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Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger Recipe with Gruyere Cheese

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A flavorful burger featuring a rich bourbon bacon jam and melty Gruyere cheese, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 6 slices Gruyere cheese
  • 6 brioche or potato burger buns, lightly toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles

Instructions

  1. Make the Bourbon Bacon Jam: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions to the bacon fat and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Bourbon: Carefully pour in the bourbon, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Add Sugar and Vinegar: Stir in brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until jam-like in consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Return the crispy bacon to the pan, mix well, and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper). Form into 6 even patties, about ¾ inch thick. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
  6. Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties about 4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting time for your preferred doneness. In the last minute, place a slice of Gruyere on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
  7. Toast the Buns: While burgers cook, lightly toast the buns in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous layer of bourbon bacon jam on the bottom bun, add the Gruyere-topped patty, and finish with optional lettuce or tomato. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep heat moderate when simmering bacon jam to avoid burnt sugar. If jam thickens too much, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen. Rest cooked patties for a couple of minutes before assembling to keep them juicy. Cover skillet during last minute of cooking to melt Gruyere cheese evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon bacon jam, burger recipe, Gruyere cheese, bacon jam burger, savory burger, easy burger recipe, smoky bacon jam

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-jam-burger-recipe-with-gruyere-cheese-easy-and-delicious/