They had me at “bacon” and then again at “jam.” When the folks at TBJ Gourmet’s Bacon Jam contacted me, offering to let me try their product and share some recipes using it, I was more than happy to try. I mean, what kind of culinary travel magazine owner would I be if I didn’t make the sacrifice to try something described as a: “Savory-sweet combination of bacon, brown sugar, caramelized onions, apple cider vinegar, and special seasonings that is the perfect companion for everything from tasty party apps to intimate meals.” But you also know you can trust me to never steer you towards anything I haven’t tried and loved myself. I tried. I loved. So here you go! As a bonus, both of the recipes we’re featuring are for vegetable side dishes that will augment many kinds of entrees. 

Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Trim and cut in half 1 lb of Brussels sprouts.

Season with salt and pepper generously.

Roast in olive oil or bacon lard in the oven at 450° for 20 minutes in a cast-iron skillet or on a sheet pan, tossing about halfway through.

Pull from the oven, add 2-3 TBS of Black Pepper Bacon Jam.

Toss to coat and put under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until Bacon Jam begins to caramelize.

Serve topped with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.

NOTE: When I made these, I did the whole thing in a cast-iron skillet because it would go from oven to broiler to table top (on a trivet) which was a fun way to serve them and keep them hot.

Bacon Jam adds savory sweetness and slight caramelization to the Brussels Sprouts.

Bacon Jam Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Wash and halve 3 large sweet potatoes.

Roast flesh side down in coconut oil on a sheet pan in the oven at 375° for 20 minutes.

Pull from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and scoop the flesh out into a bowl, leaving skins intact.

Mash the flesh with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and stir in Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam.

Fill the skins with the mixture, top with mini marshmallows and put back into the oven for 5 minutes or until marshmallows begin to melt.

NOTE: I love the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes so I felt like the marshmallows were a bit too much. I was perfectly happy with the recipe without them. But my kids were all about the marshmallows.

Bacon Jam Sweet Potatoes.

TBJ Gourmet’s Bacon James come in flavors including Sweet Chili, Black Pepper, Honey Habanero, Maple Bourbon, and Balsamic Fig. I received jars from the company to enable me to try out the recipes. I also served it with both warmed and room temperature brie with crackers. I will definitely keep a few jars on hand for last-minute appetizers and additions to recipes. I’m already thinking of the various ways I can add some to recipes I’ve made for years, to jazz them up.

Room temp or warmed up (or even baked “en croute,” Bacon Jam is delicious with Brie.

Hungry for more? Kate’s Real Food Bars have become another staple I keep on hand for when I travel. Find out why, in this product review. Looking for more recipes? We have them, in the Recipe section of the site.

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