Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

If you love bacon jam burgers, this Bacon Jam Croissant Burger is about to become one of your new favorites. Instead of using traditional burger buns, this recipe starts with buttery croissants that are toasted until golden brown. Then, they’re loaded with juicy smash burger patties, melted pepper jack cheese, and a sweet and savory maple bourbon bacon jam.

First, the bacon is cooked until crispy, while the rendered fat helps caramelize the onions. Next, bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic turn the bacon mixture into a thick, flavorful jam. Meanwhile, the burgers are smashed on a hot griddle to create an incredible crust.

Finally, everything comes together with pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo. As a result, every bite delivers smoky, sweet, spicy, savory, and buttery flavors all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

• Sweet and savory: The maple bourbon bacon jam perfectly balances the savory beef.
• Crispy smash burgers: High heat creates a delicious crust on the burgers.
• Buttery croissants: Toasted croissants make these burgers extra special.
• A little heat: Pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo add just the right amount of spice.
• Perfect for entertaining: These burgers are an excellent option for a backyard barbecue or weekend cookout.

Ingredients For Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

Bacon Jam Burgers

• 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 4 buttery croissants
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
• 3 tbsp favorite burger seasoning
• 4 tbsp chipotle mayo

Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup bourbon

How to Make a Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

1. Prepare the Bacon and Onion

Begin by cutting the bacon into small pieces and dicing the yellow onion.

Then, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crispy.

Once the bacon is ready, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess grease.

2. Caramelize the Onions

Next, drain the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving approximately 3 tablespoons in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 15–20 minutes.

Stir occasionally as the onions soften and begin to caramelize. This step is important because the caramelized onions provide a rich foundation for the bacon jam.

3. Add the Bourbon

Once the onions are caramelized, carefully add the bourbon to the skillet. Then, using a long lighter, carefully ignite the bourbon to burn off the alcohol.

Safety note: Keep your face and hands away from the skillet when lighting the bourbon. The flame may be large initially; however, it should disappear quickly as the alcohol burns off.

4. Make the Bacon Jam

After the flame has gone out, add the crispy bacon back to the skillet. Then, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the mixture cooks, it will thicken and develop a jam-like consistency.

Once the bacon jam reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

5. Form the Burger Patties

Meanwhile, divide the ground beef into eight portions and form them into loose balls, approximately ⅓ pound each.

Preheat a griddle over high heat. Once the surface is hot, place the beef balls onto the griddle. Immediately smash each one firmly with a burger press to create thin patties.

Season the patties generously with your favorite burger seasoning.

6. Smash and Cook the Burgers

Cook the patties for approximately 4 minutes on the first side. This allows the beef to develop a crispy, flavorful crust.

Then, flip the burgers and immediately add a slice of pepper jack cheese to each patty. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

7. Toast the Croissants

While the burgers finish cooking, carefully slice the croissants in half. Place them cut-side down on the griddle and toast until the inside is golden brown.

Be careful not to over-toast them because you still want the croissants to remain buttery and soft.

8. Assemble the Burgers

Finally, spread chipotle mayo over the toasted croissants. Add the smash burger patties, followed by a generous spoonful of maple bourbon bacon jam.

Top with pickled jalapeños and place the croissant top over the burger. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips on Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

• Use 80/20 ground beef: The higher fat content helps create juicy burgers with crispy edges.
• Don’t rush the onions: Allowing them to caramelize properly gives the bacon jam much more flavor.
• Use thick-cut bacon: It provides plenty of crispy pieces throughout the jam.
• Get the griddle hot: A hot cooking surface is essential for creating that classic smash burger crust.
• Toast the croissants last: This keeps them warm and prevents them from becoming soggy before assembly.

Bacon Jam Croissant Burger Variations

For even more heat, add extra pickled jalapeños or use a spicier chipotle mayo. You can also swap pepper jack for cheddar or your favorite slice of cheese.

Additionally, serve these burgers with crispy potato wedges or your favorite fries for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a more traditional option, you can even serve the bacon jam burgers on toasted burger buns.

Storage

Store leftover bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

For the best results, store leftover burger patties and bacon jam separately. Then, toast a fresh croissant when you’re ready to make another burger.

FAQs About Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

What is bacon jam made of? Bacon jam combines crispy bacon with caramelized onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, and bourbon. Together, these ingredients create a thick, sweet, savory spread.

Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time? Absolutely. In fact, making the bacon jam ahead of time is a great way to make the cooking process easier. Simply refrigerate it and gently reheat it before serving.

What cheese goes best with a bacon jam burger? Pepper jack is an excellent choice because its creamy texture and mild heat complement the sweet maple bacon jam. However, cheddar, American, or smoked gouda are also great options.

Final Thoughts on Bacon Jam Croissant Burger

This Bacon Jam Croissant Burger takes the classic cheeseburger and brings it to a whole new level. First, you get the crispy crust from the smash burger. Then, the melted pepper jack adds richness, while the sweet and savory bacon jam brings incredible depth.

Meanwhile, the pickled jalapeños cut through the richness, and the chipotle mayo adds a smoky kick. Finally, everything is tucked inside a buttery toasted croissant.

Best of all, you don’t need a special occasion to make these burgers. Whether you’re firing up the griddle for a backyard barbecue or simply looking for something different for dinner, this is an ultimate cheeseburger worth trying.

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