Are you looking for a unique and flavorful condiment to elevate your next meal? Look no further! This bacon onion marmalade recipe is a sweet and savory masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect as a topping for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or even roasted chicken, this homemade delicacy is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It's a delicious dish that showcases the best of homemade cooking, offering a quick dinner idea or a flavorful addition to any meal. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Set the bacon aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
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Sauté the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. This is where patience pays off – the longer you cook the onions, the sweeter and more flavorful the marmalade will be.
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Simmer the Marmalade: Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the marmalade has thickened slightly and the liquid has reduced.
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Combine and Cool: Stir in the crispy bacon. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the marmalade cool completely. The marmalade will continue to thicken as it cools.
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Store and Enjoy: Transfer the bacon onion marmalade to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This recipe makes a wonderful gift, too!
Tips for the Best Bacon Onion Marmalade:
- Don't rush the onions: The key to amazing onion marmalade is slow cooking. Low and slow is the way to go for perfectly caramelized onions.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marmalade, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup. Conversely, add more if you like it sweeter.
- Get creative with spices: Experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Bacon Onion Marmalade: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Apple Bacon Onion Marmalade: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples along with the onions for a fruity twist.
- Bourbon Bacon Onion Marmalade: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon along with the vinegar for a sophisticated flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This bacon onion marmalade recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It's incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!