Bacon Jam

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published October 18, 2021 • Updated January 31, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Bacon Jam is the perfect condiment for burgers, steak, eggs, and just about every other dish. Sugar free maple syrup and smoky paprika give it a sweet-salty flavor without the carbs!

Onion bacon jam recipe

a burger with bacon jam on it

Bacon is a staple in our house – high in fat and protein with barely any carbs.

I know – bacon jam sounds weird the first time you hear it. But trust me, this combination makes the perfect condiment for burgers, hot dogs or slathered on keto bread.

You probably already have everything you need. Cook the ingredients in a skillet, toss it all in a food processor, and pulse until it looks like a chunky jam or relish. That’s it.

Some recipes use balsamic vinegar or brown sugar for sweetness, but I keep it low carb with sugar free maple syrup and smoked paprika.

It takes about an hour start to finish, but you get 8 servings out of one batch – plenty for the whole family. The hardest part is waiting for it to thicken up!

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Bacon Jam

5 (4) Prep 10m Cook 65m Total 75m 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 14 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 white onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar free maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Cook the bacon

Over medium – high heat, cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove cooked bacon from skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined dish to set aside. Leave remaining bacon grease in the skillet.

crispy bacon cooking in a skillet
2
Caramelize onions and garlic

Lower heat to medium and add onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).

sautéing sliced onions in a skillet
3
Add flavor

Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Add apple cider vinegar, sugar free maple syrup, smoked paprika and black pepper. Lower heat to low. Cook for another 30-60 minutes or until mixture is thickened.

a wooden spoon holding bacon and onion mixture
4
Puree

Once mixture has thickened, remove from the skillet and transfer bacon mixture and bacon fat to a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until a thick jam texture forms.

holding a spoon of bacon jam over a food processor
Nutrition Per Serving
97 Calories
7.1g Fat
4.7g Protein
1.8g Net Carbs
2.3g Total Carbs
8 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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a jar of bacon jam with a spoon in it

Sugar free condiment

Most store bought condiments are loaded with sugar, which is why I started making my own. This homemade version skips the junk and actually tastes better than anything from a jar.

The texture comes out thick but still spreadable – perfect as a topping, a dip, or straight off a spoon (no judgment). Try it on burgers, steak, or warm keto rolls.

The sweet-salty combo is incredible on morning eggs or chicken sliders! Add it to charcuterie boards for something unexpected, or jar it up as a hostess gift. I’ve brought this to potlucks and people always ask for the recipe.

Fair warning – once you make this, you’ll want it on everything. The smell while it’s cooking is unreal. My family starts hovering around the kitchen about halfway through.

Sugar free maple syrup is the key here – it gives that traditional sweetness way better than plain sweetener would. The paprika and pepper bring the smoky depth that ties it all together.

looking into a jar of candied bacon jam

Storage

This onion bacon jam can be made in large batches and used over a few weeks. Store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2-4 weeks. It also freezes well if you want to stash some for later.

Bacon Jam

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular maple syrup instead of sugar-free maple syrup?

Yes, but it will add sugar and carbs. For keto, stick with sugar-free maple syrup.

How long can I store Bacon Jam in the fridge?

Store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2-4 weeks. Let it cool completely before sealing.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar both work. Balsamic will give it a slightly sweeter flavor.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon for this recipe?

Smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon would work, but the flavor will be noticeably different. The real bacon fat is what gives this its richness.

What dishes pair well with Bacon Jam?

Burgers, steak, and eggs are our go-to. It's also great spread on low carb crackers or toast as an appetizer.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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  1. O
    Olivia May 21, 2025

    Do you think this jam can be stored in the fridge and for how long?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie May 28, 2025

      Yep! You can store this jam in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for about 2 to 4 weeks. It also freezes really well, so if you want to stash some for later, just pop it in the freezer and thaw whenever that craving hits.

  2. C
    Cheryl Jan 11, 2022

    I once had a bacon jam burger at Cracker Barrel it was divine to say the least. Do you think I could use brown sugar Swerve as a substitute for the sugar-free maple syrup?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Jan 11, 2022

      Yes, that would work as a substitution!

  3. S
    Sam Shell Jan 6, 2022

    Put it on sloppy joes! You won't regret it.

  4. S
    Sammy Collard Jan 5, 2022

    This is my first time with bacon jam and it is a treat!

  5. T
    Tim Hauser Dec 5, 2021

    Wow - lovely flavor that I am now putting on everything, even tried steak!

  6. S
    Sue Nov 1, 2021

    Hi, just wondering how many grams of bacon as slices could be different sizes.

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Nov 9, 2021

      It's about 120 grams of bacon

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