Bacon Burger Red Onion Jam

Bacon Burger with Red Onion Jam and Roasted Garlic Herb Mayo is a flavor explosion that combines juicy beef, smoky bacon, sweet-savory onion jam, and creamy herbed mayo. I love making this burger when I want something special for a weekend cookout or to impress my friends at a backyard dinner. It always brings everyone back for seconds.

I first made this burger after a family camping trip when we wanted something unforgettable at home. Now my kids count down for burger night because of it.

Ingredients

• Medium to lean ground beef: It is the foundation of the patty. Try to find meat with a good balance of fat for juiciness without making the burger greasy
• Thick cut smoked bacon: Real bacon flavor and crispness. Thick cut holds up when mixed into the beef
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our special sauce. Look for a brand with a clean simple ingredient list
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory tang to the mayo
• Roasted garlic: Slowly baking garlic brings out a deep sweet flavor that makes the mayo ultra-smooth
• Fresh mixed herbs: A handful of rosemary chives or oregano adds aroma. Use whatever fresh herbs you find at the market or garden
• Marble cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharpness to balance the richness
• Red onion jam: Sweet tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with bacon and beef. Make your own or pick a high-quality store brand
• Crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes: For freshness and crunch
• Toasted burger buns: Holds everything together and adds a golden finish. Go for sturdy bakery buns that do not fall apart
• Salt and black pepper: Always season each layer for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the bacon:

Dice the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat. Render out most of the fat and let the bacon get just to the edge of crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and let cool completely

Mix the patties:

In a large bowl combine cooled bacon bits with ground beef salt and pepper. Mix gently so you do not overwork the meat. Shape into four large patties about four and a half inches in diameter

Chill the patties:

Cover and refrigerate patties for at least two hours or overnight. This step lets the bacon flavor blend into the beef

Make the roasted garlic mayo:

In a blender or small food processor combine mayonnaise roasted garlic Worcestershire sauce chopped herbs salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy

Grill the burgers:

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Place the patties on and cook about three to four minutes per side until fully cooked through. Add slices of cheddar after flipping so they melt into the burger

Assemble the burgers:

Spread a layer of red onion jam on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Set the cheesy burger patty over the jam then layer on lettuce and tomato. Spread a generous amount of roasted garlic mayo on the top bun and close up the burger

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My family always fights over the last spoonful of the roasted garlic mayo. Using fresh herbs from my garden really makes the flavor pop and reminds me of summer days spent outside with my kids picking the best sprigs for our dinner.

Storage Tips

Leftover cooked patties store best wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze uncooked patties in a single layer and transfer to a bag once solid. The mayo will stay fresh in a sealed jar for a week. If assembling ahead do not add tomatoes or lettuce until serving to prevent sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone if you prefer. Use turkey bacon for a lighter bite. If you do not have time to make homemade garlic mayo mix roasted garlic or garlic powder into store bought aioli.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with crispy potatoes or a pile of sweet potato fries. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness. Try adding thinly sliced pickles or grilled mushrooms for extra layers of flavor.

Cultural and Historical Context

Burgers are a classic North American staple that have evolved with endless toppings and condiments. Mixing bacon into the beef gives a nod to retro diner styles while bringing a smoky twist. Red onion jam adds a modern gourmet element that is popular in today’s bistros.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you ensure the bacon blends well with the beef?

Dice the bacon finely, cook until crispy, then fully cool before combining with the ground beef. This helps distribute flavor evenly and keeps the patties juicy.

→ Can the red onion jam be prepared in advance?

Yes, making the jam ahead enhances its flavor. Store it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week.

→ What type of herbs pair best with roasted garlic mayo?

Fresh chives, rosemary, and oregano bring aromatic depth, but you may use other favorite soft herbs to customize the spread.

→ How can I prevent the patties from falling apart on the grill?

Chill the formed patties for at least two hours, which firms them up and ensures they hold together during cooking.

→ Which cheese complements this burger best?

Marble cheddar melts perfectly and provides a creamy contrast to the savory bacon-beef patty and vibrant onion jam.

→ Can the burger be cooked indoors?

Yes, a grill pan or cast iron skillet works well for searing the patties if outdoor grilling isn't an option.