Bacon – Onion Jam Burger Recipe

Cook bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until fat renders and pieces are crisp-tender, about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Sweat onions

Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat over medium-low heat. Season lightly with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Caramelize and add garlic

Increase heat to medium and continue to cook onions, stirring more frequently, until they start to caramelize and turn golden brown, about 8–10 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Build the jam

Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add 1–2 tablespoons water if mixture is too dry. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until mixture is thick and jammy. Taste and season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and additional salt if needed. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 10 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4–1 inch thick, making a small dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper and brush or rub with Worcestershire sauce.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon neutral oil if using a skillet. When hot and shimmering, add the patties. Cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan (or close the grill lid) to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest 2–3 minutes.

Toast buns

Butter cut sides of the buns lightly. Toast in a skillet or on the grill over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, top with a cheese-topped burger patty, then spoon a generous 2–3 tablespoons of the bacon-onion jam over the cheese. Add tomato slices and pickles if using. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.