Step 1

Cut 1/2 of the bacon into 1-inch pieces (reserve the rest of the bacon).

Step 2

Add the diced bacon and onions to a skillet and saute until the bacon is cooked and the onions are soft.

Step 3

Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings (don't need to be perfect - just eyeball it!).

Step 4

Add the garlic and continue to cook for about a minute.

Step 5

Add the brown sugar, vinegar and salt and bring to a boil. Stir and cook until it's reached a jam-like consistency.

Step 6

Spoon into a jar and set aside.

Step 7

Spread the remaining bacon pieces out on a sheet pan lined with foil. Place in a cold oven and turn to 400F. Let bake until crispy then remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 8

From the burger patties by dividing the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and black pepper.  Grill, pan-fry or bake until it reaches your desired doneness.

Step 9

Place the slices of cheese on the burgers about 1 minute before you remove them from the heat.

Step 10

Here's how I recommend assembling the burgers: Bottom bun, burger with cheese, bacon jam, crispy bacon and then the top bun.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy!