Ultimate Jalapeño Bacon Jam Burger

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Thick‑cut bacon (cut into 1‑inch pieces)
• 3 pieces Jalapeño peppers (seeds left in for heat, diced fine)
• 1 piece Yellow onion (medium, diced small)
• 1 tbsp Garlic paste (or 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic)
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup (good quality)
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp Bourbon (optional) (for deglazing; can substitute chicken stock)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp All‑purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) (pre‑mixed or homemade)
• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20) (for 4‑oz patties, room temperature)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt (for seasoning patties)
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
• 2 pieces Brioche buns (room temperature)
• 2 slices Deli American cheese (individually wrapped)
• 0.25 cup Duke's mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Spicy brown mustard
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 2 tbsp Sweet relish (preferably dill‑sweet)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

   Dice the thick‑cut bacon into 1‑inch pieces, finely dice the jalapeños (seeds left in), and dice the yellow onion into small pieces. Measure out all sauces, sugars, vinegars, and spices.

   Time: PT5M

2. Render Bacon

   Place a cold large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 8‑10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium

3. Remove Bacon

   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

   Time: PT1M

4. Caramelize Onion & Jalapeño

   Add the diced onion and jalapeño to the bacon fat. Cook over medium‑low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is soft, translucent, and lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

5. Add Garlic

   Stir in 1 tbsp garlic paste (or minced garlic) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

6. Sweeten the Base

   Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

7. Deglaze (Optional)

   Pour in 2 tbsp bourbon (or chicken stock) to deglaze, stirring to lift any browned bits. Let the alcohol evaporate for about 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

8. Add Vinegars

   Stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Mix well.

   Time: PT1M

9. Season the Jam

   Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp all‑purpose seasoning. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT30S

10. Return Bacon

    Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet, mixing it through the jam base.

    Time: PT1M

11. Simmer to Jam Consistency

    Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 15‑20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a jam‑like consistency.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: Low

12. Cool & Store Jam

    Remove the skillet from heat, let the jam cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

    Time: PT5M

13. Make Burger Sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup Duke's mayonnaise, 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp sweet relish, a dash of smoked paprika, and a pinch of all‑purpose seasoning. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

14. Form Patties

    Divide the ground beef into 4‑ounce (113 g) balls (you’ll get four balls for two burgers). Lightly season all sides with kosher salt.

    Time: PT5M

15. Toast Buns

    Melt 1 tbsp butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the brioche buns cut side down and toast until golden brown, about 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

16. Cook Smash Burgers

    Increase the skillet heat to medium‑high. Place one beef ball in the pan, let it sit 20 seconds, then press firmly with a sturdy spatula or press until the patty is thin (about 1/4‑inch). Season the exposed side with salt and all‑purpose seasoning. Cook 2 minutes, flip, season the other side, add a slice of American cheese, and cook another 1 minute until the cheese melts.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

17. Assemble the Burger

    On the bottom bun, spread a generous layer of jalapeño bacon jam. Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on top, then drizzle the burger sauce on the top bun. Close the sandwich and let sit 1 minute before serving.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

950

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

60 g

Fat

55 g

Fiber

3 g