider vinegar. The acid brightens flavors and acts as a preservative. Balsamic vinegar creates richer, more complex flavor; red wine vinegar is sharper.

Coffee – Secret ingredient adding depth and complexity. Use ½ cup brewed coffee. Coffee enhances savory notes without tasting coffee-forward. Espresso creates even deeper flavor. Can substitute with beef broth or omit, though coffee makes it special.

Garlic – Adds aromatic savory depth. Use 4 cloves minced fresh garlic. Fresh garlic is essential for bright flavor that mellows during cooking.

Spices – Black pepper, smoked paprika (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional) add complexity and heat. Adjust to preference.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need these simple tools to make perfect tomato bacon jam:

• Large, Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking jam (needs to be deep to prevent splattering)
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping bacon, onions, tomatoes, and garlic
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula – For stirring
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements
• Slotted Spoon – For removing bacon if pre-cooking separately
• Food Processor or Immersion Blender – Optional, for smoother texture if desired
• Glass Jars with Lids – For storing finished jam (mason jars work perfectly)
• Ladle or Large Spoon – For transferring jam to jars

Print

Tips & Variations

Transform your tomato bacon jam to match any preference with these creative variations:

Spicy Bacon Jam: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños with the onions, or increase red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Maple Bacon Jam: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper, more complex sweetness.

Balsamic Bacon Jam: Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for richer, more sophisticated flavor.

Bourbon Bacon Jam: Add 2-3 tablespoons bourbon with the coffee for adult-only version with extra depth.

Less Sweet Version: Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup for more savory jam that lets bacon shine.

Herb Garden Jam: Add 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary for herbal notes.

Smoky Chipotle Jam: Add 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles for smoky heat.

Fig Bacon Jam: Add ½ cup chopped dried figs for fruity sweetness and texture.

Pro Chef Tips

Elevate your tomato bacon jam from good to absolutely perfect with these professional techniques:

Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon maintains better texture during the long cooking process. Regular bacon becomes very crispy and almost disappears. The substantial bacon pieces are part of the jam’s appeal—you want to taste bacon in every bite.

Don’t Skip Caramelizing the Onions: Properly caramelized onions are crucial for developing deep, sweet flavor. Take the full 12-15 minutes to cook them until golden and sweet. Rushing this step results in harsh onion flavor and missed complexity.

Coffee is the Secret Ingredient: Don’t skip it! Coffee adds incredible umami depth and complexity without making the jam taste like coffee. It enhances all the other flavors and creates restaurant-quality richness. Trust the process—this is what makes homemade better than store-bought.

Stir Regularly During Simmering: As the jam reduces and thickens, it can stick to the bottom and burn. Stir every 10 minutes or so, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching. Burned bits will ruin the entire batch.

Cook Until Properly Thick: The jam should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still spreadable. If it’s soupy, keep cooking—the jam continues to thicken as it cools. Better to cook it slightly longer than to have watery jam.

Taste and Adjust Before Finishing: Toward the end of cooking, taste the jam. Does it need more sweetness? Acidity? A pinch of salt? Adjust now while you can still incorporate changes. This is your opportunity to make it perfect.

Let It Rest: Jam tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld. Make it a day ahead if possible, and resist the urge to eat it all immediately while it’s still warm (though no judgment if you do).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sidestep these frequent pitfalls for perfect tomato bacon jam every time:

Not Cooking Long Enough: The most common mistake is under-cooking, resulting in watery jam. The mixture must reduce and thicken considerably—this takes time. Be patient and let it simmer the full 40-50 minutes.

Using Too Much Heat: High heat causes splattering, burning, and uneven cooking. Medium to medium-low heat allows slow, gentle reduction that develops deep flavor without scorching.

Skipping the Coffee: Many people think they can skip the coffee, but it’s essential for depth and complexity. You won’t taste coffee—it enhances everything else. Don’t skip this secret ingredient.

Not Stirring Regularly: As the jam thickens, it can stick and burn on the bottom. Stir every 10 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot, especially during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Adding Too Much Sugar: Start with ½ cup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Bacon and tomatoes both have natural sweetness, so you may not need the full ¾ cup.

Pouring Into Jars While Too Hot: Let the jam cool for 10-15 minutes before jarring. Pouring boiling-hot jam into cold jars can crack them. Plus, the jam is still reducing slightly as it cools.

Storage & Meal Prep

Here’s how to handle storage and prep for tomato bacon jam:

Room Temperature: Once opened, never store at room temperature. The jam contains meat and must be refrigerated for food safety.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in clean, airtight glass jars or containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. The vinegar and sugar act as preservatives. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.

Preventing Mold: Always use a clean, dry utensil when scooping jam. Introducing moisture or food particles can cause mold. Store with a tight-fitting lid.

Meal Prep Strategy: Make a batch on the weekend and keep in the fridge for easy weeknight meals. Use it to elevate simple dinners throughout the week.

Portion Control: If gifting, use small 4-oz jars so recipients can finish them before spoilage becomes a concern.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Plan ahead with these time-saving strategies for tomato bacon jam:

Best Make-Ahead Timeline (1 Week): Tomato bacon jam actually tastes better after sitting 1-2 days as flavors meld and develop. Make it up to a week ahead of when you need it. Store refrigerated in airtight container.

Freezer-Friendly (Up to 3 Months): Bacon jam freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving ½ inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date.

Thawing: Thaw frozen jam in refrigerator overnight. Stir well before using—texture may separate slightly but will come back together. Can gently warm on stovetop if desired.

Individual Portions: Freeze in ice cube trays or small containers for individual portions perfect for single servings.

Gifting Timeline: Make jam 2-3 days before gifting so flavors have time to develop. Package in pretty jars with ribbons and labels including “refrigerate after opening” and use-by date (3-4 weeks from making).

Holiday Prep: Make large batches in November for holiday gifts. Freeze portions and thaw as needed for giving throughout December.

Serving Suggestions

Create memorable meals and complete the tomato bacon jam experience with these serving ideas:

On Burgers and Sandwiches:

• Beef burgers (incredible!)
• Turkey or chicken burgers
• BLT sandwiches
• Grilled cheese (game-changer)
• Breakfast sandwiches with egg
• Pulled pork sandwiches

As Cheese Board Star:

• With brie or camembert
• Paired with sharp cheddar
• Alongside goat cheese
• With blue cheese and crackers
• On crostini or baguette slices

Breakfast and Brunch:

• On toast or English muffins
• With scrambled eggs
• Inside omelets
• On breakfast biscuits
• With avocado toast

Appetizers:

• Bacon jam crostini with goat cheese
• On top of deviled eggs
• With cream cheese and crackers
• As burger slider topping
• Inside phyllo cups with brie

Unexpected Uses:

• Mixed into mac and cheese
• On roasted vegetables
• As pizza topping
• Stirred into baked beans
• On baked potatoes

Beverage Pairings: Tomato bacon jam pairs wonderfully with red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel), craft beer (IPAs, stouts), bourbon cocktails, or sparkling water.

FAQs Section

Q: Can I make this without coffee?
A: Yes, but the coffee adds incredible depth without tasting coffee-forward. If you must omit it, substitute with beef broth or additional apple cider vinegar diluted with water. The jam won’t have quite the same complexity.

Q: Why is my jam too runny?
A: It needs to cook longer. Continue simmering uncovered, stirring regularly, until thick and spreadable. Remember it will thicken more as it cools. If still too thin after cooling, return to pot and simmer longer.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Yes, though the flavor and texture will be different. Turkey bacon is leaner and won’t render as much fat, so you may need to add a tablespoon of oil. The jam will be less rich but still good.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, tomato bacon jam keeps for 3-4 weeks. The vinegar and sugar act as preservatives. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination.

Q: Can I can this for shelf stability?
A: While this recipe wasn’t specifically developed for canning, you can water-bath can it if you follow proper canning procedures and processing times for savory jams. Consult USDA canning guidelines.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
A: Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly! Use one 14.5 oz can with juices. Canned tomatoes are actually more consistent year-round and often taste better than off-season fresh tomatoes.

Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Absolutely! Start with just ¼-½ cup brown sugar for more savory jam. Taste as you cook and add more if desired. The bacon and tomatoes provide some natural sweetness.

Q: Why did my jam burn on the bottom?
A: The heat was too high or you didn’t stir frequently enough. Use medium to medium-low heat and stir every 10 minutes, scraping the bottom, especially as it thickens.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to create absolutely perfect, restaurant-quality tomato bacon jam that will transform everyday meals into something extraordinary! This easy tomato bacon jam recipe proves that homemade condiments are easier than you think and taste infinitely better than anything store-bought. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, tangy tomatoes, and that secret coffee depth creates a condiment that’s truly addictive.

Remember the keys to success: use thick-cut bacon, properly caramelize the onions, don’t skip the coffee, simmer until thick and glossy, stir regularly to prevent burning, and let it rest overnight for best flavor. Master these fundamentals and you’ll create a sweet and savory bacon jam that becomes your signature condiment.

The beauty of this homemade bacon jam recipe lies in its incredible versatility and impressive results. Spread it on burgers and grilled cheese, serve it with brie on your cheese board, give it as thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply keep a jar in your fridge to make weeknight dinners feel special—this tomato bacon jam adapts to any occasion while always delivering that irresistible sweet-savory-smoky flavor that makes people ask, “What IS that amazing stuff?”

Ready to make the condiment that will change everything? Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you’ll always have it ready! Make this tomato bacon jam this weekend and let me know in the comments how you used it. I absolutely love hearing about your cooking adventures and seeing your delicious creations!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your gorgeous jam and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your masterpiece and celebrate with you! Here’s to homemade condiments, bacon magic, and recipes that make ordinary food extraordinary! 🥓🍅