Jalapeño Popper Smash Burger
Bacon Jam
Elevate your burger game with this savory-sweet creation featuring a crispy smash patty, creamy Havarti, fresh jalapeños, and a rich bacon-raspberry jam.
This smash burger is the ultimate indulgence for those who love bold, contrasting flavors. By combining the classic heat of a jalapeño popper with a sophisticated bacon jam made from espresso, apple cider vinegar, and fresh raspberries, this dish transforms a simple meal into a complex culinary experience. It is the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet components that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 450 g 75/25 ground beef
- 150 g diced bacon
- 1 white onion
- 60 ml espresso
- 30 ml apple cider vinegar
- 40 g brown sugar
- 50 g fresh raspberries
- 2 jalapeños
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 2 burger buns
- 50 g whipped cream cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 1Cook the bacon
Add the diced bacon to a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Stir consistently to ensure even cooking and to allow the fat to fully render until the bacon is crispy.
Tip: Keep a close eye on the bacon to ensure it doesnt burn while rendering the fat. - 2Sauté the onions
After removing the bacon and most of the excess grease, add the finely chopped white onions to the same pan. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: The leftover bacon fat provides a savory base for the onions. - 3Build the bacon jam base
To the sautéed onions, add the espresso, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and fresh raspberries. These ingredients will create the complex, sweet-and-savory flavor profile of the jam.
Tip: Ensure the heat is managed well so the sugar doesnt burn before dissolving. - 4Simmer the bacon jam
Add the cooked bacon bits into the pan along with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until the jam thickens and sets.
Tip: The jam is done when it has reached a thick, spreadable consistency after the long simmer. - 5Sear the patties
Take your 75/25 ground beef and form patties, placing them onto a hot griddle. Sear them at a high temperature to develop a deep, flavorful crust.
Tip: Using a 75/25 meat ratio is essential for a juicy smash burger. - 6Top and smash the burgers
Place thinly sliced raw jalapeños onto the beef patties on the griddle, then smash them down to sear the peppers directly into the meat. If any fall off during the smash, simply place them back on top.
Tip: Scrape up the edges carefully when flipping to maintain the crust.
