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Savory Whiskey Bacon Jam Burger Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onions

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A flavorful burger featuring a smoky-sweet whiskey bacon jam and slow-cooked caramelized onions, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick-cut smoked bacon
  • 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions (about 300g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 1/4 cup whiskey (60ml), bourbon or rye preferred
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional toppings: sharp cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles
  • For caramelized onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Butter or olive oil for caramelizing onions
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon Jam: Chop bacon into small pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until just crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add finely chopped yellow onions to the bacon fat. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn golden, about 20 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Return bacon to the pan. Stir in brown sugar, whiskey, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer gently, stirring often, until thick and jam-like, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Caramelize the Onions: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden brown and fragrant, about 30 minutes. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes if desired. Set aside.
  5. Form the Burger Patties: Mix ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than buns. Make a small dimple in the center of each patty.
  6. Cook the Burgers: Heat cast iron skillet or grill pan to medium-high. Cook patties about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add cheese slices in the last minute if using and cover to melt.
  7. Toast the Buns: Spread softened butter on cut sides of buns. Toast in a pan or under broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread whiskey bacon jam on bottom bun. Add burger patty, then caramelized onions. Add optional toppings as desired. Top with the bun.
  9. Serve immediately with preferred sides.

Notes

Cook bacon jam low and slow to achieve perfect consistency; add a splash of water or whiskey if too thick. Handle burger meat gently to avoid dense patties. Patience is key when caramelizing onions to avoid burning. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Bacon jam can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey bacon jam, bacon jam burger, caramelized onions, savory burger, bourbon burger, easy burger recipe, smoky burger, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/savory-whiskey-bacon-jam-burger-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-onions/