Bourbon-Infused Bacon Jam Smashburgers are the BEST

FOLLOW @blackdog_bbq

For the bourbon bacon jam

• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 T butter + more as needed
• 1 package (16 oz.) thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 T minced garlic
• ½ C brown sugar
• ¼ C maple syrup
• ¼ C bourbon
• 1/3 C apple cider vinegar

1. Place a skillet on the griddle and preheat to sear mode. Once the skillet is hot, Add the bacon and cook for about 10 minutes, moving the bacon bits around as needed to prevent them from burning. Once the bacon has turned a golden-brown color, remove them from the saucepan using a slotted spoon. Pour the bacon grease into a mason jar and save for later, making sure to reserve 1-2 tablespoons (just enough to coat the bottom of the pan) for the onions.
2. Add the diced onions to the saucepan with the reserved bacon grease and sauté for about 10 minutes. Once the onions are tender, pour in the minced garlic, bacon bits, brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium (275-325 degrees) and simmer for 10-15 minutes longer. Once the mixture has a jam-like consistency, pour the mixture into a bowl. Allow the bourbon bacon jam to cool at room temperature then refrigerate up to 1 week or until ready to use.

For the burgers:

-form ground beef into 1/4 pound meatballs and season with S & P
-place on cooking surface over high heat
-smash burger using spatula, allow to cook for about 4 minutes then flip and top with cheese
-once the cheese has melted, remove the burgers, place on a bun and top with the bacon jam. Enjoy!