Grilled Bacon Jam Burgers

Here’s a recipe for Grilled Bacon Jam Burgers:

Ingredients

For the Bacon Jam:

• 1 lb bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burgers:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your preference)
• Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (optional toppings)

Instructions

Making the Bacon Jam:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the bacon to the skillet and add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and syrupy, about 20-30 minutes.
6. Finish: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Making the Burgers:

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Grill Patties: Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Add Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
5. Toast Buns: If desired, toast the burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.

Assembling the Burgers:

1. Bottom Bun: Place the bottom bun on a plate.
2. Add Lettuce and Tomato: Add a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato (if using).
3. Burger Patty: Place the grilled burger patty with melted cheese on top.
4. Bacon Jam: Generously spoon the bacon jam over the cheese.
5. Top Bun: Finish with the top bun.

Serve the grilled bacon jam burgers hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy!