Savory Maple Bacon Confit
This delectable Slow Cooker Bacon Jam is a gourmet delight that transforms ordinary bacon into an extraordinary spread. Originating from Martha Stewart's kitchen, this savory and sweet confit is perfect for elevating your meals. Picture it spread over juicy hamburgers, paired with artisanal cheeses and crackers, or served alongside freshly baked biscuits. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it an ideal gift when jarred and adorned with a ribbon. With its rich, smoky flavor balanced by hints of maple and coffee, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sliced bacon
1 1/2 lbs (Cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces)
Yellow onions
2 medium (Diced small)
Garlic cloves
3 (Smashed and peeled)
Cider vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (None)
Brewed coffee
3/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the sliced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the fat is rendered and the bacon turns crispy and lightly browned, approximately 20 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
3
Carefully pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. Add the diced onions and smashed garlic cloves, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, around 6 minutes.
4
Pour in the cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and brewed coffee. Stir well, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil for about 2 minutes.
5
Incorporate the drained bacon back into the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
6
Pour the entire mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Set the cooker to high, leaving it uncovered, and allow it to cook until the liquid falls to a syrupy consistency, about 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
7
Once done, transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, achieving your desired texture.
8
Allow the confit to cool completely before refrigerating it in airtight containers. It can be stored for up to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Maple Bacon Confit?
Savory Maple Bacon Confit, also known as Slow Cooker Bacon Jam, is a gourmet spread made from rendered bacon, onions, garlic, coffee, and maple syrup, creating a complex sweet and savory flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook the bacon in the skillet?
The bacon should be cooked over medium-high heat for approximately 20 minutes until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy and lightly browned.
What should I do with the bacon fat after cooking?
You should drain the bacon on paper towels and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the skillet to sauté the vegetables.
What type of onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two medium yellow onions, diced small.
How should the garlic be prepared for the confit?
You should use 3 garlic cloves that have been smashed and peeled.
What kind of vinegar is best for bacon jam?
This recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of cider vinegar for its acidity and flavor.
Is dark brown sugar necessary?
Yes, 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar is used to provide a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the bacon.
Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup for the best gourmet flavor results.
Why is brewed coffee added to the recipe?
3/4 cup of brewed coffee is added to provide depth and a rich, smoky undertone that balances the sweetness of the sugar and syrup.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
The onions and garlic should be sautéed for about 6 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Do I need to boil the liquid mixture before slow cooking?
Yes, after adding the vinegar, sugar, syrup, and coffee, you should bring the mixture to a boil for about 2 minutes while scraping up browned bits.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this amount of ingredients.
What temperature setting is used on the slow cooker?
The slow cooker should be set to the High setting.
Should I cover the slow cooker while the bacon jam cooks?
No, you should leave the slow cooker uncovered so the liquid can evaporate and thicken.
How long does the mixture cook in the slow cooker?
It takes approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours for the liquid to reach a syrupy consistency.
How do I get the spreadable texture of bacon jam?
Transfer the finished mixture to a food processor and pulse it until it is coarsely chopped to your desired texture.
How long can I store Savory Maple Bacon Confit?
When kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator, it can be stored for up to 4 weeks.
Can I eat the bacon jam immediately after cooking?
The instructions recommend allowing the confit to cool completely before refrigerating or serving.
What are some serving suggestions for bacon jam?
It is excellent on hamburgers, paired with artisanal cheeses and crackers, or served with freshly baked biscuits.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
This specific recipe originated from Martha Stewart's kitchen.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 pounds of sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gifts?
Yes, it makes an ideal gift when placed in a jar and adorned with a ribbon due to its gourmet nature and long shelf life.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: bacon, onions, garlic, cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and brewed coffee.
Do I need to mince the garlic?
No, the garlic should only be smashed and peeled, as it will be broken down during the slow cooking and processing stages.
What should the final consistency of the liquid be in the slow cooker?
The liquid should cook down until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Can I use a food processor for the whole process?
No, the food processor is only used at the very end to chop the cooked mixture into a spreadable consistency.
Does this recipe contain fiber or protein information?
Nutritional values like protein, fiber, and calories are not specified for this particular recipe.
What is the best way to chop the bacon before cooking?
The bacon should be cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces before it is added to the skillet.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While dark brown sugar is recommended for its depth, you could use light brown sugar, though the flavor profile may be slightly less rich.
What should I use to scrape the skillet?
A wooden spoon is recommended to scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the skillet to incorporate that flavor into the sauce.