The Ultimate 4th of July Burger: Bourbon Bacon Jam with Smoky Pimento Cheese
Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger with Smoky Pimento Cheese
The sweet-salty bourbon bacon jam gives a nod to classic American BBQ, while the smoky pimento cheese takes this burger into full Southern-comfort territory, plus, both toppings can be prepped ahead so you can chill with your guests.
- Author
- Kastina
- Prep Time
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time
- 25 minutes
- Servings
- 4 burgers
- Category
Main course
- Cuisine
American/Southern inspired
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground chuck (80/20)
- Salt & pepper
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- 4 thick tomato slices
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- ½ large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp diced pimentos (from a jar)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne
Directions
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, smoked paprika, and cooked bacon. Simmer until thick and jammy (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix cheddar, mayo, pimentos, smoked paprika, and cayenne until creamy
- Form 4 patties. Season generously with salt & pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until done to your liking (about 4 minutes per side for medium)
- Spread a generous scoop of smoky pimento cheese on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, burger patty, and a heaping spoonful of bourbon bacon jam. Top with the bun and serve hot.