Jalapeño Bacon Jam Smash Burgers with Sweet-Spicy Topping

Transform your burger game with these incredible jalapeño bacon jam smash burgers that combine crispy-edged patties with sweet and spicy homemade bacon jam. The smash technique creates perfectly caramelized edges while keeping the center juicy and tender. The star of this recipe is the bacon jam – a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy condiment that elevates these burgers from good to absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for backyard BBQs, game day gatherings, or anytime you want to create restaurant-quality burgers at home.

Master the Perfect Smash Burger Technique

The smash burger technique creates superior flavor through the Maillard reaction. This chemical process occurs when proteins and sugars react under high heat, creating complex flavors and that coveted crispy crust. The key lies in using the right meat blend, proper heat, and perfect timing for maximum crispiness.

Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal juiciness and flavor. Leaner meat results in dry burgers, while fattier blends can become greasy. Form loose balls rather than tight patties before cooking. Compressed meat doesn’t smash properly and creates dense, chewy textures instead of the desired crispy edges.

Preheat your cooking surface until smoking hot before adding meat. Cast iron skillets, griddles, or flat-top grills work best for even heat distribution. The surface must be hot enough that meat sizzles aggressively upon contact. This immediate searing locks in juices while creating the signature lacy, crispy edges that make smash burgers special.

Creating Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Jam

Bacon jam transforms ordinary burgers into gourmet experiences through careful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy elements. The cooking process caramelizes onions and develops complex flavors through slow simmering. Proper technique ensures jam-like consistency without burning the sugars or overcooking the bacon.

Start with thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. Thin bacon becomes too crispy and loses its meaty bite after long cooking. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt, then remove while reserving flavorful rendered fat. This fat becomes the base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor layers.

Control heat levels by removing jalapeño seeds for milder jam or leaving them for extra spice. Fresh jalapeños provide bright heat, while the cooking process mellows their intensity. Brown sugar and maple syrup create sweetness that balances the heat, while apple cider vinegar adds necessary acidity. Coffee is optional but adds remarkable depth and richness to the final product.

Assembly Techniques

Proper burger assembly prevents soggy buns and ensures each bite contains balanced flavors. The order of ingredients matters significantly for structural integrity and taste distribution. Strategic placement of wet and dry ingredients maintains textural contrast throughout eating.

Toast buns with butter until golden brown for superior flavor and moisture resistance. Toasted surfaces create barriers that prevent bacon jam from soaking through. Apply jam to the bottom bun first, creating a flavorful foundation for the meat. This placement allows jam flavors to meld with beef juices.

Stack double smash patties for optimal meat-to-bun ratio and impressive presentation. The thin patties cook quickly and provide maximum crispy surface area. Cheese should melt completely over hot patties before assembly. Add cold toppings like lettuce and pickles last to maintain their crisp textures and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño Bacon Jam:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 4 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brewed coffee (optional)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Smash Burgers:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter for toasting

Optional Toppings:

• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Sliced pickles
• Extra jalapeño slices
• Spicy mayo or aioli

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeño Bacon Jam Base

Place chopped bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until bacon becomes crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. The slow cooking renders maximum fat while preventing burning. Remove crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard excess. This rendered fat contains incredible flavor that will enhance the vegetables. If you don’t have enough fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. The fat should coat the bottom of the pan generously for proper vegetable cooking.

Step 2: Build the Jam Flavor Foundation

Add diced onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning while encouraging browning. The onions should become translucent and develop golden edges. This caramelization process creates sweetness and depth in the final jam.

Add diced jalapeños to the onions and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until peppers soften. The heat will mellow during cooking, but seeds add extra spice if desired. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic as it becomes bitter and ruins the jam’s flavor balance.

Step 3: Simmer the Jam to Perfect Consistency

Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, coffee (if using), maple syrup, and smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients and dissolve the sugar completely. The mixture will bubble vigorously as the liquid reduces and flavors concentrate.

Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam should thicken significantly and coat the back of a spoon. Add the cooked bacon back to the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes to meld flavors. The jam will continue thickening as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare the Smash Burger Patties

While the jam cooks, divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, roughly 4 ounces each. Roll each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat. Compressed meat creates dense patties that don’t smash properly. Keep the balls refrigerated until ready to cook for easier handling.

Season each beef ball generally with salt and pepper just before cooking. Early salting can draw out moisture and make the meat tough. Have your spatula or burger press ready for immediate smashing. The key to perfect smash burgers is speed and pressure during the initial cooking phase.

Step 5: Execute Perfect Smash Technique

Preheat a cast iron skillet, griddle, or heavy pan over high heat until smoking. The surface must be extremely hot for proper searing. Place two beef balls on the hot surface, leaving plenty of space between them. Immediately press down hard with a large spatula or burger press.

Smash the patties as thin as possible, holding pressure for 10-15 seconds. Don’t move or lift the spatula during this time. The meat should spread thin and create irregular, lacy edges. These crispy edges are the hallmark of great smash burgers. Cook for 90 seconds without touching the patties.

Step 6: Flip and Finish the Patties

Carefully slide the spatula under each patty and flip quickly. The bottom should be deeply browned with crispy, caramelized edges. If the patty sticks, let it cook longer until it releases naturally. Forced flipping tears the crust and reduces flavor development.

Immediately place cheese slices on top of the flipped patties. Cook for another 60-90 seconds until the second side develops a crust and the cheese melts completely. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 7: Toast Buns and Assemble Bacon Jam Smash Burgers

Slice brioche buns in half and butter the cut surfaces lightly. Toast in the same pan used for burgers, cut-side down, until golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for preventing soggy buns and adding buttery flavor. The residual meat juices in the pan enhance the bun’s taste.

Spread a generous layer of jalapeño bacon jam on the bottom bun. Stack two cheese-topped smash patties on the jam. Add desired toppings like lettuce, pickles, or extra jalapeños. Crown with the toasted top bun and serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the patties are hot.

These jalapeño bacon jam smash burgers represent the perfect fusion of technique and flavor that will transform your burger nights forever. The combination of crispy-edged smash patties with sweet and spicy bacon jam creates layers of taste and texture that far exceed ordinary burgers. The homemade jam alone is worth the effort, adding gourmet flair that impresses every time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead potential and customizable heat levels. Prepare the bacon jam days in advance and adjust spiciness to suit your crowd. Fire up that griddle and get ready to serve the most memorable burgers your guests have ever experienced!

Want more recipes like these bacon jam smash burgers? Check out all of our grilling recipes here for more steak, seafood, and BBQ favorites that are perfect for your next cookout.

ITEMS USED IN THIS RECIPE

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Knitted Gloves
Food Processor
Cast Iron Skillet 
Meater +

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