What Is Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is a sweet and savory spread made with bacon, onions, brown sugar, and other tasty ingredients cooked down until it’s thick and jammy. It’s kind of like a bacon-flavored sauce you can use on burgers, sandwiches, or even this meatloaf! Once I tasted my onion bacon jam, I knew I had to make more varieties, from whiskey bacon jam to jalapeño bacon jam to more! So, check out all of my Bacon Jam Recipes to add extra flavor to all kinds of dishes!

Jar of Whiskey Bacon Jam with a Spoon and Surrounded by Crackers.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Meat: Using both ground beef and ground pork makes the meatloaf extra juicy and tender. The beef gives it rich flavor, and the pork adds just the right amount of fat to keep it from drying out. When you mix them together, you get the best of both! You can use all beef or all pork if you want, or even try ground turkey for a lighter version. Just know it might not be quite as juicy, so don’t skip the other tasty ingredients!

Eggs: Beaten eggs help hold the meatloaf together so it doesn’t fall apart when you slice it. They act like glue, keeping all the ingredients mixed in one firm, tasty loaf. Just crack the eggs into a bowl and stir them up with a fork before adding them to the meat mixture!

Breadcrumbs: Look for plain breadcrumbs to use in this meatloaf. Breadcrumbs help soak up the moisture and keep the meatloaf soft and tender instead of dry. They also help everything stick together. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even crushed cornflakes. Just make sure they’re dry and plain so they don’t change the flavor too much!

Onions: Onion adds flavor and a little bit of sweetness to the meatloaf. It also helps keep it moist. If you don’t have a fresh onion, you can use onion powder (about 1 to 2 teaspoons), dried minced onion, or even shallots. Just make sure whatever you use is chopped up small so it mixes in well!

Bacon Jam: The meatloaf is super flavorful on its own, but adding onion bacon jam on top just elevates it to the next level of taste! Seriously, you really can go wrong with some bacon jam!

Close up of Bacon Jam Meatloaf that has been cut into showing inside.

Can I Make Bacon Jam Meatloaf Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make this meatloaf ahead of time! Mix and shape the meatloaf, then cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just bake it as the recipe says, adding a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold. And don’t forget, you can make the bacon jam ahead of time, too! Just keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and warm it up before spreading it on top.

What’s the Secret to Making the Best Meatloaf?

The secret to a juicy, tender meatloaf (and I have made a few!) is using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. This combo adds great flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist. Adding breadcrumbs and beaten eggs helps hold it together, while onions and seasonings give it plenty of flavor. A very important tip is not to overmix the meat! Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf dry or tough. And finally, after baking, let your meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside so every bite is tender and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes To Serve with Bacon Jam Meatloaf

This bacon jam meatloaf is rich and flavorful on its own, so I like pairing it with simple, comforting sides. Here are a few you could try:

Slice of Bacon Jam Meatloaf on a bed of mashed potatoes on a black plate.

How to Store and Reheat Bacon Jam Meatloaf

To keep your bacon jam meatloaf fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat it again, reheat slices in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole meatloaf in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover it with aluminum foil (only in the oven, not in the microwave!) to keep it moist while reheating.

Can I Freeze Bacon Jam Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze bacon jam meatloaf! To freeze, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed all the way through. Freezing and thawing may change the texture slightly, but it still tastes great!