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
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
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
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
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