Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam

Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam – The Ultimate Stuffed Burger Experience

When it comes to burger recipes that wow the entire family, few things compare to the Juicy Lucy burger—a cheesy burger stuffed with molten cheese in the center of the patty. Add homemade bacon jam, and you’ve got one of the most flavor-packed, smoked burger recipes you’ll ever try.

Whether you’re using a pellet grill, charcoal grill, cast iron skillet, or even the air fryer, this recipe gives you the tools and techniques to achieve the best results every single time.

Let’s dive into how to make this stuffed burger masterpiece—one that brings smoky flavor, a gooey stack of cheese, and a rich layer of bacon jam to your plate.

What is a Juicy Lucy Burger?

A Juicy Lucy is a stuffed burger with cheese hidden inside the beef patty instead of on top. When cooked properly, the cheese melts into a molten core, creating a cheesy burger that’s unlike any other.

This unique cooking process results in a beef patty that stays incredibly juicy while delivering a rich, cheesy bite with every mouthful.

Where Did the Juicy Lucy Originate?

The Juicy Lucy burger originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the 1950s. Two competing bars, Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, both claim to have invented the first stuffed burger.

Regardless of its true origin, this cheesy burger has gained national recognition and is now a favorite way to enjoy an extra flavorful and juicy burger.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam

For the Juicy Lucy:

• 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 tbsp of your favorite burger seasoning
• 5 Brioche Burger Buns

Burger Sauce:

• 1 cup mayo
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp relish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp chipotle powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Bacon Jam:

• 1 pound thick-cut slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 oz bourbon

How to make a Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam

1. Form the Hamburger Patties

Start by placing your ground beef into a large bowl. Divide the meat into ¼-pound portions and form them into flat hamburger patties.

Give each beef patty a light drizzle of garlic sauce (like Bachan’s Roasted Garlic) then season them generously with your burger seasoning. This will add additional flavor to the inside of the burger.

2. Add the Cheese Center

Take one beef patty and place ½ cup of shredded pepper jack in the center. I highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block of cheese. The quality and taste is much better than pre-shredded cheese.

Place a second patty on top to create the signature stuffed burger effect then season the outside with your burger seasoning.

Be sure to create a tight seal by pinching the edges all the way around. This helps prevent the cheese from oozing out too soon during the cooking process.

3. Smoke the Burgers for Maximum Flavor

Place your stuffed burgers on a preheated pellet grill or charcoal grill set to 225°F. Let them smoke for 30 minutes. This gives the burger a nice smoky flavor while slowly cooking the beef and warming the cheese center.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time or don’t have a smoker, you can still cook these in a cast iron skillet or even an air fryer set to medium heat for great flavor and texture.

4. Making the Bacon Jam – Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible

While your burgers are smoking, fire up a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook 1 pound of diced bacon for 7-8 minutes and remove once crispy. Drain the excess grease, but leave in 2 tbsp to fry the onions.

Add 1 large diced onion to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown and begin to caramelize.

When the onions are fully cooked, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and bourbon.

Let the mixture simmer until it reduces down into a sticky, sweet-savory jam. Remove from heat and let it cool—it’s going to be the star topping on your Juicy Lucy burger.

5. Make your Homemade Burger Sauce

While the burgers are smoking and the jam is reducing, mix all the burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl until fully combined. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

This tangy, smoky sauce pairs beautifully with the richness of the burger and cuts through the sweetness of the bacon jam.

6. Finish Cooking the Burgers

After 30 minutes of smoking, increase your grill temperature to 325°F and continue cooking the burgers for another 7–8 minutes.

Flip them every 2 minutes to ensure even browning on both sides of the beef patties. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—you’re aiming for about 155°F. That’s when the cheese begins to ooze, and the burgers are at peak juicy burger status.

Be cautious—the molten cheese inside gets incredibly hot!

7. Toast the Buns and Assemble

Lightly toast the sides of the buns—either on the grill, griddle, or in a pan—until golden brown. This adds an extra layer of texture and prevents sogginess.

8. Time to build your burger:

1. Spread a layer of burger sauce on the bottom bun.
2. Add the smoked Juicy Lucy burger.
3. Top with a generous spoonful of bacon jam.
4. Finish with the top patty of the bun and dive in!

Tips for Best Results of a Juicy Lucy Burger

• Tight Seal: When making your stuffed burger, ensure the seal is completely secure to prevent cheese from leaking.
• Grill Grates: Keep your grill grates clean and oiled to avoid sticking.
• Cheese Choice: Swap in American cheese, cheddar cheese, or a slice of cheese if you prefer something more traditional or mild.
• Air Fryer Option: For a faster version, cook at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Smash Burger Style: If you want a thinner version, use the same beef mix and make a smash burger with the sauce and bacon jam.

What to Serve with a Juicy Lucy Burger

A burger this epic deserves equally amazing side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Crispy seasoned fries
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Tangy coleslaw
• Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
• Dill pickles or fried pickles

Whatever you choose, this Juicy Lucy burger will be the hero of the plate.

Final Thoughts on a Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam

This Juicy Lucy Burger with Bacon Jam is more than just another entry in your list of burger recipes—it’s the ultimate cheesy burger experience. With its stuffed center, smoky flavor, and irresistible bacon jam, it’s guaranteed to become your favorite way to make burgers.

Whether you’re using a charcoal grill for deep smokiness, a pellet grill for precision, or even trying the air fryer for convenience, this recipe delivers flavor that’ll please the entire family.

Craving more smoked Juicy Lucy burgers or looking for a new twist on a classic beef patty? Bookmark this smoked burger recipe—because once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ready to fire up the grill and impress your crowd? Let’s make some burgers!

Got questions or your own favorite twist on the Juicy Lucy? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make your favorite burger toppings shine.

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