Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe CaféHowardstown Burger Recipe

Howardstown Burger Recipe

Inspired by The Café
Time45m
Serves2

Double smash burger, American cheese, Uncle Boojie's Famous Bourbon Bacon Jam, pickles, toasted brioche bun.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Bacon Jam

Assembly

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Prepare the Beef

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Gently mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Divide the beef into 2 equal portions and shape each into a loose ball.

  2. 2

    Smash the Patties

    Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When hot, add the beef balls, and using a sturdy spatula, smash each ball down to form a thin patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy.

  3. 3

    Add Cheese

    Flip the patties and immediately place 2 slices of American cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Bacon Jam

  1. 4

    Cook the Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

  2. 5

    Sauté Onions

    Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 6

    Create the Jam

    Add the cooked bacon, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.

Assembly

  1. 7

    Toast the Buns

    Spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. In a separate skillet, toast the buns over medium heat until golden brown.

  2. 8

    Assemble the Burgers

    On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a cheeseburger patty, top with a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam, and add sliced pickles. Cover with the top half of the bun.

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