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Ingredients:
For the Smoked Bacon Jam:
– 1 lb smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
For the Burgers:
– 4 high-quality beef patties (80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio works well)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce
– Tomatoes
– Red onions
– Cheddar cheese (optional)
– Mayonnaise or ketchup (optional)
Instructions:
For the Smoked Bacon Jam:
1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the jam has thickened, stirring occasionally. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
For the Burgers:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef patties with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the burgers by spreading a layer of the smoked bacon jam on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked burger patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cheddar cheese (if using). Top with the top bun.
Tips:
– Use high-quality ingredients, including thick-cut smoked bacon and good-quality beef patties.
– Don’t overcook the burgers – they should be cooked to your desired level of doneness.
– Let the smoked bacon jam cool completely before using it on the burgers. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
– Consider using other toppings on your burger, such as caramelized onions, mushrooms, or a fried egg.