Pineapple Bacon Onion Jam | Easy Sweet & Savoury Condiment

Make this easy pineapple bacon onion jam with caramelised onions, crispy bacon and fresh pineapple. Perfect for burgers, cheese boards and sandwiches.

Sweet, smoky & savoury

There are condiments that quietly sit on the side of the plate, and then there are those that steal the show. This pineapple bacon onion jam belongs in the second category. It combines crispy bacon, slow-cooked onions and juicy pineapple into a rich, glossy relish that’s equal parts sweet, smoky and tangy. Every spoonful gives you caramelised onions, savoury bacon and bursts of tropical fruit balanced with apple cider vinegar and warm smoked paprika.

Unlike traditional fruit jams, this savoury spread contains very little added sugar. The pineapple naturally sweetens the mixture while the onions develop incredible depth as they slowly caramelise. The result is a versatile condiment that transforms burgers, sandwiches, cheese boards and grilled meats.

Whether you’re making gourmet burgers, assembling a charcuterie board or simply looking for something special to spread over toasted sourdough, this pineapple bacon onion jam is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Bacon Onion Jam

• Rich sweet and savoury flavour with minimal added sugar.
• Easy to prepare in one pan.
• Ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for meal prep.
• Freezes beautifully.
• Pairs with everything from burgers to roasted vegetables.
• Naturally gluten-free (check your bacon and Dijon mustard).

What Is Bacon Onion Jam?

Bacon onion jam is a savoury preserve made by slowly cooking onions until caramelised before combining them with crispy bacon, vinegar and a touch of sweetness. The ingredients reduce together into a thick, glossy condiment with an intensely rich flavour.

Adding fresh pineapple gives this version a tropical twist. The fruit brings natural sweetness, gentle acidity and a bright freshness that cuts through the richness of the bacon. Instead of tasting overly fruity, the pineapple melts into the jam and enhances its complexity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon: Use good-quality streaky bacon with a balance of meat and fat. The rendered bacon fat helps caramelise the onions and creates incredible flavour.
• Onion: Yellow or brown onions work best because they become wonderfully sweet during slow cooking.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple delivers the best flavour and texture. Choose a ripe pineapple with a fragrant aroma.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds savoury depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Just enough to encourage caramelisation and balance the vinegar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity that balances the sweetness while helping preserve the jam during refrigeration.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and rounds out the flavours.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings gentle smokiness that complements the bacon beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This pineapple bacon onion jam tastes delicious with:

• Burgers
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Grilled chicken
• Cheese boards
• Brie or Camembert
• Sharp cheddar
• Cream cheese on toast
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Crostini
• Crackers
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Baked potatoes
• Roast vegetables

Storage Instructions

Allow the jam to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freeze in small airtight containers or freezer-safe jars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

This recipe is not intended for shelf-stable canning, as bacon is a low-acid meat product and requires specialised pressure canning methods that this recipe has not been developed or tested for.

More Condiments You’ll Love

If you enjoy making homemade condiments, try these next:

Pineapple Bacon Onion Jam

Recipe by thecrumbstoriesCourse: Condiment, SpreadCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy

Yield

1

cup

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

This easy Pineapple Bacon Onion Jam combines crispy bacon, caramelised onions and juicy pineapple into a rich sweet-and-savoury condiment.

Ingredients

• 80 g streaky bacon (about 4 strips), diced

• 180 g onion, finely sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 180 g fresh pineapple, finely diced

• 1 1/2 tbsp (20 g) brown sugar

• 3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard, optional

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch chilli flakes, optional

• Salt, only if needed

Directions

• Cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
• Add the finely chopped onions and cook slowly for 12–15 minutes until they become soft, golden and caramelised.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the pineapple, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika and black pepper.
• Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple softens and most of the liquid evaporates.
• Return the bacon to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything becomes thick and glossy.
• Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it to clean jars.

Notes

• Cook the onions slowly. Rushing this step prevents proper caramelisation.
• Avoid adding too much salt until the very end because bacon already contains plenty.
• If the jam becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
• For a smoother texture, pulse the cooled jam a few times in a food processor.

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