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Cranberry Bacon Jam

Cranberry Bacon Jam

What happens when cranberries meet bacon? Magic. This Cranberry Bacon Jam from Chef Stephen Coe leans into bold contrasts—sweet and smoky, tart and rich—resulting in a spoonable condiment that elevates everything from breakfast toast to holiday grazing boards.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1 small, sweet onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, your call)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee or stout beer (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Notes

Directions:
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
Add onion and cook 5 to 7 minutes, until translucent and caramelized. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Pour in coffee or stout to scrape up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom.
Stir in cranberries, brown sugar, maple syrup, both vinegars, paprika, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the bacon back in and lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy. If it gets too thick, splash in a little water or coffee.
Taste and adjust salt/vinegar/sweetness balance. Cool, then store in jars—up to 3 weeks refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
Yield: About 2 cups.
Servings:
- 8 to 10 servings as a spread or condiment (about 3 to 4 tablespoons each)
- 6 servings if people are really piling it on!
- 2+ servings if it’s part of a larger grazing board
Chef Stephen Coe transforms tart cranberries into sweet, magical creations—balancing bright acidity with bold flavors, caramelized textures, and inventive twists that elevate seasonal simplicity into unforgettable culinary artistry.