Copycat Dunkin’ Bacon Jam Recipe

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Dunkin’ Bacon Jam has quickly become one of my favorite menu items, adding a mouthwatering touch of sweet and savory magic to every bite.

How to make Dunkin’ Bacon Jam

Dunkin’ Bacon Jam is a sweet-and-savory bacon spread used in some of Dunkin’s seasonal menu items. It’s made by slow-cooking chopped bacon with sugar, syrup, and sometimes onions or vinegar until it becomes a sticky, jam-like relish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the delicious Dunkin’ Bacon Jam:

• 1 pound of bacon (thick-cut bacon works best for flavor and texture)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup for extra sweetness
• ½ cup brewed coffee (optional, but it adds depth of flavor)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (to balance the sweetness with tanginess)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon honey (for subtle sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own bacon jam:

Step 1: Chop the bacon into small bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch chunks) for easier cooking. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the fat. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan and discard the rest.

Step 3: In the same skillet (with the reserved bacon grease), add the diced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and begin to caramelize. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the brown sugar (or maple syrup), brewed coffee, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, honey, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should gradually thicken into a jam-like texture.

Step 5: If you prefer a smoother consistency, transfer the cooked mixture to a food processor. Pulse it just a few times until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, for a chunkier jam, you can skip this step.

Step 6: Once the bacon jam has cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight jar or container. It can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Bacon Jam

• Use Quality Bacon: Since bacon is the star of the Dunkin’ Bacon Jam recipe, go for a premium, thick-cut bacon to maximize flavor and texture.
• Get Creative with Flavors: While coffee and smoked paprika elevate this Dunkin’ Bacon Jam recipe, you can experiment with other ingredients, such as whiskey, chili flakes, or even a splash of soy sauce for a twist.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet jam, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Consistency is Key: If the jam feels too thick as it cools, add a tiny splash of water and stir until it loosens up.
• Serving Suggestions: Spread your bacon jam over crostini, burgers, breakfast sandwiches, or even mix it into scrambled eggs for a decadent upgrade.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re excited to try making bacon jam at home but don’t have all the ingredients on hand, no need to worry. Many ingredients in this recipe can be easily substituted to fit your pantry or dietary preferences.

1. Bacon Substitutes

The bacon is the centerpiece of this jam, providing smoky, salty richness. Here’s what you can use as a substitute depending on your needs:

• Turkey Bacon: For a healthier or non-pork option, turkey bacon works well. It’s less fatty, so consider adding a bit of butter or olive oil to replicate the richness.
• Vegan/Plant-Based Bacon: If you’re making a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based bacon products, such as tempeh bacon or coconut bacon. You might need to add more oil since these substitutes are less fatty than traditional bacon.
• Smoked Ham or Pancetta: If you have ham or pancetta, they can be chopped into small pieces and used as substitutes for a similar flavour and texture.

2. Onion Substitutes

Onion adds depth and sweetness to bacon jam:

• Red Onion: Sweeter and milder than yellow onion, red onion is a great choice.
• Shallots: Shallots offer a mild, delicate onion flavor and are excellent if you want a smoother, less overpowering taste.
• Leeks or Green Onions: These are milder alternatives that still provide a sweet, onion-like flavor.

3. Garlic Substitutes

Garlic brings an aromatic, slightly spicy kick to the jam:

• Garlic Powder or Granulated Garlic: Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. Add it later in the cooking process to avoid burning.
• Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic provides a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Shallots: If you’re already using shallots, they can double as a garlic substitute, though the punchiness may be reduced.

4. Sweetener Substitutes

The sweetness in bacon jam balances its smoky and salty flavors. Here’s what you can use instead of brown sugar or maple syrup:

• White Granulated Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, plain white sugar will work. Add a splash of molasses if you want to replicate the rich, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar.
• Honey: Honey adds floral notes and is a natural sweetener. Use it sparingly since it’s sweeter than sugar.
• Agave Nectar: Agave is another natural sweetener that works well as a substitute for both brown sugar and maple syrup.
• Coconut Sugar: For a low-glycemic option, coconut sugar is a great substitute and still has a caramel-like flavor.
• Molasses: If you want deep, complex sweetness, a small amount of molasses can do the trick.

5. Coffee Substitutes

Coffee is optional in the recipe, but it contributes depth and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness:

• Strong Black Tea: Brew a strong black tea as an alternative to coffee. It won’t have the same flavor but will provide a touch of complexity.
• Beef or Vegetable Broth: Use broth if you want more savory notes instead of the bitterness that coffee provides.
• Water with Worcestershire Sauce: Mixing a small amount of Worcestershire sauce with water can mimic coffee’s bitter and savory undertones.

6. Vinegar Substitutes

Vinegar adds tanginess to cut through the richness of the jam. There are several substitutes for balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar:

• Red Wine Vinegar: A great substitute for balsamic, red wine vinegar has a tangy, slightly fruity flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: This mild, slightly sweet vinegar works well as a replacement for apple cider vinegar.
• White Vinegar with Sugar: Mix white vinegar with a small amount of sugar to mimic the sweetness in balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: For a non-vinegar option, citrus juice can provide tanginess.

7. Smoked Paprika Substitutes

Smoked paprika adds smokiness and mild spice to the bacon jam. If you can’t find it, try these:

• Regular Paprika: While it doesn’t have the smoky flavor, it still adds color and a mild peppery taste.
• Chipotle Powder: A great option if you want both smokiness and heat.
• Liquid Smoke: Add 1–2 drops for a smoky flavor without using paprika.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you like heat, cayenne will add a nice kick (though it won’t be smoky).

8. Water Substitutes

Water is used to thin the mixture as it cooks, but you can use other liquids for added flavor:

• Broth (Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable): These add extra savory depth to the recipe.
• Beer: Adds a malty, rich flavour that pairs well with bacon.
• Wine: Red or white wine can bring a more sophisticated depth to the jam.

Final thoughts

Homemade Dunkin’ Bacon Jam is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Wicked Refresher Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Wicked Matcha Recipe