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Best Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger Recipe with Aged Cheddar

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A flavorful and easy-to-make burger featuring juicy beef patties topped with rich bourbon bacon jam and sharp aged cheddar, served on soft brioche buns. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) bourbon
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices aged cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Optional toppings: leafy lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bourbon Bacon Jam: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add finely chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add brown sugar, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
  6. Return the bacon to the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  8. Make the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt (about 1 tsp) and pepper (about ½ tsp).
  9. Gently mix by hand until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into ¾-inch (2 cm) thick patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  10. Cook the Burgers: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (3-4 minutes).
  11. Place patties in skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving.
  12. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
  13. During the last minute, lay a slice of aged cheddar on each patty and cover skillet with lid or foil to melt cheese.
  14. Toast the Buns: Slice brioche buns and toast lightly in a separate pan or under broiler until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  15. Assemble the Burgers: Spoon a generous layer of bourbon bacon jam onto the bottom bun.
  16. Place the cheesy burger patty on top.
  17. Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
  18. Cap with the top bun and press gently.
  19. Serve immediately while cheese is melty and jam is warm.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Make a thumbprint in patties to prevent puffing. Use bacon fat to cook onions for added smoky flavor. Simmer bacon jam low and slow to thicken properly. Cover pan when melting cheese for perfect melt. Rest patties after cooking for juicier burgers. Toast buns last to keep them crisp but not dry. Bacon jam tastes better after resting overnight and reheating gently. Store leftover jam in airtight container in fridge up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon bacon jam, burger recipe, aged cheddar, bacon jam burger, easy burger, bourbon burger, backyard BBQ, comfort food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/best-bourbon-bacon-jam-burger-recipe-with-aged-cheddar-easy-and-delicious/