Burger with Bacon Jam and Special Sauce

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the bacon jam. Place the bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and most of its fat has rendered, approximately 8–10 minutes.

   Start 10-minute timer
2. 2

   Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it with the bacon for 5–7 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.

   Start 7-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and cook over low heat for 5–8 minutes, until thick, glossy, and sticky. Remove from the heat and set aside.

   Start 8-minute timer
4. 4

   Prepare the special sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and garlic in a bowl. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper; refrigerate while you cook the beef.

5. 5

   Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and form patties slightly wider than the buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking.

6. 6

   Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil only if the surface is not nonstick or the beef is very lean.

7. 7

   Cook the burgers for 3–4 minutes on the first side, until well browned. Flip once and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C)/71 °C (160 °F).

   Start 4-minute timer
8. 8

   Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.

9. 9

   Toast the buns cut-side down in the skillet for 1–2 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp.

   Start 2-minute timer
10. 10

    Spread the special sauce on the inside faces of the buns. Place the cheeseburger on each bun and generously top with the bacon jam. Serve immediately.