Jalapeno bacon jam makes everything better with bacon. This version starts with a pound of thick-cut jalapeno bacon slow-cooked with apples, onions, smoked garlic and diced jalapenos, then sweetened and balanced with brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. The result is a rich, savory jam with a touch of sweet heat that works beautifully as an appetizer, a topping for cheese and crackers, a condiment for hot dogs and burgers, or a decadent addition to scrambled eggs or toast. It’s the kind of spread that you’ll find yourself tasting straight from a spoon.
We picked up thick-sliced jalapeno bacon from a local butcher and decided to turn it into a jam perfect for topping burgers. If you prefer big, chunky bites in your jam, keep the pieces coarsely chopped; if you want a smoother spread, chop finer or pulse briefly in a food processor.
Backyard BBQ — A Wood Pellet Grill Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients — Jalapeno Bacon Jam
- 1 lb. thick-cut bacon (jalapeno bacon if available), cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 large sweet onion, roughly chopped
- 1 — 7 oz. can diced jalapenos (drained)
- 1 large apple, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp smoked minced garlic (or fresh garlic to taste)
- 2 tbsp coarse black pepper or to taste
Cooking Directions — Jalapeno Bacon Jam
1. Cut the bacon, apple and onion and set aside.
2. Place the bacon in a skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add the onions and apples to the skillet and sauté in the bacon drippings, stirring often, until they begin to caramelize, about 10–15 minutes.
4. Stir in smoked garlic, diced jalapenos, black pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and the cooked bacon.
5. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens to your liking, about 10–15 minutes more.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Adjust texture by chopping finer if you prefer a spreadable jam, or keep larger pieces for a chunkier topping.
Serving suggestions: Spoon over burgers, serve with cheese and crackers, spread on toast or bagels, or add to eggs for a savory-sweet kick.
About Our Recipes
We prepare recipes on our patio, where we keep a variety of grills and smokers. Our methods suit pellet grills, gas, wood, and charcoal, and many recipes can be adapted to an oven or slow cooker if needed. The key to great results is managing time and temperature—those factors determine texture and flavor more than the specific grill you use.
Recipes are guidelines, not rules. Adjust seasonings, chop size and sweetness to match your taste. Try this jam with different breads, cheeses or proteins and make it your own.
Live your passion and do what you love,
Ken & Patti
