This combination of flavors may seem weird on face value, but trust me when I say that this is one recipe worth giving a chance. It is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, with just a little kick of spice. After serving this burger to my husband, who happens to be one of the world’s biggest (unofficial) burger critiques, he states, “Bro, that is one of the best burgers I have ever had. This is restaurant quality. This is what fancy burger joints try to do.” So, if you don’t take my word for it, take his!

-Kaitlynn

Prep Time: 10 Min / Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Min / Total Time: 1 Hour 25 Min

Servings: 3-6

Ingredients :

Raspberry Bacon Jam:

• 1 Pound Bacon, chopped
• 1 White or Yellow Onion, diced
• 1/3 Cup Black Coffee
• 2-3 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Package Fresh Raspberries
• 2 TBSP Balsamic Reduction
• Salt and Pepper

Burger:

• 1 Pound Ground Beef (split into 6 beef balls)
• 1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced
• Provolone Cheese
• Artisan Burger Buns
• Whipped Cream Cheese
• Gourmet Burger Seasoning
• Bacon Jam

Instructions:

Begin by Making the Jam:

1. Place a cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add all of the chopped bacon into the pan and cook for until crispy with a little bit of chew. Once done cooking, drain bacon grease from the pan and place bacon in a separate container. Set aside until later.

2. Remove grease from the pan, but leave the drippings and small pieces of bacon in there. Add diced onion to the pan and saute until they begin to brown.

3. Once browned, add coffee, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic reduction, and raspberries to the pan. Stir to combine. Once the berries have begun breaking down, add bacon, salt, and pepper into the pan.

4. Turn pan to medium-low heat and leave mixture for about 40-45 min, or until the bacon jam has thickened. Once thick, remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Burgers:

1. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Place burger balls onto the cook top, placing slices of thinly slides jalapenos on top.

2. Smash down the burgers. One smashed, add burger seasoning on top.

3. After about 90 seconds, carefully flip the burgers. On the upward facing side, add slices of provolone cheese and let cook until the cheese is melted. Then remove from heat.

Building the Burgers:

1. On the bottom bun, layer on whipped cream cheese.
2. Place 1-2 patties on the bottom bun.
3. Spread a generous helping of the bacon jam onto the top bun.
4. Place top bun down and enjoy!