Best Blue Burger With Tomato Bacon Jam Recipe
This burger recipe speaks to my soul with its juicy ground beef patty, perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of blue cheese and the sweet-savory kick from homemade tomato bacon jam. There’s something so satisfying about biting into those toasted brioche buns, filled with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, that makes every meal feel like an indulgent treat.
I take great pleasure in concocting the ideal burger, and my Best Blue Burger with Tomato Bacon Jam is a monument to tasty indulgence. I start with 80/20 ground beef, always super juicy, and mix in a good amount of crumbled blue cheese.
Then there’s the tomato bacon jam, which is just downright awesome. Sweet, savory, and oh-so jammy, it’s got crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and just the right touch of apple cider vinegar to counterbalance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
And if that wasn’t enough, it’s got a base of sweet and crunchy tomato jam. And I put that in a burger.
A gigantic flavor explosion that’s equal parts sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
The protein content is very high; it offers succulence and is delicious.
Blue Cheese:
Imparts a zesty, strong taste; is rich in calcium and protein.
Bacon:
The texture is crisp; the flavor is smoky; the protein and fat content is high.
Tomatoes:
Juicy and sweet; filled with vitamins A and C.
Brown Sugar:
Contributes sweetness; offers a caramelized depth of flavor to jams.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Adds acidity; enhances flavors; may have health benefits.
Garlic:
Presents a mouthwatering richness; comprises free radical scavengers.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 butter lettuce leaves
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon and Jam:
– In a frying pan, over medium heat, crisp up some bacon. When I say “some,” I mean anywhere from 4-8 pieces, depending on the size and your personal taste. Remove the bacon when crisp (that might mean more time than you think, depending on your pan; my cast iron takes a while) and break into pieces for topping the burgers later. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan (add a little oil if you need to ensure it’s not too much). – Pour in some tomatoes (I like to use diced canned tomatoes), some brown sugar, some apple cider vinegar, some minced garlic, and some cayenne pepper. Simmer on low for a while (anywhere from 20-40 minutes, depending on how thick you want the final product to be) and season with salt and pepper.
2. Caramelize Onions:
– In another pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce the sliced red onion and balsamic vinegar. Cook, stirring now and then, until the onions are substantially softened and have taken on a brown, sweet appearance. This should take about 10-15 minutes, and when it’s done, you can set the onions aside.
3. Form the Burger Patties:
– In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties. To ensure even cooking, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
4. Cook Burger Patties:
– Preheat a large skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Place patties in the skillet or on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. If cooking only 2 patties, you can use a medium skillet and just keep the medium-high heat.
5. Toast the Buns:
In the same pan or on the same grill, melt unsalted butter. Toast the brioche bun halves, cut sides down, until golden brown.
6. Assemble the Burger:
– (Optional) Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
– Top with a lettuce leaf.
7. Add the Patty:
Place the burger patty topped with blue cheese on top of the lettuce.
8. Add Toppings:
– Spoon a copious amount of tomato bacon jam over the patty. – Top with caramelized onions and two pieces of delightfully crisp bacon.
9. Finish Assembly:
– On top, place the upper half of the bun, pressing lightly to ensure the levels are maintained.
10. Serve:
– Enjoy your delicious blue burger with tomato bacon jam while it’s still warm; serve it immediately!
Equipment Needed
1. Frying pan
2. Cast iron skillet (optional)
3. Medium skillet or grill
4. Bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Sharp knife
7. Spatula
8. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups
11. Plate (for resting bacon)
12. Tongs (for flipping burger patties and bacon)
13. Butter knife (for spreading butter)
14. Small bowl (for holding mayonnaise, if using)
FAQ
- What is the best type of beef to use for this burger?For the best juiciness and flavor, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef.
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?Certainly! You can use a different cheese to get a flavor comparable to that of the original ingredients. Feta and gorgonzola are two good substitutes that can give you that same zesty flavor.
- Is there a way to make the burger spicier?For added heat, mix in the optional 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper with the tomato bacon jam.
- What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar in the recipe?Caramelizing the onions requires balsamic vinegar, which adds a deep, sweet flavor.
- Can I prepare the tomato bacon jam ahead of time?It is possible to prepare the jam ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for as long as a week.
- What alternatives can I use for brioche buns?A strong handcrafted bun or a pretzel bun can be good substitutes, giving the necessary support for toppings and taste.
- How do I prevent the burgers from becoming dry while cooking?Prevent overcooking by verifying the internal temperature and be certain not to press the patties down on the grill.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutes for ground beef include:
Ground turkey
Plant-based meat alternative
Feta cheese crumbles can stand in for blue cheese if you want a more subdued flavor.
Brioche burger buns: For a healthier choice, use whole wheat buns or, for a low-carb option, lettuce wraps.
Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner alternative or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Brown sugar: Replace it with honey or maple syrup, which are natural sweeteners.
Pro Tips
1. Meat Handling: For maximum flavor and juiciness, handle the ground beef as little as possible. Over-mixing can make the patties dense. Be gentle when forming the patties to maintain the tender texture.
2. Blue Cheese Infusion: Instead of just topping the patties with blue cheese, consider folding some of the crumbles into the meat mixture before forming patties. This infuses the cheese flavor throughout the burger and enhances the savory taste.
3. Tomato Bacon Jam: For a deeper flavor profile in the tomato bacon jam, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This adds umami and complements the sweet and tangy notes of the jam.
4. Brioche Bun Perfection: To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both halves before toasting. This creates a barrier that helps preserve the bun’s texture.
5. Crispy Bacon Tip: Cook the bacon strips slowly over medium-low heat, allowing the fat to render gradually for optimal crispness. This results in evenly cooked bacon that’s perfectly crunchy, adding a delightful texture to your burger.
Best Blue Burger With Tomato Bacon Jam Recipe
My favorite Best Blue Burger With Tomato Bacon Jam Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Frying pan
2. Cast iron skillet (optional)
3. Medium skillet or grill
4. Bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Sharp knife
7. Spatula
8. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups
11. Plate (for resting bacon)
12. Tongs (for flipping burger patties and bacon)
13. Butter knife (for spreading butter)
14. Small bowl (for holding mayonnaise, if using)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 butter lettuce leaves
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon and Jam:
– In a frying pan, over medium heat, crisp up some bacon. When I say “some,” I mean anywhere from 4-8 pieces, depending on the size and your personal taste. Remove the bacon when crisp (that might mean more time than you think, depending on your pan; my cast iron takes a while) and break into pieces for topping the burgers later. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan (add a little oil if you need to ensure it’s not too much). – Pour in some tomatoes (I like to use diced canned tomatoes), some brown sugar, some apple cider vinegar, some minced garlic, and some cayenne pepper. Simmer on low for a while (anywhere from 20-40 minutes, depending on how thick you want the final product to be) and season with salt and pepper.
2. Caramelize Onions:
– In another pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce the sliced red onion and balsamic vinegar. Cook, stirring now and then, until the onions are substantially softened and have taken on a brown, sweet appearance. This should take about 10-15 minutes, and when it’s done, you can set the onions aside.
3. Form the Burger Patties:
– In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties. To ensure even cooking, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
4. Cook Burger Patties:
– Preheat a large skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Place patties in the skillet or on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. If cooking only 2 patties, you can use a medium skillet and just keep the medium-high heat.
5. Toast the Buns:
In the same pan or on the same grill, melt unsalted butter. Toast the brioche bun halves, cut sides down, until golden brown.
6. Assemble the Burger:
– (Optional) Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
– Top with a lettuce leaf.
7. Add the Patty:
Place the burger patty topped with blue cheese on top of the lettuce.
8. Add Toppings:
– Spoon a copious amount of tomato bacon jam over the patty. – Top with caramelized onions and two pieces of delightfully crisp bacon.
9. Finish Assembly:
– On top, place the upper half of the bun, pressing lightly to ensure the levels are maintained.
10. Serve:
– Enjoy your delicious blue burger with tomato bacon jam while it’s still warm; serve it immediately!
