Introduction
The Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy is a gourmet twist on the classic Juicy Lucy burger, combining rich flavors with a mouthwatering texture. This burger features a patty stuffed with savory bacon bourbon jam and melted cheese, offering a juicy, flavorful bite with every mouthful. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy burger sauce, this dish is perfect for any burger lover looking to elevate their grilling game. Whether for a weekend barbecue or a family gathering, this burger will surely impress your guests with its bold and unique flavors.
Ingredients
For the Burgers, you will need 2 lbs Ground chuck (80/20), seasoned salt to taste, garlic powder to taste, brioche buns, white American cheese, Colby Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. For the Bacon Bourbon Jam, gather 6-8 strips of hickory bacon, 2 tbsp bourbon, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp maple vinegar (or red wine vinegar), 2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ cup onion (diced), and 3 cloves garlic (minced). For the Burger Sauce, you will need 1 cup mayo, 2 tbsp sweet relish, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 2 tsp garlic paste.
Instructions
Start by preparing the Bacon Bourbon Jam. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cut the bacon into cubes and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook the diced onions for 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, and brown sugar, whisking to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 6-8 minutes until it thickens into a jam. Set the jam aside to cool.
Next, prepare the Juicy Lucy patties. Form 3-4 oz. burger balls and flatten them into patties. Add a tablespoon of bacon bourbon jam and a slice of Colby Jack cheese to each patty. Top with another patty and seal the edges to create a stuffed patty. Repeat for all patties and refrigerate them for 20 minutes to firm up.
While the patties are chilling, make the burger sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet relish, ketchup, hot sauce, and garlic paste. Refrigerate the sauce until needed.
Once the patties are ready, preheat your grill for direct grilling. Grill the Juicy Lucys for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning 90 degrees halfway through for grill marks. Move the patties to an indirect heat zone, close the grill lid, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Add a slice of white American cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.
Now, assemble the burgers. Toast the brioche buns and spread the burger sauce on the top and bottom buns. Add lettuce to the bottom bun, followed by the Juicy Lucy patty with melted cheese. Top with a slice of tomato, sprinkling it with a pinch of salt.
Tips
For a juicier burger, ensure the beef used is high quality, such as ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio. Let the patties chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. The Bacon Bourbon Jam can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer a spicier burger, adjust the amount of hot sauce in the burger sauce to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucys with a side of crispy fries or a light salad. For a more decadent pairing, add onion rings or coleslaw for extra crunch. A cold beer or a refreshing iced tea pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavors of the burger.
Storage
If you have leftover Bacon Bourbon Jam, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The Juicy Lucy patties can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese for the stuffed patty?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella. However, the combination of Colby Jack and white American cheese provides a perfect melt and flavor balance.
Can I make this burger without the Bourbon Bacon Jam?
While the jam adds a unique and rich flavor to the burger, you can substitute it with regular bacon jam or even sautéed onions and bacon if you prefer a simpler version.
How can I make the burger spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the burger sauce or add a few sliced jalapeños to the patty before grilling.
Conclusion
The Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy is an indulgent and flavorful burger that combines the best of smoky bacon, bourbon, and melted cheese, making it a standout choice for any burger enthusiast. The combination of a juicy stuffed patty, tangy burger sauce, and fresh toppings creates a mouthwatering burger that will be the highlight of your meal. Perfect for grilling season or any time you crave something special, this burger is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
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🍔 Bourbon Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy 🍔
Description
A gourmet twist on the classic Juicy Lucy, this burger is stuffed with Bourbon Bacon Jam and melted cheese, topped with a tangy burger sauce for an unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs Ground chuck (80/20)
• Seasoned salt, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Brioche buns
• White American cheese
• Colby Jack cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• 6-8 strips of hickory bacon
• 2 tbsp Bourbon
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Maple vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• ½ cup Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Mayo
• 2 tbsp Sweet relish
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Hot sauce
• 2 tsp Garlic paste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a cast iron skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook onions for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture thickens into a jam. Set aside to cool.
4️⃣ Form 3-4 oz. burger balls, flatten into patties, stuff with bacon bourbon jam and Colby Jack cheese, then seal.
5️⃣ Mix together mayo, relish, ketchup, hot sauce, and garlic paste to make the sauce.
6️⃣ Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, then cook on indirect heat for 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7️⃣ Toast the brioche buns, spread the burger sauce, and assemble with lettuce, patty, and tomato.