Ingredients:
Burgers:
• 2 lbs Ground chuck 80/20
• Seasoned salt
• Garlic powder
• Brioche buns
• White American cheese
• Colby jack cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
Bacon Bourbon Jam:
• 6-8 strips hickory bacon
• 2 tbsp Bourbon
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Maple vinegar (or Red wine vinegar as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• ½ cup Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Burger Sauce:
• 1 cup Mayo
• 2 tbsp Sweet relish
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Hot sauce
• 2 tsp Garlic paste
Directions:
1. Prepare the Bourbon Bacon Jam:
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the bacon (cut into cubes for easier cooking). Cook until crisp, then remove the bacon.
• Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes before adding the minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes.
• Add the bourbon, honey, maple vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk together and allow the mixture to thicken for about 6-8 minutes, or a bit longer if needed, until it reaches a jam consistency.
• Transfer the bacon jam to a bowl and let it cool.
2. Form the Patties:
• Create 3-4 ounce balls of ground chuck and smash them down into patties.
• Place a tablespoon of the bacon jam and a slice of Colby jack cheese in the center of one patty.
• Cover with another patty and seal the edges to form a single thick patty. Repeat this process with the remaining meat.
• Chill the patties in the fridge for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Burger Sauce:
• In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, hot sauce, and garlic paste. Refrigerate until needed.
4. Grill the Juicy Lucys:
• Preheat the grill for direct grilling.
• Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-6 minutes, turning them 90 degrees halfway through for even grill marks.
• Move the patties to an indirect heat zone and close the grill lid, cooking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Add a slice of White American cheese on top of each patty during the last few minutes of cooking to melt.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
• Toast the brioche buns on the grill until golden brown.
• Spread the prepared burger sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce and tomato slices, place the Juicy Lucy patty on top, and finish with the top bun.