Jalapeño Bacon Jam Smash Burgers
Jalapeño Bacon Jam Smash Burgers with Sweet-Spicy ToppingDescription: Transform ordinary smash burgers into gourmet creations with homemade jalapeño bacon jam. These crispy-edged patties get topped with a sweet and spicy bacon jam that combines caramelized onions, jalapeños, brown sugar, and crispy bacon. Perfect for backyard grilling or cast iron cooking.
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
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon until crispy; remove and reserve 2-3 tbsp fat in pan
- Sauté onions in bacon fat until caramelized; add jalapeños and garlic
- Add brown sugar, vinegar, coffee, maple syrup, and paprika; simmer 20-25 minutes until thick
- Stir bacon back into jam; cook 5 minutes more; set aside
- Form beef into 8 loose balls; season just before cooking
- Heat skillet until smoking; smash patties thin; cook 90 seconds
- Flip, add cheese, cook 60-90 seconds more until melted
- Toast buttered buns; assemble with jam, double patties, and desired toppings
Video
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness
- Don't overwork meat when forming balls
- Bacon jam can be made up to 1 week ahead and refrigerated
- Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat level
- Don't overwork meat when forming balls
- Bacon jam can be made up to 1 week ahead and refrigerated
- Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat level
Nutrition
Calories: 1734kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 70gFat: 125gSaturated Fat: 52gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 43gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 423mgSodium: 2108mgPotassium: 1054mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 1618IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 347mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
