The Ultimate 4th of July Burger: Bourbon Bacon Jam with Smoky Pimento Cheese
Get ready to steal the show at your 4th of July cookout with this unforgettable burger! Juicy grilled patties meet smoky pimento cheese and sweet-savory bourbon bacon jam—layers of flavor that’ll make your tastebuds pop like fireworks. Whether you’re hosting the neighborhood BBQ or treating your family to a backyard feast, this burger is a celebration on a bun.
Why You’ll Love It:
Big flavors: Sweet bourbon bacon jam + creamy, smoky pimento cheese = pure magic.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves a twist on a classic burger.
Easy prep: Make the jam and cheese ahead of time so you can focus on the grill.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger with Smoky Pimento Cheese
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Main course
Cuisine
American/Southern inspired
Author:
Kastina
Servings
4 burgers
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
The sweet-salty bourbon bacon jam gives a nod to classic American BBQ, while the smoky pimento cheese takes this burger into full Southern-comfort territory, plus, both toppings can be prepped ahead so you can chill with your guests.
Ingredients
4 burgers
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1 ½ lbs ground chuck (80/20)
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Salt & pepper
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4 brioche buns, toasted
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4 leaves butter lettuce
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4 thick tomato slices
For the bourbon bacon jam
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8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
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½ large yellow onion, finely chopped
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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¼ cup bourbon
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
For the smoky pimento cheese
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp diced pimentos (from a jar)
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Pinch of cayenne
Directions
Make the bacon jam
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, smoked paprika, and cooked bacon. Simmer until thick and jammy (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
Make the smoky pimento cheese
In a bowl, mix cheddar, mayo, pimentos, smoked paprika, and cayenne until creamy
Cook the burgers
Form 4 patties. Season generously with salt & pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until done to your liking (about 4 minutes per side for medium)
Assemble
Spread a generous scoop of smoky pimento cheese on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, burger patty, and a heaping spoonful of bourbon bacon jam. Top with the bun and serve hot.
Recipe Note
Serving Suggestion: Pair with crispy fries or grilled corn on the cob for the perfect summer meal.