Burger with Bacon Jam and Special Sauce

Ingredients

• 600 g ground beef (Preferably 15–20% fat; form 4 patties)
• 250 g bacon (Cut into small pieces)
• 1 yellow onion (Finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (For caramelizing the bacon jam)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (Can be substituted with honey)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (Balances the sweetness)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise (For the special sauce)
• 3 tbsp ketchup (For the special sauce)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard (For the special sauce)
• 2 tbsp dill pickles (Finely chopped)
• 1 diente garlic (Grated or finely chopped)
• 4 rebanadas Cheddar cheese (One per burger)
• 4 hamburger buns (Toasted before serving)
• salt (To taste, for seasoning the beef and the jam)
• black pepper (To taste)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (For cooking the burgers, if necessary)

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.

2. 2

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notes

The post mentions the combination of bacon jam and special sauce but does not provide visible quantities or instructions. The quantities and steps are an approximate culinary reconstruction. Cook ground beef to 71 °C/160 °F; refrigerate leftover sauce and jam in airtight containers and consume within 3–4 days.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• burger
• bacon
• cheese
• comfort food
• griddled
• homemade
• American