Smoked Bacon Jam Burgers
There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky flavor of a perfectly cooked burger, but these Smoked Bacon Jam Burgers take it up a notch. The combination of a juicy smoked patty, tangy bacon jam, and melted smoked Gouda will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just want to elevate your burger game, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
What’s the key to a perfectly smoky burger?
The secret to the incredible flavor in these burgers comes from smoking them at a low temperature for just the right amount of time. This method lets the smoke penetrate the meat, giving it a deep, rich taste. Combining that with the smoky bacon jam makes this burger unforgettable.
Why use cheese cubes instead of shredded cheese?
By incorporating cheddar cheese cubes into the burger mixture, you’re ensuring that every bite is a burst of cheesy goodness. The cubes melt inside the burger while smoking, creating pockets of gooey cheese without overwhelming the other flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
•2 pounds ground chuck (80/20 recommended for juicy results)
•12 ounces cheddar cheese cubes
•SPG rub (Salt, Pepper, Garlic)
•Smoked Gouda cheese slices
•Burger buns
For the Bacon Jam:
•1 pound bacon, chopped
•1 red onion, diced
•1-2 chipotles, seeded and minced (adjust to heat preference)
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•2 Roma tomatoes, cored and seeded
•2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
•1/3 cup apricot preserves
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burgers:
•In a large bowl, mix 2 pounds of ground chuck with 12 ounces of cheddar cheese cubes. Form into 6-8 equally sized balls, then press each ball with a burger press or flat object until about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are round enough for your burger buns.
•Season both sides generously with SPG rub (salt, pepper, garlic) and place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
2. Make the Bacon Jam:
•In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of chopped bacon until crispy. Remove some of the excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
•Add the diced red onion and cook for 4-6 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
•Stir in the Roma tomatoes and cook for 4-6 minutes until they begin to break down. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup apricot preserves, and the minced chipotle peppers. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and keep warm.
3. Smoke the Burgers:
•Preheat your smoker to 275°F. Season the underside of the patties with more SPG rub before placing them on the smoker.
•Smoke the burgers for 40-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. During the last 5 minutes, place a slice of smoked Gouda on each patty and allow it to melt.
•Remove the burgers from the smoker once they hit 165°F, and let them rest for 5 minutes.
4. Toast and Assemble:
•While the burgers are resting, lightly toast the buns.
•To assemble, spread a generous amount of the warm bacon jam on the bottom bun, place the smoked burger patty with melted Gouda on top, and cap it with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Below is a printable recipe card!
Ingredients
Method
- Mix ground chuck with cheddar cheese cubes. Form into patties, press to 1/2 inch thickness. Season with SPG rub. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add red onion, cook 4-6 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cook 4-6 minutes. Add vinegar, apricot preserves, chipotles. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick.
- Preheat smoker to 275°F. Season patties and smoke for 40-45 minutes. Add Gouda and melt. Remove burgers at 165°F, rest 5 minutes.
- Toast buns, assemble with bacon jam, burger, and enjoy!
If you enjoyed these Smoked Bacon Jam Burgers, there are plenty of ways to make them your own!
Feel free to switch up the cheese—try blue cheese for a bold flavor or pepper jack for some heat. If chipotle peppers aren’t your thing, use jalapeños or roasted red peppers. You can also experiment with different buns, like brioche or pretzel, or go low-carb with a lettuce wrap.
Want to add more layers of flavor? A smear of BBQ sauce or aioli can really elevate the burger, and topping it with pickles or crispy onions gives it a fun twist.
No matter how you customize it, this burger will be a hit. If you liked this recipe, be sure to check out all my other recipes in the link!
All Recipes
Leave a Reply