Jalapeno Bacon Burger Recipe
Jalapenos, Applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and garlic aioli, on a brioche bun
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Ingredients
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Burger & Toppings
Garlic Aioli
Optional Finishing
Method
Garlic Aioli
Make aioli
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the burger to allow flavors to meld (at least 10 minutes).
Bacon
Place bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crisp, about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in pan for cooking patties if desired; discard the rest.
Patties & Assembly
Prepare patties
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (approx 4 oz each) and gently form into patties about 3/4" thick and slightly larger than the brioche buns (they will shrink while cooking). Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to promote even cooking. Evenly distribute the finely chopped jalapeños among the patties (about 1/2 jalapeño per patty) and gently fold once or twice so they're incorporated but not overworked. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the reserved teaspoon of bacon fat or 1 tsp neutral oil. Once shimmering, add patties without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for preferred doneness). During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of white cheddar on each patty and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon garlic aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place lettuce leaf on aioli (this creates a moisture barrier), then the cheesy jalapeño burger patty, 2 slices of crisp bacon, 2–3 slices avocado, tomato slice, a few rings of red onion, and optional pickled jalapeños or hot sauce if using. Spread a thin layer of aioli on the top bun and place on burger. Serve immediately.