Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburgers
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
853 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburgers
Description
Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburgers feature two main components: a richly flavored bourbon bacon jam and juicy beef patties. The jam is prepared by crisping bacon pieces, then cooking them with finely diced onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, bourbon, water, and seasonings until it reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency. This smoky-sweet jam provides a depth of flavor that complements the savory beef. The cheeseburgers themselves are made using 85/15 ground beef mixed with grated sweet onion and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Toasting the brioche buns in olive oil produces a golden crust that adds texture and helps hold the burger together.
The burgers are topped with melted American cheese, lettuce, and a small amount of mayonnaise if desired, delivering a balance of creamy, crisp, and smoky elements. These cheeseburgers are suitable for weekend gatherings or whenever a richer, flavorful take on a classic burger is desired. Preparing the bourbon bacon jam in advance allows the flavors to deepen over time.
The bourbon bacon jam can be stored refrigerated for 2-4 weeks, allowing for convenient use beyond the initial meal. Toast the buns just before assembling to maintain their texture. Use center cut bacon to avoid excess grease in the jam, and drain if needed during cooking to keep the mixture balanced.
Ingredients
BOURBON BACON JAM:
- 12 oz Bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 5-6 Tbsp brown sugar
- 5 Tbsp bourbon
- 5 Tbsp water
- cayenne pepper pinch
- black pepper cracked, to taste
CHEESEBURGERS:
- 2 lbs ground beef I like to use 85/15
- 1 small sweet onion
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream optional but recommended
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- green leaf lettuce
- 4 lices American cheese or your favorite cheese, white
- mayonnaise optional, small amount
- 4 brioche hamburger buns (or your favorite buns)
Instructions
BOURBON BACON JAM:
- To a large skillet, saute bacon pieces over MED heat until crispy, about 8-12 minutes. I used center cut bacon, so there wasn't too much bacon grease, but if yours is particularly greasy, drain about half the grease. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cider vinegar, brown sugar, bourbon, water, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly cooked off, about 10-15 minutes. Mixture will be thick and syrupy.
- Use immediately, or place into airtight container and refrigerate for 2-4 weeks.
CHEESEBURGERS:
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over MED-HIGH heat. Add hamburger buns, cut side down, and toast until golden brown. Turn off heat and remove to a plate to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Peel the onion and grate (using a hand grater or even a box grater) about 2 Tbsp of onion into the meat. Use the fine side of the grater, so you're getting very small pieces of onion. You'll get onion juice too, and that's good.
- Use your hands to mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 patties (for 1/3 lb burgers, make 6 patties, and for a 1/4 lb burger, make 8 patties). Make an indentation in the center of each burger with your thumbs to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in the same skillet over MED heat and cook burgers about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
- The last minute of cooking, place cheese slices on patties and cover pan with aluminum foil. Serve hamburgers on toasted buns with lettuce and bourbon bacon jam.
Notes
- Bourbon bacon jam can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks for future use.
- Use center cut bacon to reduce excess grease in the jam; drain if the pan seems too greasy during cooking.
- Toast brioche buns in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden for best texture.
- Grate the onion to incorporate moisture and flavor evenly into the beef patties.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 853 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 853kcal | 43% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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