11/02/2026
**Jalapeño Bacon Jam Burgers**
🥓 Ingredients
**For the Jalapeño Bacon Jam**
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple c***r vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
**For the Burgers**
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns, buttered and toasted
**Optional Toppings**
- Crispy lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crispy onion strings
- Garlic aioli or chipotle mayo
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🍳 Instructions
**1. Make the Bacon Jam**
1. Cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add onions and jalapeños and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and caramelized.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
6. Return the bacon to the skillet.
7. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until thick, glossy, and jam-like. Let cool slightly. Similar bacon jam techniques rely on slowly reducing the mixture until it becomes rich and spreadable. [Warner Bros. Discovery]()
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**2. Prepare the Burgers**
1. Divide beef into four equal portions.
2. Form into patties slightly larger than the buns.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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**3. Cook**
- Grill or cook on a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook about **3–4 minutes per side** for medium.
- During the last minute, top each burger with cheese and let it melt.
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**4. Toast the Buns**
Butter the buns lightly and toast until golden.
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**5. Assemble**
Spread a generous spoonful of jalapeño bacon jam on the bottom bun.
Layer with:
- Lettuce (optional)
- Cheeseburger patty
- Extra bacon jam
- Tomato
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crispy onions
- Chipotle mayo (optional)
Finish with the toasted top bun.
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🍟 Serve With
- Seasoned fries
- Onion rings
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Dill pickles
💡 Tips
- Use **80/20 ground beef** for the juiciest burgers.
- Make the bacon jam a day ahead—it tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
- Pepper jack cheese adds extra heat, while sharp cheddar offers a rich, tangy contrast.
- If you like smash burgers, this bacon jam also pairs exceptionally well with thin, crispy patties. [Red Gold Tomatoes]()