Keto Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam: A Sweet & Savory Low-Carb Spread You’ll Want on Everything

If you’re into keto and haven’t tried bacon jam yet, you’re missing out. This Keto Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam is smoky, sweet, and a little boozy, making it perfect for just about anything—burgers, cheese boards, eggs, or even straight off the spoon.

And the best part? It’s low-carb, sugar-free, and still packed with deep, rich flavors. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps—just real food that tastes amazing.

Let’s get into it.

Why This Bacon Jam Is Different

Most bacon jams use brown sugar or maple syrup, which is a no-go for keto. This version swaps them for sugar-free maple syrup and a little bourbon to keep that classic taste without the sugar spike.

Instead of using a long list of ingredients, this recipe sticks to the basics: bacon, onion, garlic, sugar-free syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and a little spice. That’s it. But when these come together, it’s next-level good.

And don’t worry—the alcohol cooks out, leaving behind only that deep, caramel-like bourbon flavor. If you prefer, you can skip the bourbon, and it’ll still turn out delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything here is easy to find, and you probably already have most of it.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup (like Lakanto or ChocZero)
• ¼ cup bourbon (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• Red pepper flakes – for a little heat
• A few drops of liquid smoke – for extra smokiness
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce – if you want a richer umami flavor

How to Make Keto Bacon Jam

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. You want it crispy, but not burnt. This takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once it’s done, remove the bacon and drain most of the grease, leaving behind about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and golden. This should take around 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and stir for another minute, just until it gets fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pan with Bourbon

Pour in the bourbon (if using). The pan might sizzle—that’s good! Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the alcohol starts to cook off.

4. Add the Maple Syrup and Spices

Now, stir in the sugar-free maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce, now’s the time.

Let this cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Bacon Back In

Toss the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should start to thicken and turn jammy.

If it looks too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too runny, let it cook longer.

6. Blend (Optional)

For a smoother jam, pulse it a few times in a food processor or use an immersion blender. If you like it chunky, leave it as is.

7. Store It

Let the jam cool, then transfer it to a jar and store it in the fridge. It thickens up as it chills.

It lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge, but let’s be honest—it won’t last that long.

How to Use Keto Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam

This stuff is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast Ideas:

• Spread it over a keto chaffle
• Top it on scrambled eggs
• Mix it into cream cheese for a quick dip

Lunch & Dinner:

• Slather it on a bunless burger
• Spread it on a keto sandwich wrap
• Serve with grilled chicken or pork chops

Snacks & Appetizers:

• Add it to a cheese board
• Spread over low-carb crackers
• Use as a dip with celery sticks

Tips for the Best Bacon Jam

• Use quality bacon. Thick-cut is best, but any good bacon works.
• Don’t skip the vinegar. It balances the sweetness and richness.
• Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
• Let it cool before storing. It thickens as it chills.

Can You Make It Without Bourbon?

Yes! Just swap the bourbon for:

• More apple cider vinegar
• A splash of beef broth
• A little brewed coffee for depth

It won’t have the same flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.

How Many Carbs Per Serving?

This bacon jam has about 1g net carb per tablespoon, depending on the brand of sugar-free maple syrup used. Always check labels to be sure.

Make It Spicier, Smokier, or Sweeter

Want to tweak it? Here’s how:

• More heat: Add cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
• More smoke: A drop of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.
• Sweeter taste: Increase the sugar-free maple syrup slightly.

Conclusion

This Keto Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. The smoky, salty, sweet combo is addicting, and it fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.

Once you try it, you’ll be finding excuses to add it to everything.

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