Brown Sugar Tomato Bacon Jam (Print)

Crispy toasts crowned with a rich caramelized tomato bacon blend and fresh herbs.

# Ingredients:

→ Tomato Bacon Jam

01 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Toasts

12 - 1 small baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices (approximately 8 pieces)
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or basil, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
02 - Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet. Add finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add halved cherry tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring mixture to a simmer.
05 - Return cooked bacon to the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
06 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
07 - Spoon a generous amount of warm tomato bacon jam onto each toasted baguette slice. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or basil.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • You get to slyly reveal to guests that you made the jam from scratch—always a showstopper.
  • Every bite strikes a perfect balance between salty bacon, sweet tomatoes, and herby freshness, which guarantees the plate empties fast.
02 -
  • If you don’t simmer the jam long enough, it stays watery and runs off the toast—you really do need to wait for it to get thick.
  • Chopping the onion too coarse means you’ll end up with uneven bites; finer chopping gives a silkier jam.
03 -
  • Let the finished jam rest off heat for a couple minutes—this helps it set up to the perfect consistency for spreading.
  • Don’t skip the fresh herbs at the end; their pop of color and lift makes every toast taste restaurant-worthy.
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