Bourbon Bacon Jam

Burgers are a classic American food that are perfect for any occasion. However, sometimes you want to add a little something extra to your burger to take it to the next level. That’s where the Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy comes in. This burger is stuffed with a delicious bacon jam made with bourbon, honey, and maple vinegar, and topped with a special burger sauce. It’s a mouth-watering combination that will have your taste buds begging for more.

To make the Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy, you’ll need a few key ingredients like ground chuck, seasoned salt, garlic powder, brioche buns, white American cheese, and Colby jack cheese. The star of the show is the bacon bourbon jam, which is made with strips of hickory bacon, bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, brown sugar, onion, and garlic. Once you’ve prepared the jam and formed the patties, it’s time to grill the Juicy Lucys to perfection. The end result is a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Bourbon Bacon Jam Ingredients

6-8 strips of hickory bacon

2 tbsp bourbon
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp maple vinegar (Red wine vinegar as a substitute)

2 tbsp brown sugar
½ cup onion, diced
3 cloves minced garlic

Burger Ingredients

2 lbs ground chuck 80/20
Seasoned salt
Garlic powder

Brioche buns
White American cheese
Colby jack cheese

Lettuce
Tomatoes

Burger Sauce Ingredients

1 cup mayo

2 tbsp sweet relish
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp hot sauce

2 tsp garlic paste

To make the Bourbon Bacon Jam, start by prepping all the ingredients, including hickory bacon, bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, brown sugar, onion, and garlic. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the bacon (cut into cubes for easier cooking). Cook until crisp, then remove the bacon. Add the onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes before adding the garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk together and allow it to thicken for about 6-8 minutes, or a bit longer if needed, until it reaches a jam consistency. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let it cool.

To form the patties, create 3-4 ounce balls of ground chuck and smash them down into patties. Place a tablespoon of the bacon jam and a slice of Colby jack cheese in the center of one patty. Cover with another patty and seal the edges to form a single thick patty. Repeat this process with the remaining meat. Chill the patties in the fridge for 20 minutes.

To prepare the Burger Sauce, mix together the mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, hot sauce, and garlic paste in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

To grill the Juicy Lucys, preheat the grill for direct grilling. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-6 minutes, turning them 90 degrees halfway through for even grill marks. Move the patties to an indirect heat zone and close the grill lid, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Serve on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and the Burger Sauce.

Preparation

Prepare Bourbon Bacon Jam

To make the Bourbon Bacon Jam, start by heating a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 strips of hickory bacon (cut into cubes for easier cooking) and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and add ½ cup of diced onions to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes before adding 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add 2 tbsp of bourbon, 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of maple vinegar (red wine vinegar as a substitute), and 2 tbsp of brown sugar. Whisk together and allow it to thicken for about 6-8 minutes, or a bit longer if needed, until it reaches a jam consistency. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let it cool.

Form Patties

Prepare Burger Sauce

To prepare the burger sauce, mix together 1 cup of mayo, 2 tbsp of sweet relish, 2 tbsp of ketchup, 1 tbsp of hot sauce, and 2 tsp of garlic paste in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

Grill the Juicy Lucys

To grill the Juicy Lucys, preheat the grill for direct grilling. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-6 minutes, turning them 90 degrees halfway through for even grill marks. Move the patties to an indirect heat zone and close the grill lid, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Toast the brioche buns and assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomatoes, and burger sauce. Enjoy the delicious and juicy Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucys!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon works best for making bacon jam?

Any high-quality bacon will work for making bacon jam. Hickory smoked bacon is a popular choice, but you can also use applewood smoked bacon or any other type of bacon that you prefer.

Can you substitute maple syrup for honey in the bacon jam recipe?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in the bacon jam recipe. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How long can you store homemade bacon bourbon jam in the refrigerator?

Homemade bacon bourbon jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Is it possible to make the bacon bourbon jam without using bourbon for a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, it is possible to make the bacon bourbon jam without using bourbon for a non-alcoholic version. Simply omit the bourbon and add an additional tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.

What are the best ways to serve and use bacon bourbon jam?

Bacon bourbon jam is a versatile condiment that can be used in many ways. It is delicious on burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes, as a glaze for roasted vegetables, or as a dip for crackers or bread.

Can bacon jam be processed in a water bath for longer shelf life?

Yes, bacon jam can be processed in a water bath for longer shelf life. Follow proper canning procedures and process for the recommended amount of time based on your altitude. Keep in mind that the texture of the bacon jam may change slightly after canning.