Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

If you love bacon cheeseburgers and crave the crunch of egg rolls, this recipe for Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Egg Rolls is a must-try! These crispy appetizers pack all the best parts of a burger—flavorful beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and sweet, smoky bacon jam—into a crunchy egg roll wrapper. Served with a creamy burger-style dipping sauce, they’re great for game days, parties, or a fun, indulgent snack.

The star of this recipe is the bacon jam, a sweet and savory condiment made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon for depth. It pairs perfectly with the seasoned ground chuck and creamy cheese filling, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Wrapping and frying the egg rolls to golden perfection adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior.

Even if you’ve never made egg rolls or bacon jam before, this recipe is designed with clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, you’ll find everything you need here to create a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why is bacon jam the ultimate topping?

Bacon jam isn’t just a topping—it’s a flavor bomb. Made by cooking bacon until crispy and then simmering it with onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, and tangy vinegar, bacon jam strikes a perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory. The bourbon adds a rich, slightly caramel-like note that enhances the flavors even more. Once you’ve tried bacon jam, you’ll want to use it on everything from burgers to toast.

What’s the secret to crispy egg rolls?

Getting perfectly crispy egg rolls starts with the right wrapping and frying technique. First, make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly with an egg and buttermilk wash, which prevents the filling from spilling out during frying. Frying the egg rolls in oil heated to 350°F ensures they cook evenly and develop a golden, crunchy exterior. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls can absorb excess grease, and if it’s too hot, they may burn before cooking through. Using a wire rack to drain them after frying keeps them crispy and prevents sogginess.

Why use 80/20 ground chuck for the filling?

80/20 ground chuck has an ideal ratio of fat to lean meat for this recipe. The fat content ensures the beef stays juicy and flavorful as it cooks, while the lean portion helps the mixture hold together without becoming greasy. This balance is crucial for creating a filling that’s rich and savory but not overly heavy. Combined with tangy pickles, Worcestershire sauce, and melted cheddar, it’s the perfect base for these egg rolls.

Ingredients

Bacon Jam:

• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 2 sweet onions, diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Tony’s Bold seasoning
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons bourbon

Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound 80/20 ground chuck
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
• 6 dill pickles, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 5 slices white cheddar cheese

Egg Rolls:

• Egg roll wrappers
• White Vermont cheddar cheese (sliced into strips)
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 cup buttermilk)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chipotle ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper

Instructions

Make the Bacon Jam:

Start by dicing the bacon into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving some of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and caramelized. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and pour in the bourbon and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Next, add the garlic powder, Tony’s Bold seasoning, brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.

Cook the Ground Beef Filling:

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck and break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Cook the beef until it is browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Add the chopped dill pickles and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Lay the slices of white cheddar cheese over the beef and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Assemble the Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Egg Rolls:

Place an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Add two strips of Vermont cheddar cheese near the center of the wrapper. Spoon a layer of cooled bacon jam over the cheese, followed by a scoop of the ground beef filling. Add another slice of cheese on top for extra creaminess. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly to form a cylinder and use the egg wash to seal the edges securely. Repeat the process until all egg rolls are assembled.

Fry the Egg Rolls:

Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Burger Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside for dipping.

Serve:

Serve the hot egg rolls with the burger sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite!