Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy Burgers

If you love burgers, prepare to have your mind blown! The Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy Burger takes the classic cheeseburger to incredible new heights. Imagine this: two juicy beef patties encasing a core of gloriously melted cheese. Sounds amazing, right? But then you top it with a generous spoonful of sweet, smoky, savory bacon jam, and it’s an absolute game-changer. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor and texture that’s unlike anything else in the burger world.

History and Origin of the Juicy Lucy Burger

The Juicy Lucy (also spelled Jucy Lucy) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There’s a friendly but fierce rivalry between two bars claiming to be the birthplace of this cheesy masterpiece: Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club.

Matt’s Bar claims they invented the Juicy Lucy in 1954 when a regular customer asked for two burger patties with cheese in the middle. The 5-8 Club disputes this, saying they’ve been serving their version since at least 1950.

Regardless of its true origin, one thing’s for sure: the Juicy Lucy’s reputation for melted-cheese deliciousness quickly spread. Now, you can find Juicy Lucy variations on menus all across the country. The addition of bacon jam is a more recent twist that takes this burger legend to a whole new level of crave-worthy indulgence.

The Unique Twist of Adding Bacon Jam

While a classic Juicy Lucy is in itself a cheesy delight, adding bacon jam unlocks a whole new dimension of flavor. This magical condiment combines the smokiness of bacon with the sweetness of brown sugar, the tang of vinegar, and the savory depth of onions. The result is a complex, sweet-and-savory flavor bomb that perfectly complements the richness of the beef and melted cheese.

Bacon jam adds exciting texture as well. You get bits of crispy bacon along with the soft, caramelized onions, making each bite even more satisfying. The flavor doesn’t simply sit on top of the burger; it seeps into the meat, infusing it with an irresistible, crave-worthy quality.

The Recipe

Ingredients List

• For the Burger:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 soft burger buns
  • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)

• For the Bacon Jam:

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup strong coffee
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Special Ingredient – Bacon Jam

Bacon jam might sound fancy, but it’s a surprisingly simple condiment to make. Essentially, you cook down bacon, onions, and a few flavorful ingredients until they become a thick, spreadable jam. The key is in slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and the sugar to caramelize. While you can buy pre-made bacon jam, there’s something extra special about making your own for these burgers.

Preparation Steps

Making the Bacon Jam

1. Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry it in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some grease in the pan.
2. Sauté the onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook them in the bacon grease until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Caramelize and simmer: Add the brown sugar, coffee, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens into a jam-like consistency (about 20 minutes).
4. Finish: Return the bacon to the pan and stir to combine. Let cool, then use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Preparing the Burger Patty

1. Divide and form: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a thin patty, slightly wider than your burger buns.
2. The cheese pocket: On 4 patties, place a slice of American cheese. Top with a second patty and tightly pinch and seal the edges all the way around, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
3. Season: Season the outside of the formed patties with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Burger

1. Preheat: Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high.
2. Cook: Place the patties on the hot surface. For medium doneness, cook 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t press or move the patties while cooking – you want the cheese to get hot and melty without bursting out.
3. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160°F.

Assembling the Burger

1. Toast buns (optional): Lightly toast your burger buns for added flavor and texture.
2. Build the base: Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun.
3. The grand finale: Add a generous spoonful of bacon jam on top of the patty.
4. Add on the extras: Layer on your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any sauces your heart desires.

Serving Suggestions

• Napkins are a must: Juicy Lucys are gloriously messy! Have plenty of napkins at the ready for yourself and your guests.
• Simple and classic: A Juicy Lucy is a showstopper in itself. Consider keeping the presentation straightforward, letting the burger be the star. A basket lined with parchment paper adds a down-home, rustic touch.
• Upgrade the experience: For a fancier touch, cut the burgers in half before serving. This gives a tempting peek at the melted cheese center.

Pairing with Sides and Drinks

• Classic sides: French fries, potato chips, or onion rings are all-American sides that harmonize perfectly with a Juicy Lucy. A crisp coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
• Drinks for the win: An ice-cold beer is a classic pairing. Choose a pilsner or light lager to cut through the richness. Sweet tea or lemonade are non-alcoholic options that complement the sweet-savory flavors. For a bolder pairing, try a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel or a Malbec.

Tips for the Perfect Juicy Lucy Burger

• Quality beef: Start with good quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture. An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio results in a flavorful, juicy patty.
• Don’t overhandle: Handle the ground beef as little as possible to avoid tough patties.
• High heat: A very hot grill or skillet will sear the outside of the burger, creating a delicious crust while locking in the juices.
• Resist the urge to press: Don’t flatten your patties with a spatula, or you’ll squeeze out all the delicious cheese and juices.

FAQs

What cheese works best for a Juicy Lucy Burger?

American cheese is the classic choice for its super smooth melting properties. Cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone are all delicious alternatives but work best mixed with American cheese for optimal molten results.

Can I make bacon jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bacon jam gets even better with time as the flavors meld. It can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Tips for ensuring the cheese stays inside the burger?

• Seal tightly: Crimp and seal the edges of the patties very well, ensuring no cheese can escape.
• Chill it: Lightly chill the formed patties before cooking to help the cheese solidify.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooking can make the cheese burst out. Aim for medium, not medium-well.

Vegetarian alternatives for the Juicy Lucy Burger?

• Plant-based “bleeding” patty: Use a veggie burger patty that mimics the texture and juiciness of beef.
• Stuffed mushroom: A large grilled portobello mushroom stuffed with melty vegan cheese makes a great substitute.
• Cheese-stuffed veggie patty: Create homemade patties with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils and a melty vegan cheese center.

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