Bacon Jam Burgers

Bacon Jam Burgers with Brie combine rich flavors and decadent textures that transform a classic burger into an unforgettable meal. Picture this: a juicy, perfectly cooked beef patty topped with melted Brie cheese, warm bacon jam, and crisp arugula, all nestled within a buttery brioche bun. It’s a symphony of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that makes each bite a delightful experience.

Bacon Jam Burgers

I stumbled upon the idea for these burgers during a cozy evening at home when the craving for comfort food hit. As I rifled through the fridge, a jar of homemade bourbon bacon jam caught my eye. Why not elevate a simple burger with this delicious concoction? The results were stellar, and since then, it’s become a regular on my dinner rotation. I am genuinely excited to share this recipe with you—it’s straightforward, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to impress both your family and friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, these burgers are easy enough for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon jam, rich Brie, and perfectly seasoned beef is a flavor explosion that your taste buds will thank you for.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: These burgers not only taste amazing, but they also look stunning piled high with toppings, making them a great centerpiece for gatherings.
  • Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a backyard barbecue, these burgers fit every occasion seamlessly.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap out the Brie for another cheese, and make adjustments to fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1.2 lbs ground beef 80/20, ground chuck: This blend offers the perfect balance of fat for juicy patties. For a leaner option, you can choose ground turkey, but keep in mind it won’t be as tender.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef. Remember, seasoning is key!
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
  • 6 oz Brie, sliced thick, rind on: Adds creamy richness and a luxurious touch. If you’re not a fan of Brie, gouda or a sharp cheddar could work well as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Bourbon Bacon Jam, warmed: This is the star of the show! You can either buy it pre-made or make your own. It’s smoky and sweet—delicious with almost everything!
  • 3 brioche burger buns: Buttery and slightly sweet, they perfectly complement the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can also be delicious.
  • 1 cup baby arugula: Offers a peppery freshness to balance the richness of the burgers. Feel free to use spinach or mixed greens if that’s what you have.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: For toasting the buns to golden perfection.
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional): Adds creaminess. You can easily leave this out or swap it for aioli for a gourmet twist.

How to Make Bacon Jam Burgers

  1. Prepare the Patties: Take the cold ground beef and divide it into three equal portions, about 5.5 oz each. Handle the meat as little as possible to keep them tender. Shape each portion into a round, making it about an inch wider than your brioche bun. Use your thumb to press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
  2. Season the Patties: Just before cooking, generously season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. This step is crucial for boosting flavor.
  3. Prepare the Buns: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. While it heats, spread softened butter on the cut sides of each brioche bun. Press them face-down into the skillet until they turn deep golden brown, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Set these aside for later.
  4. Cook the Patties: Increase the heat to medium-high until the skillet is barely smoking. Add the patties and let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll want that beautiful mahogany crust to form, which is key for flavor.
  5. Add the Cheese: After flipping each patty, top them immediately with 2 to 3 thick slices of Brie. Pour about a teaspoon of water into the pan—this helps steam the cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or an inverted metal bowl to melt the Brie, which should take an additional 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the patty reaches 160°F.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: If you’re using mayonnaise, spread it on the bottom bun. Add a handful of arugula, then place the Brie-topped patty on top. Generously spoon warm bacon jam over the cheese, then crown the burger with the top bun. Serve these decadent creations immediately and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover burgers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re thinking long-term, you can freeze assembled burgers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in a skillet on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Be aware, the texture of the beef may change slightly after freezing, but a quick toaster oven crisp can help refresh the buns!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid breaking the meat apart too much when forming patties; keeping them together ensures juiciness.
  • Ensure your beef is cold when shaping to help maintain tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—aim for an internal temperature of 160°F.
  • If you want extra flavor, consider mixing in spices or herbs into the ground beef (like garlic powder or fresh parsley).
  • Made the bacon jam ahead of time? This can really elevate the convenience factor for weeknight meals.
  • Don’t skip toasting the buns; it adds an essential layer of texture.

Tasting these Bacon Jam Burgers feels like comfort food at its finest. They combine the savory elements of the beef and Brie with the sweet complexity of the bourbon bacon jam, resulting in a symphony of flavors that makes each bite delightful. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, they simply beg to become a staple in your home. I encourage you to get creative with toppings or side dishes to really make this meal your own. Enjoy them at your next gathering, backyard cookout, or even a cozy night in—you won’t regret it!

Bacon Jam Burgers

Recipe FAQs

Can I make my own bourbon bacon jam?

Absolutely! Making bourbon bacon jam at home allows you to customize flavors. Start with chopped bacon, sautéed onions, brown sugar, a bit of bourbon, and a splash of vinegar. Cook until it’s thick and jam-like—this enhances your burgers wonderfully.

Can I use leaner beef for the patties?

While using leaner beef, like 90/10, is fine, you’ll miss some of the juiciness that the fat in 80/20 ground chuck provides. If you opt for leaner beef, consider adding a bit more moisture by mixing in some Worcestershire sauce.

What can I substitute for Brie?

If Brie isn’t your favorite, try using creamy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or even blue cheese. Each will give the burger a unique flavor profile while still being deliciously indulgent.

Can I prepare the patties in advance?

Absolutely! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them for a few hours or even a day in advance. Just remember to season them right before cooking to keep the flavors vibrant.
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Bacon-Jam-Burgers-Recipe

Bacon Jam Burgers

Recipe Author: Margaret

Bacon Jam Burgers are a delightful experience, combining juicy beef with creamy Brie and savory bacon jam. Perfect for quick dinners or tasty gatherings, these burgers are sure to please anyone looking for easy, homemade flavor.

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  • Prep Time 20 minutes
  • Cook Time 35 minutes
  • Yield 3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.2 lbs ground beef 80/20, ground chuck
  • 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 6 oz Brie sliced thick, rind on
  • 1/2 cup Bourbon Bacon Jam warmed
  • 3 brioche burger buns
  • 1 cup baby arugula
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional


Instructions

  1. Divide the cold ground beef into 3 equal portions (about 5.5 oz each).
  2. Handle the beef as little as possible and form each portion into rounds that are about 1 inch wider than the buns.
  3. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty using your thumb.
  4. Refrigerate the patties until you are ready to cook.

Notes

Ensure the ground beef is cold when forming patties to maintain juiciness.
If you prefer, replace Brie with another cheese of your choice.
Serve the burgers with additional toppings if desired.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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