Bacon Jam Burger with Dijonnaise

Bacon Jam Burger with Dijonnaise is the ultimate gourmet burger experience you can make right on your stovetop! This recipe features a juicy beef patty, melty cheddar cheese, and a sweet-savory bacon onion jam with balsamic vinegar. It’s all topped with a creamy homemade Dijonnaise sauce and fresh fixings, making every bite unforgettable. Perfect for burger night or impressing guests!

Ingredients

For the Burgers

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 burger buns
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
• 4 slices sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese
• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)

For the Best Bacon Onion Jam with Balsamic Vinegar

• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

For the Homemade Dijonnaise Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

Make the Bacon Onion Jam

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add sliced onions to the pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (if using), black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until thick and jammy.
4. Return the cooked bacon to the pan, stir to combine, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Dijonnaise Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the Burgers

1. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 equal patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
2. Heat a skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add burger patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover to melt.
3. While burgers cook, melt butter in a separate pan or on a griddle. Toast the buns, cut side down, until golden brown.

Assemble the Bacon Jam Burgers

1. Spread a generous layer of homemade Dijonnaise sauce on the bottom buns.
2. Add lettuce and tomato if desired, then place the cheesy burger patty on top.
3. Spoon a heaping tablespoon (or more!) of bacon onion jam over each patty.
4. Add pickles if you like, then the top bun.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your unique Bacon Jam Burger!

Tips & FAQ

• The bacon onion jam can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• Try the jam on grilled cheese, eggs, or roasted veggies!
• For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon to the jam while simmering.

Love creative burgers? Try our Tasty Mushroom Swiss Burger (No Egg) or Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls for more inspiration!