Save The first time I made bacon jam, my entire apartment smelled like a maple syrup factory had merged with a smokehouse. My roommate came home, sniffed the air dramatically, and asked if we were having pancakes for dinner. The look on his face when I said 'no, grilled cheese' was absolutely worth the hour of stirring.
I made these for a rainy Sunday dinner with friends last fall. We ended up eating standing up in the kitchen because nobody wanted to wait for the table to be set. The sandwiches were gone in ten minutes, and we spent the rest of the night brainstorming what else we could put bacon jam on.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon, chopped: The thick cut matters here because it holds up better during the long simmer and gives you those meaty bites in the jam
- Medium yellow onion, finely diced: Finely dicing helps the onion disappear into the jam rather than leaving obvious chunks
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic base that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible
- Brown sugar: This creates that caramelized sweetness that balances the salty bacon
- Apple cider vinegar: Just enough acid to cut through all the richness
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the maple syrup
- Maple syrup: The secret ingredient that makes the jam addictive
- Smoked paprika: Reinforces the smoky flavor without adding heat
- Black pepper: A little kick to wake up all the flavors
- Sourdough or country bread: Something sturdy that will not get soggy under all these toppings
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that classic sharp cheese flavor we all love on grilled cheese
- Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully and adds nutty sophistication
- Unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy:
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and browned, about 8 to 10 minutes
- Caramelize the onions:
- Sauté the diced onion in the reserved bacon fat until it is golden and sweet, stirring occasionally
- Add the aromatics:
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant
- Build the jam:
- Return the crispy bacon to the pan, then pour in the brown sugar, both vinegars, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and black pepper
- Simmer to perfection:
- Let everything bubble gently on low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens into a jamlike consistency
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Layer bacon jam and both cheeses on bread slices, then top with another slice
- Butter the bread:
- Spread softened butter generously on the outside of each sandwich
- Grill to golden perfection:
- Cook the sandwiches in a nonstick skillet over mediumlow heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted
- Rest before serving:
- Let the sandwiches sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze out when you slice them
Save My dad tried these and declared them better than any restaurant version he has ever had. He is now requesting them every time he visits, which is basically the highest compliment I can imagine receiving.
Make It Your Own
Once you have the basic bacon jam down, you will start seeing opportunities everywhere. I have stirred it into mac and cheese, used it as a burger topping, and even eaten it straight off a spoon when nobody was watching.
The Bread Matters
Sourdough is my go to because it has a tang that cuts through the richness and a sturdy structure that stands up to all that filling. Country bread works beautifully too. Just avoid anything too soft or thin.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp apple cider is the ideal match because the sweetness and acidity balance all that rich cheese and bacon. A light lager works wonderfully too. Add a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Let the jam come to room temperature before spreading for easier handling
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even browning
- Do not press down on the sandwiches while they cook or you will lose all that cheesy goodness
Save These sandwiches are the definition of comfort food elevated. They are messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the bacon jam?
Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then sauté diced onions until caramelized. Add garlic and cook briefly, then mix in brown sugar, apple cider and balsamic vinegars, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer until thick and jammy before cooling.
- → What cheeses work best for this sandwich?
Sharp cheddar provides a tangy bite while Gruyère adds creaminess and nuttiness, creating a well-rounded melt. Smoked Gouda or Fontina can be used as alternatives.
- → How should the sandwich be cooked?
Butter the outside of the assembled sandwich and cook in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, about 3-4 minutes per side, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the flavors?
Yes, slices of tomato or a handful of arugula can be added before grilling for freshness and a slight peppery note.
- → What drinks pair well with this sandwich?
A crisp apple cider or a light lager complements the smoky and sweet flavors, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon jam.