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The Ultimate 4th of July Burger: Bourbon Bacon Jam with Smoky Pimento Cheese
Get ready to steal the show at your 4th of July cookout with this unforgettable burger! Juicy grilled patties meet smoky pimento cheese and sweet-savory bourbon bacon jam—layers of flavor that’ll make your tastebuds pop like fireworks. Whether you’re hosting the neighborhood BBQ or treating your family to a backyard feast, this burger is a celebration on a bun.
Why You’ll Love It:
Big flavors: Sweet bourbon bacon jam + creamy, smoky pimento cheese = pure magic.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves a twist on a classic burger.
Easy prep: Make the jam and cheese ahead of time so you can focus on the grill.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger with Smoky Pimento Cheese
Kastina
4 burgers
20 minutes
25 minutes
American/Southern inspired
Main course
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.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs ground chuck (80/20)
Salt & pepper
4 brioche buns, toasted
4 leaves butter lettuce
4 thick tomato slices
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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
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp diced pimentos (from a jar)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne
Directions
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- 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.
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In a bowl, mix cheddar, mayo, pimentos, smoked paprika, and cayenne until creamy
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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)
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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.
