Bacon Jam Burger Gouda Cheese

There is nothing quite like biting into a Bacon Jam Burger with its juicy beef patty, sweet and savory bacon jam, and gooey melted cheese. Every element builds on the next for layers of flavor and texture—a total showstopper for burger night that always brings the family running.

I stumbled upon bacon jam years ago and after one bite with a gooey gouda cheeseburger I knew it was meant to be a staple in my kitchen. Now it is a frequently requested treat whenever we fire up the grill.

Ingredients

• Bacon: use thick-cut for extra chew and flavor the star of the show for both jam and crispy topping
• Yellow onion: diced small so it melts into the jam look for firm heavy onions
• Minced garlic: adds depth and aroma go for fresh minced for best impact
• Brown sugar: brings caramel notes to the jam dark brown sugar adds richer undertones
• Apple cider vinegar: cuts the richness and balances sweetness with tang choose raw unfiltered if possible
• Salt: just a pinch enhances all the savory and sweet flavors
• Lean ground beef: forms the patty without too much grease 80 20 or 85 15 works best
• Gouda or American cheese: melts beautifully and brings that creamy finishing touch opt for good quality deli slices
• Hamburger buns: pick sturdy ones that hold up to juicy patties and saucy toppings lightly toast for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon Jam:

Chop half of the bacon into small inch-sized pieces and add it to a cold skillet along with the diced onion. Cook slowly over medium heat until the bacon is browned but not overly crisp and the onions are soft and golden allowing the flavors to meld. Pour off most of the drippings roughly leaving about two tablespoons in the pan so the jam will not be greasy but will still have that rich bacon flavor. Add in the minced garlic and saute gently for about a minute just until it releases its fragrance and softens without browning. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the mixture then pour in the apple cider vinegar and salt. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a bubbling simmer. Let it bubble gently stirring often until it thickens to a jammy consistency. This usually takes eight to ten minutes and it should look glossy and spoonable. Carefully spoon the finished jam into a jar and set aside to cool.

Make Crispy Bacon:

Lay the remaining bacon slices flat on a baking sheet lined with foil no overlapping. Place the pan in a cold oven and set it to four hundred degrees. Allow the bacon to come up to temperature with the oven and bake until deeply golden and crispy. This slow start gives perfectly rendered bacon. Once crispy transfer to a paper towel to drain and cool.

Form and Cook the Burger Patties:

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape gently just until they are patty shaped without overworking the meat. Season each side with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill pan fry or bake the burgers to your desired doneness making sure not to press them down so you keep all the juices in. A minute before removing from the heat top each burger with a slice of cheese and cover lightly to help it melt lusciously over the patty.

Assemble the Burgers:

Start with the bottom half of a bun. Place the cheesy burger patty on top. Add a generous spoonful of bacon jam spreading it to the edges for every bite to get some jam. Layer on a couple of pieces of crispy bacon to add crunch. Cap it all off with the top bun and prepare to enjoy.

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This bacon jam is my absolute favorite because it is so versatile. One night it crowns a burger the next it is being swirled onto warm biscuits or even stirred into scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bacon jam in a covered jar in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools but softens again when warmed. Reheat briefly in a pan or microwave for spreading. Cooked burgers keep well in an airtight container for two days and you can warm them gently on the skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the gouda for a smoky cheddar if you like bolder flavor or try Swiss for extra melt. You can use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon for a lighter version though the taste will be a bit different. For the beef patty ground turkey or plant-based burgers also work with the jam equally well.

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Serving Suggestions

Pile the Bacon Jam Burger high with lettuce tomato or sautéed mushrooms for extra freshness or earthiness. Serve with crisp fries or a tangy coleslaw on the side. For parties offer slider buns and let everyone build their own with jam and bacon at the ready.

Cultural or Historical Context

Bacon jam is a modern comfort food twist that likely emerged from Southern kitchens seeking to combine two of the best burger toppings. Its sweet savory blend is reminiscent of both Southern relishes and American diner classics. Homemade versions like this one feel gourmet yet simple enough for any weeknight.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you make bacon jam for burgers?

Prepare the jam by sautéing chopped bacon and onions together, then add garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and salt, simmering until thick and jammy.

→ What cheese pairs best with bacon jam burgers?

Creamy cheeses like gouda or American melt beautifully, enhancing the savory-sweet flavors of the bacon and jam.

→ Can you prepare bacon jam in advance?

Yes, bacon jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making meal prep easier.

→ What's the best way to cook the burger patties?

Grill, pan-fry, or bake the patties to your preferred doneness, seasoning simply with salt and pepper for full beef flavor.

→ How should the burgers be assembled for best results?

Start with the bottom bun, add your cheesy burger, spread bacon jam, layer on crispy bacon, and cap with the top bun.

→ Are there substitutions for gouda cheese?

American, sharp cheddar, or Swiss are tasty alternatives that melt well and complement the bacon jam.