Around the Campfire
Bacon jam burgers are a camp burger-night upgrade with sweet, smoky flavor and very little extra cooking. The bacon jam goes on at the end, so the griddle workflow stays simple.
Why This Recipe Works
The burger patties get a hot sear first, cheddar melts on top, and bacon jam finishes the sandwich after cooking so it stays glossy and bold.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium-high
- Best for: Burger nights, comfort food dinners, backyard-style camping
- Teaches: Loaded burger assembly
Shopping List
- Ground beef
- Bacon jam
- Cheddar
- Burger buns
Home Prep
Form burger portions before the trip. Pack bacon jam and cheese separately.
Cooler Packing
Keep beef cold and below ready-to-eat foods. Keep cheese cold and buns dry.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Heavy spatula
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
Heat Zones
Use medium-high for the patties, medium for bacon, and a cooler zone for buns.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 4 tablespoons bacon jam
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high.
- Shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties, about 5 ounces each.
- Cook the burger patties on the griddle for 3–5 minutes per side, until browned and reaching 160°F internal temperature.
- Add a slice of cheddar to each patty and cover briefly to melt.
- Toast the burger buns on a cooler zone for 1–2 minutes, until golden.
- Place patties on buns and top each with 1 tablespoon bacon jam.
- Assemble and serve immediately.
Doneness
Ground beef should reach 160°F.
Common Mistakes
- Adding bacon jam too early.
- Overloading the burger.
- Toasting buns too far ahead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fries, onion rings, corn, slaw, or chips.
Variations
- Add grilled onions.
- Use pepper jack.
- Make slider versions.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns and verified bacon jam.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese.
- Low-carb: Serve as burger bowls.
Scaling
Cook patties in batches and set up a topping station.
Weather Notes
Wind can reduce sear, so keep burger batches small.
Leftovers
Use leftover patties in breakfast hash, wraps, or bowls.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can set buns, cheese, and toppings away from the griddle.
Dragonfly Tip
Bacon jam is a finish. Let the burger cook before the sweet topping joins.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one burger with bacon jam and one with BBQ sauce. Pick the camp favorite.