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Bacon jam blue cheese burger with a juicy beef patty, melted blue cheese, and caramelized onion bacon jam on a toasted brioche bun
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Bacon Jam Blue Cheese Burger (Gourmet Juicy Burger with Homemade Bacon Jam)

This bacon jam blue cheese burger is a rich, gourmet-style burger layered with sweet-savory bacon jam, juicy beef patties, and creamy tangy blue cheese. Perfect for an elevated homemade burger that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Gourmet American
Keyword bacon jam blue cheese burger, bacon jam burger, bacon jam recipe, best burger recipe, blue cheese burger, brioche burger, easy gourmet burger, gourmet burger recipe, homemade burger recipe, juicy beef burger, restaurant style burger
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 720kcal
Cost $14 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan (for cooking bacon and burgers)
  • Grill (optional alternative for burgers)
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paper towels (for draining bacon)
  • Small saucepan (optional, if separating jam step)
  • Spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring jam)

Ingredients

Bacon Jam

  • 12 oz bacon finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ⅓ cup brewed coffee
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon soy sauce

Burgers

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 oz blue cheese cut into small chunks

Assembly

  • 4 brioche buns
  • Butter for toasting
  • Optional: arugula or crispy onions
  • Optional: a few drops lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  • Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to paper towels and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  • Add diced onions to the pan and cook over low heat for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Bacon Jam

  • Add coffee, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Return bacon to the pan and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
  • The jam should look slightly loose while hot and thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare the Burger Patties

  • In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce. Form into 4 loose patties with a slight indent in the center.
  • Season the outside with salt and black pepper just before cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Burgers

  • Cook patties in a hot skillet or grill for 3–4 minutes without moving. Flip once and cook another 3–4 minutes.
  • Press blue cheese chunks lightly into the top after flipping and cover loosely for the final minute to soften.
  • Let burgers rest for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Toast the Buns

  • Butter the brioche buns and toast until golden.

Step 7: Assemble the Burgers

  • Spread a thin layer of bacon jam on the bottom bun. Add the burger patty with blue cheese, then a small extra spoon of bacon jam.
  • Top with arugula or crispy onions if using, and finish with the top bun. Add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar if desired for brightness.

Notes

  • For the best bacon jam flavor, cook the onions low and slow until deeply caramelized—this creates a naturally sweet, rich base without needing extra sugar.
  • Add the brown sugar and maple syrup later in the cooking process to prevent burning and keep the jam smooth and glossy.
  • The bacon jam should look slightly loose in the pan, as it will thicken into a perfectly spreadable consistency once cooled.
  • If the jam becomes too thick after chilling, reheat gently with 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen it back to a spreadable texture.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef to ensure juicy, flavorful burgers with the ideal fat content for a rich bite.
  • Avoid overworking the beef when forming patties to keep the burgers tender instead of dense.
  • Let the burgers sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a deep, flavorful crust.
  • Blue cheese should be added in chunks and gently pressed into the patty so it softens and stays creamy rather than melting away completely.
  • Because bacon and blue cheese are naturally salty, avoid over-seasoning the beef to maintain a balanced flavor.
  • Toasting the brioche buns adds structure and prevents them from becoming soggy from the bacon jam.
  • Adding a small amount of acidity, like a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar, helps balance the richness of the burger.
  • This burger is best served fresh, but the bacon jam can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.