Bacon Burgers with Bacon Onion Balsamic Jam

Caramelized onions are infused with bacon and balsamic vinegar then spooned on top of a fresh-from-the-grill burger. But don't just whip up a plain burger - mix some chopped bacon into the ground beef prior! The result is a delicious explosion of all things bacon.

In hindsight, I should have posted this recipe last week, in time for the 4th of July cookouts that I'm sure many of us enjoyed, but alas... better late than never! Though I do hope you had a fabulous and safe holiday weekend :) We just returned from a week at the beach so our holiday weekend was low key - just the way I like it!

This burger has been on our menu many times, and previously shared on the blog, but it deserved another shot at the top. If you're a bacon fan, this burger is right up your alley. Between the jam and the bacon mixed into the beef, you can't go wrong. And for those of you that are onions haters like myself? Don't knock it until you try it! I really hate most onions but I LOVE caramelized onions - especially when they are mixed with bacon and balsamic vinegar!

This burger certainly doesn't need any cheese but there's no shame if you melt some over your patty before you pull it from the grill. We love using smoked gouda on this!

Bacon Burgers with Bacon Onion Balsamic Jam
For the jam:
4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup water
salt and pepper

For the burgers:
2 slices thick cut bacon, finely minced
1.5 lb ground beef (85%)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper

4 slices smoked gouda (optional)
4 hamburger buns, split
butter, for toasting

First, make the jam. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until lightly browned but not yet crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon. Drain all but 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. Add the sliced onion to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, cover the pan and cook 2 minutes. Uncover, add a splash of water, and, using a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and beginning to brown, abut 10 minutes.

Add the vinegar, mustard, and water and stir to combine. Add the chopped cooked bacon and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer uncovered until the mixture is thickened and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 2-4 minutes. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let cool slightly.

To make the burgers, combine the minced bacon, beef, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 1 inch thick.

Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill to desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on preference and grill temperature. When the burgers are almost finished cooking, top with the cheese. Lightly butter each bun and toast on the grill, about 1 minute. Assemble the burgers on the toasted buns and top with the onion jam.

Source: slightly adapted from Fine Cooking