Jul 14 2026
Restaurants440 MainThe Southern Burger Recipe

The Southern Burger Recipe

Inspired by 440 Main
Time1h
Serves4

Smoked Gouda, Bacon Jam, Cowboy Candy, Tobacco Onions, Chipotle Sorghum BBQ

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Ingredients

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Burger Patty

Burger Assembly

Method

Burger Patty Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.

  2. 2

    Form Patties

    Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.

  3. 3

    Cook Patties

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

  4. 4

    Add Cheese

    During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of smoked Gouda on each patty and cover to melt the cheese.

Toppings Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare Bacon Jam

    In a saucepan, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and sauté diced onions in the rendered fat until caramelized. Add back the bacon, brown sugar, and vinegar, then simmer for 15 minutes to create a jam-like consistency.

  2. 6

    Prepare Cowboy Candy

    In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, and spices. Bring to a boil, add sliced jalapeños, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until syrupy.

  3. 7

    Prepare Tobacco Onions

    Thinly slice onions and coat with buttermilk. Dredge in seasoned flour and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.

  4. 8

    Prepare Chipotle Sorghum BBQ Sauce

    In a bowl, mix together your favorite BBQ sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo and sorghum syrup to taste.

Burger Assembly

  1. 9

    Assemble the Burger

    Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill. Place the cooked patty with melted Gouda on the bottom half of each bun. Top with bacon jam, cowboy candy, and tobacco onions. Drizzle with chipotle sorghum BBQ sauce before placing the top bun.

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