Beef Bacon & Onion Spread

Simple ingredients meld together to create this addictive savoury spread. Spread on your favourite burgers, grilled cheese or brie topped crostini to liven them up and add fantastic flavour.

Prep Time10 minsCook Time3 hrs 30 minsTotal Time3 hrs 40 mins
 1 ½ lbs (750 g) sliced Ontario beef bacon, chopped
 2 onions, diced
 3 shallots, diced
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 ½ cup (125 mL) apple cider vinegar
 ¼ cup (60 mL) maple syrup
 2 tbsp (30 mL) packed brown sugar
 1 tsp (5 mL) freshly ground pepper
 ¼ cup (60 mL) bourbon or whisky
 ½ cup (125 mL) water
Steps:
1

Heat large skillet set over medium heat. Add half the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and crisp, draining excess fat as needed. Reserve. Repeat with remaining bacon and reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) fat. Set bacon aside.

2

Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Heat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add onions, shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

3

Add vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar and pepper to pan. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.

4

Transfer mixture to slow cooker along with bourbon and water. Cook uncovered, on high, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 hours, or until mixture is syrupy.

5

Transfer half the mixture to a food processor; pulse until smooth. Fold in remaining half. Cool. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Notes:
6

Makes 2 ½ cups

Use regular bacon in place of the beef bacon, if preferred.

Category

Ingredients

 1 ½ lbs (750 g) sliced Ontario beef bacon, chopped
 2 onions, diced
 3 shallots, diced
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 ½ cup (125 mL) apple cider vinegar
 ¼ cup (60 mL) maple syrup
 2 tbsp (30 mL) packed brown sugar
 1 tsp (5 mL) freshly ground pepper
 ¼ cup (60 mL) bourbon or whisky
 ½ cup (125 mL) water

Directions

Steps:
1

Heat large skillet set over medium heat. Add half the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and crisp, draining excess fat as needed. Reserve. Repeat with remaining bacon and reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) fat. Set bacon aside.

2

Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Heat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add onions, shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

3

Add vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar and pepper to pan. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.

4

Transfer mixture to slow cooker along with bourbon and water. Cook uncovered, on high, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 hours, or until mixture is syrupy.

5

Transfer half the mixture to a food processor; pulse until smooth. Fold in remaining half. Cool. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Notes:
6

Makes 2 ½ cups

Use regular bacon in place of the beef bacon, if preferred.

Beef Bacon & Onion Spread