Step 1

To make the bacon jam, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain the excess grease from the pan. (Leave about 1 tablespoon of grease)

Step 2

In the same skillet add the diced onion and cook until caramelize and browned stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Once the onions are cooked through, add minced garlic for about a minute and cook together. Then add back the bacon, along with brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness.

Step 4

Stir to combine all the ingredients and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the jam starts to thicken. Shut off the heat and let it continue to cool off. It will thicken even more as it does so.

Step 5

Next form 1/4 lb patties with the ground beef and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 6

Heat up your grill to medium high heat and cook the burgers until they are to your level of desired doneness. (I like about 150°F internal)

Step 7

Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each burger and toast your buns on the grill.

Step 8

Assemble the burgers with the toppings that you like. I add mayo to the bottom bun, lettuce, a cheeseburger patty and a generous heaping of bacon jam.

Step 9

Serve the bacon jam burgers immediately and enjoy!