This Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy recipe combines the richness of bourbon bacon jam with juicy beef patties stuffed with gooey cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of bourbon bacon jam and melted cheese inside the beef patties creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
- The burger sauce adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the savory components of the burger.
- Grilling the Juicy Lucys gives them a nice char and smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Ground chuck 80/20
- Seasoned salt
- Garlic powder
- Brioche buns
- White American cheese
- Colby jack cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Bacon Bourbon Jam:
- 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 Sauce:
- 1 cup Mayo
- 2 tbsp Sweet relish
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Hot sauce
- 2 tsp Garlic paste
Directions:
Prepare the Bourbon Bacon Jam: Start by prepping all your ingredients for the bourbon bacon jam. 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.
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.
Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, hot sauce, and garlic paste. Refrigerate until needed.
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 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Add a slice of White American cheese on top of each patty to melt.
Assemble the Burgers: Toast the brioche buns and spread the prepared burger sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Build the burger in the following order: lettuce, the Juicy Lucy patty, and a tomato slice on top. Season the tomato with a little salt.
Storage: Store any leftover Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucys in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Recipe Tips:
For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika in the burger sauce or add a dash of liquid smoke to the bacon bourbon jam. Adjust the spiciness of the burger sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference. Enjoy these decadent burgers with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal!”