If you've never made homemade bacon jam, you're in for a treat. This easy stovetop recipe combines crispy bacon, sweet onions, fresh jalapeños, brown sugar, and tangy apple cider vinegar into a rich, savory spread that's packed with incredible flavor.

Sweet, Smoky & Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Jam | Heath Riles BBQ

The secret ingredient is Heath Riles BBQ Maple Honey Habanero Glaze, which brings sweet maple flavor with just the right amount of habanero heat. The result is a sweet-and-spicy bacon jam that's perfect for topping burgers, spreading over smoked cream cheese, layering onto sandwiches, or adding to just about anything that could use a boost of bold flavor.

Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or simply looking for a condiment that will impress your family and friends, this Jalapeño Bacon Jam is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bacon jam sounds fancy, but it's surprisingly simple to make. Everything cooks in one skillet, uses everyday ingredients, and comes together in well under an hour.

The combination of smoky bacon, sweet onions, fresh peppers, brown sugar, and Maple Honey Habanero Glaze creates layers of flavor that work on everything from burgers to appetizers. Plus, it stores well in the refrigerator, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

The Ingredients

• Thick-Cut Bacon The star of the recipe. Thick-cut bacon creates hearty bites and renders plenty of flavorful bacon fat for cooking the vegetables.
• Sweet Onion Sweet onions soften beautifully in the bacon grease and add natural sweetness that balances the smoky bacon.
• Fresh Jalapeño One deseeded jalapeño brings fresh pepper flavor with just enough heat to complement the sweetness without overpowering it.
• Garlic Fresh minced garlic builds another savory layer of flavor that ties everything together.
• Black Pepper Fresh ground black pepper enhances the bacon while adding subtle warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes Just a small amount adds another touch of heat for the perfect sweet-and-spicy balance.
• Apple Cider Vinegar The vinegar cuts through the richness of the bacon while balancing the sweetness from the brown sugar and glaze.
• Heath Riles BBQ Maple Honey Habanero Glaze This award-winning glaze delivers rich maple sweetness with a subtle habanero kick, creating the signature flavor that makes this bacon jam stand out.
• Brown Sugar Brown sugar thickens the mixture into a rich, jam-like consistency while adding deep caramel flavor.

The Process

Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon becomes crispy and has rendered its fat.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Carefully drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons in the skillet.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced sweet onion and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Build the Flavor

Season with the black pepper and red pepper flakes.

Pour in the apple cider vinegar, Heath Riles BBQ Maple Honey Habanero Glaze, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.

Simmer Until Thickened

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and reduce the heat to low.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Be careful not to cook away all of the liquid. Leaving just a few teaspoons behind helps keep the bacon jam soft and spreadable after it cools.

The Results

The finished bacon jam is rich, sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for another bite. The onions become tender, the bacon stays pleasantly chewy, and the glaze creates a glossy finish that coats every spoonful.

Serve it warm over smoked cream cheese for an easy appetizer, pile it onto burgers, spread it on sandwiches, or even enjoy it with breakfast. Once you make your first batch, you'll find yourself looking for excuses to put it on everything.

Perfect Pairings

• Old School Butcher Shop Burger Heath says burgers are his favorite way to enjoy this bacon jam. Spoon it over a juicy cheeseburger for the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin The sweet-and-spicy flavors pair beautifully with smoked pork tenderloin, creating an easy way to elevate an already impressive meal.
• Crack Smash Burgers Add a spoonful of warm bacon jam to these crispy smash burgers for an unforgettable burger night.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the bacon jam to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. As it chills, the jam will naturally thicken, but warming it slightly brings it back to the perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an easy recipe that instantly upgrades burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and more, this Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Jam belongs in your recipe collection. It's simple enough for a weeknight cook and impressive enough to serve at your next backyard gathering.

Once you try it on a cheeseburger, you'll understand why Heath keeps coming back to this recipe.

Equipment & Tools

Large Skillet, Cutting Board, Heath Riles BBQ Chef Knife, Measuring Cups, Silicone Spatula