Show-Stopping Ultimate Bacon Jam Burger That Impresses Every Time

The bacon jam burger is one of my favorite dishes to make at home. But once I tried it, the combination was next level—juicy beef patty, melty gouda cheese, and sweet, savory bacon jam made my mouth water.

I love how the juicy burger pairs with crisp bacon slices, creating a true masterpiece I can proudly share with friends. Living among cornfields and cattle, this burger brings my worlds together in every bite.

Whether it’s a cozy winter BBQ or a summer evening with friends, this recipe always brings everyone together. The warm bacon jam perfectly complements the juicy beef patty, creating a harmony of flavors that is truly unforgettable. If you love a good burger, try this recipe—you won’t be disappointed!

What is Bacon jam?

Bacon jam is a spreadable condiment made from bacon, onions, sugar, and other savory ingredients. This sweet and salty jam elevates the classic bacon burger by adding a unique flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a juicy beef patty.

Many restaurants have been serving bacon burgers with bacon jam for years. This delicious jam is also great on toasts or bagels, providing a delightful contrast to meaty flavors and enhancing any meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Jam Burgers

1. Hamburger Buns: I love a good brioche bun, but you can find any bun that suits your taste.
2. Beef: Use lean ground beef to make delicious burger patties.
3. Cheese: My favorite is gouda, but cheddar cheese also works excellently on these burgers.
4. Bacon: Regular or thick sliced bacon adds that crispy goodness.
5. Onion: I recommend yellow onions since they caramelize beautifully, but white or red can also work.
6. Minced Garlic: A little minced garlic enhances the flavor of your bacon jam.
7. Brown Sugar: For sweetness, use two tablespoons of brown sugar; maple syrup can also be added for extra flavor.
8. Vinegar: I prefer Apple cider vinegar, but balsamic vinegar also works in the recipe.
9. Salt: Remember to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
10. Best Ground Beef for Burgers: Use freshly ground chuck for the absolute best meat. Mixing ground brisket or ribeye can add different flavors, and even ground pork or sausage can be delicious for specialty burgers.

How to Make Bacon Jam?

To make bacon jam:

1. Start by dicing half a cup of yellow onion and half a pound of bacon.
2. In a large cast iron skillet, sauté the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s crispy.
3. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, keeping a few tablespoons in the skillet.

Next, add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft. Stir in some minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. Then, add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

This simmering time makes the bacon jam thick and spreadable, making it a perfect sweet and salty addition to your burgers. The mouth-watering flavor truly elevates your burger experience. Enjoy this delicious combination that holds everything together!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Burgers

1. Start with high-quality beef that has a high-fat content for juicy burgers.
2. Keep the seasoning simple; avoid too many fillers and let the meat.
3. Use a light touch when forming patties to prevent overworking the meat.
4. Form patties slightly larger than your brioche bun to account for shrinkage during cooking.
5. Use ground beef with a ratio of 80% lean to 20% fat for the juiciest results.
6. Season patties with salt, black pepper, and some garlic powder.
7. Cook the patties on a hot grill or in a large skillet until they reach medium doneness (about 150°F).
8. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to perfection.
9. Add a slice or two of cheddar cheese to melt during cooking.
10. Remember to toast the brioche bun for extra flavor.

You can enjoy your bacon in two ways: either make yummy bacon jam or cook bacon slices to top the burger later.

Burger Making Technique

To make the perfect burgers:

1. Start with at least ¼ pounds of ground beef for each patty, weighing ¼ to ⅓ pounds for uniformity.
2. Season the ice-cold beef with S&P and quickly form the patties by pressing firmly, similar to making a snowball.
3. Use your index finger to create a small divot in the center of each burger to help prevent puffing up while grilling. This ensures a delicious Bacon Jam Burger that you can customize with your favorite toppings, such as tomato, lettuce, and, of course, bacon jam.

Assembling your bacon jam burgers

To assemble your bacon jam burger:

1. Start by spreading a creamy layer of mayo on the toasted bottom bun.
2. Add a piece of fresh lettuce for a bit of crunch.
3. Place the cooked beef patty, sizzling hot, and top it with a slice of melted cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon a generous amount of warm bacon jam on the patty to let its sweet and savory depth of flavor shine.

Add a slice of crisp bacon, followed by the top bun. Don’t overload with extra toppings—let the bacon jam and melted cheese balance the juicy burger perfectly. The result? A burger bursts with texture, richness, and a refreshing contrast from the fresh greens and creamy mayo. It’s a meaty flavor explosion you must try!

How to Enjoy Bacon Jam?

Bacon jam is the perfect spread for leftover burgers, adding a sweet and smoky touch. If you’re lucky to have extra, try enjoying it creatively: spoon some over a block of cream cheese for a quick dip with sturdy crackers, or add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for extra flavor. It also pairs well on a charcuterie board, complementing meat, cheese, crackers, and even fruit, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.

What do I love about this recipe?

This excellent recipe for bacon jam burgers is perfect because it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Add diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier burger. Mix brown sugar or honey with the bacon jam if you prefer a sweeter burger. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like blue cheese or smoked gouda, to change the flavor profile. The bacon jam truly makes this one of the best burgers ever.

How to Store Bacon Jam for Burgers

To keep your bacon jam fresh, make it in advance and store it in an airtight container or a Mason jar. This lets you quickly refrigerate the jam for up to a week, ensuring it’s always ready for your next quick lunch or backyard barbecue.

When serving, microwave the jam for a few seconds to re-melt the bacon fat. This recipe is a true winner for large groups and is a favorite in my burger book because it combines the most delicious ingredients for a satisfying meal.

FAQS:

• What is bacon jam made of?
  Bacon, onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
• What does bacon jam pair well with?
  Burgers, sandwiches, cheese boards, and grilled meats.
• What is a bacon cheeseburger made of?
  Beef patty, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauces.
• Does McDonald’s do a bacon burger?
  Yes, McDonald’s offers various bacon burgers like the Bacon Quarter Pounder.

Bacon Jam Burger.

The Bacon Jam Burger combines a juicy beef patty, melted gouda cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet, savory bacon jam. It's a mouthwatering, flavorful burger perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Assemble Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 700 kcal

Equipment

• cast iron skillet
• Grill or large skillet
• Burger press
• Instant-read thermometer
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or tongs
• Toaster or oven

Ingredients

  

For the Bacon Jam:

• 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
• 1/2 lb bacon chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• Salt to taste

For the Burger:

• 4 hamburger buns preferably brioche
• 1 lb ground beef 80% lean, 20% fat
• 4 slices gouda cheese or cheddar
• 4-8 slices crispy bacon for topping
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise for spreading on buns
• Lettuce for topping

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles

Instructions

 

For the Bacon Jam:

• Cook the Bacon: In a large cast iron skillet, sauté the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep a few tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
• Sauté the Onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes spreadable. Set aside.

For the Burger Patties:

• Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form them into patties, slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. Use your finger to create a small divot in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up while grilling.
• Season the Patties: Season each patty with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (or longer for well done). In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of gouda cheese to each patty and let it melt.

Assembling the Burgers:

• Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
• Spread Mayo on the Buns: Spread a thin layer of mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
• Build the Burger: Place a lettuce leaf on the mayo, followed by the cheese-topped burger patty. Add a generous spoonful of bacon jam on top of the patty. Top with a slice of crispy bacon and cover with the top bun.

Serving:

• Serve your bacon jam burgers immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy the perfect blend of juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet-savory bacon jam!

Notes

The calorie count is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For accuracy, check packaging or use a nutrition calculator.