Tomato Bacon Jam

If you thought all jams need to be sweet and fruity, this tomato bacon jam recipe will make you feel otherwise!

With the natural sweetness from the tomatoes combined with the saltiness and savory flavors from the crispy bacon, it's a perfectly balanced flavor combination and is one of my favorite ways to elevate any recipe. 

Use this savory spread on Parmesan Crackers, serve it over Fried Polenta, or include it with meat and cheese on a Charcuterie Board. You can even use it as a condiment on sandwiches and burgers. The possibilities are endless for how to use this delicious homemade topping.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send the link straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

Email Post URL

Email *

Post Title

Post URL

Send It!

Notes About the Ingredients

• Fresh Tomatoes - I use ripe cherry tomatoes from my garden. However, I've also tested grape tomatoes and Roma tomatoes, and they both taste great. Just note that they're not as sweet as cherry tomatoes and have a meatier texture with less water, which creates a thicker tomato jam. I don't recommend using canned tomatoes for this recipe! 
• Onion - I find that either a yellow onion or a sweet onion is best for this savory jam. Other onions can be used, but they won't provide as much of a sweet flavor and will have more of a bite to them.
• Bacon - Thick-cut, regular, or center-cut bacon can all be used. Just keep in mind that with thick-cut bacon, there will be fewer chunks of bacon distributed throughout the jam. Applewood or hickory smoked flavors are also excellent!

Substitutions and Variations

• Spicy - I like to add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and bacon for a little extra heat. 
• Dry mustard - A teaspoon of ground mustard is a great complement to savory dishes and adds additional flavor and tang. I include it at the same time I add the brown sugar.
• Smoked paprika - I'm a big fan of rich, smoky flavors and often include up to 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika along with the other seasonings when preparing this tomato bacon jam for myself. 
• Balsamic vinegar - I find that just a splash can add more depth of flavor at the very end of cooking.

How to Make Tomato Bacon Jam

Cook -  Add the bacon and onions to a large skillet or medium pot, and cook over medium heat just until the onions are soft and the bacon is crispy and golden brown. 

Combine - Add the remaining ingredients to the pan, stirring to combine. 

Simmer - Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid mixture reduces and thickens and has a jam-like consistency. 

Cool - Remove the jam from the heat, and serve warm. Or, let it cool to room temperature, and store it in the fridge. 

Amanda's Expert Tips

• Make sure to cut the onions and bacon into similar sizes so that they cook evenly.
• As the mixture cooks down, mash the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to help them soften and also combine with the other jam ingredients.
• Don't forget to stir the jam occasionally to prevent burning.
• There's no need to drain the bacon fat before combining the ingredients. It infuses the jam with incredible flavor. 
• For an additional smoky element, this tomato and bacon jam can be made on a grill in a cast-iron skillet or other grill-safe pot.

Storage Suggestions

This tomato bacon jam recipe will keep for 5-7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm up the jam over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until it has been warmed through.

• Ricotta Cannoli Filling - A 4-ingredient recipe that can be used as a dip or dessert filling! 
• Old School Italian Gravy - Slow-simmered meat and tomato sauce far better than anything from the grocery store. 
• Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce - A flavor-packed pasta sauce secretly infused with veggies. 
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce - An Italian-American classic made with everyday ingredients in just 10 minutes.