Elevate your burger game with this decadent Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy! Featuring a juicy cheese-stuffed burger patty topped with rich and flavorful bourbon bacon jam, this recipe is perfect for gourmet burger lovers.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Bourbon Bacon Jam:
- 🥓 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 🌿 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥄 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 🥤 1/4 cup bourbon
- 🍯 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 🥤 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Juicy Lucy Burgers:
- 🥩 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 mix)
- 🧀 4 oz cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🥤 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Assembling:
- 🍞 4 burger buns
- 🥬 Lettuce leaves
- 🍅 Tomato slices
- 🥒 Pickle slices
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Make the Bourbon Bacon Jam:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the brown sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return the bacon to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes jam-like, about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor and pulse a few times if you prefer a smoother consistency.
2️⃣ Prepare the Juicy Lucy Burgers:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin patty.
- Place a few cubes of cheddar cheese in the center of 4 patties. Top with the remaining patties and pinch the edges together to seal, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed.
3️⃣ Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness and the cheese inside is melted.
- During the last minute of cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill or in the skillet.
4️⃣ Assemble the Burgers:
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a Juicy Lucy burger patty.
- Spoon a generous amount of bourbon bacon jam over each patty.
- Add tomato slices and pickle slices, if desired.
- Cover with the top half of the bun.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Serve the Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy burgers hot and enjoy this gourmet treat!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 800 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- The bourbon bacon jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the Juicy Lucy filling, such as pepper jack or blue cheese.
- These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.