If you love a good smash burger but want to take it far beyond the ordinary, this Bacon Jam Croissant Burger is the kind of recipe that deserves a spot at the top of your must-try list.
Instead of a traditional hamburger bun, this recipe uses a buttery croissant toasted until golden and crisp on the inside. The croissant is then filled with juicy smash burger patties, melted pepper jack cheese, smoky chipotle mayo, tangy pickled jalapeños, and an irresistible maple bourbon bacon jam.
The real star of the recipe, however, is the bacon jam.
Crispy bacon is combined with slowly caramelized onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and bourbon. As the mixture cooks down, it transforms into a thick, glossy, sweet-and-savory spread that pairs beautifully with the rich beef.
Every bite brings something different: the crisp edges of the smash burger, creamy melted cheese, sweet bacon jam, buttery croissant, smoky mayo, and a little heat from the jalapeños.
It’s indulgent, messy, flavorful, and exactly the kind of burger that makes an ordinary dinner feel like a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Burger
There are plenty of reasons this burger stands out from a traditional cheeseburger.
Sweet and savory: The maple bourbon bacon jam adds a sweet, smoky contrast to the savory beef.
Crispy smash-burger edges: Cooking the beef on a very hot griddle creates a deeply browned crust.
Buttery croissant: A toasted croissant provides a rich and flaky alternative to an ordinary burger bun.
Melted pepper jack: The cheese adds creaminess along with a mild spicy kick.
Smoky chipotle mayo: This brings another layer of flavor and richness.
Pickled jalapeños: Their acidity and heat help cut through the richness of the burger.
Perfect for cookouts: This is an impressive choice for a backyard barbecue, game-day gathering, or weekend dinner.
The original recipe combines these elements into a burger designed around contrasting flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Burgers
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 4 buttery croissants
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
- 3 tablespoons burger seasoning
- 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo
For the Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
The original recipe uses these ingredients to create a thick bacon jam with a combination of sweetness, acidity, smokiness, and savory depth.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For a smash burger, 80/20 ground beef is an excellent choice.
The higher fat content helps keep the thin patties juicy while also creating the flavorful browned crust that makes smash burgers so appealing.
Lean ground beef can work, but it may produce a drier burger, especially when the patties are pressed thin and cooked quickly over high heat.
For the best texture, don’t overwork the meat.
You want the beef portions to remain loose rather than forming dense, tightly packed meatballs.
Why Thick-Cut Bacon Works Best
Thick-cut bacon is ideal for the bacon jam because it provides substantial pieces of crispy bacon throughout the finished spread.
When the bacon cooks, it releases flavorful fat that can be used to help caramelize the onions.
The combination of crispy bacon and deeply softened onions forms the foundation of the jam.
If you use thinner bacon, keep a close eye on it because it can crisp more quickly.
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Begin by cutting the bacon into small pieces.
Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
Allow it to cook gradually so the fat renders while the bacon becomes crisp.
Stir occasionally to encourage even cooking.
Once the bacon is browned and crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
The paper towels will absorb excess grease while leaving you with crispy pieces ready to return to the jam later.
Don’t discard all the bacon fat immediately.
You’ll want some of it in the pan to help cook the onions.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onion
Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving approximately 3 tablespoons in the skillet.
Add the diced yellow onion.
Cook the onion over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This step shouldn’t be rushed.
The onions need time to soften and gradually develop a deeper golden color.
As they caramelize, their natural sweetness becomes much more pronounced.
That sweetness is an important part of the bacon jam because it balances the salty bacon and savory beef.
Step 3: Add the Bourbon Carefully
Once the onions have caramelized, carefully add the bourbon.
The original recipe uses a long lighter to ignite the bourbon and burn off the alcohol.
If you choose to use this technique, use extreme caution.
Keep your face, hands, clothing, and anything flammable well away from the skillet.
The flame can briefly become larger than expected.
Never pour alcohol directly from the bottle into a hot pan or near an open flame.
If you’re uncomfortable with flambéing, you can instead allow the bourbon to cook gently in the skillet until the alcohol evaporates.
The goal is to incorporate the bourbon’s flavor, not to create a dangerous cooking situation.
Step 4: Turn It Into Bacon Jam
Once the bourbon has been incorporated, return the crispy bacon to the skillet.
Add:
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Minced garlic
Stir everything together.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
As it simmers, the ingredients begin to combine into a thick, sticky mixture.
The brown sugar and maple syrup provide sweetness, while the vinegar adds acidity that keeps the jam from becoming overwhelmingly rich.
The garlic brings savory depth, while the bacon provides smoky, salty flavor.
How to Know When the Bacon Jam Is Ready
The bacon jam should become noticeably thicker as it cooks.
You don’t want it to be watery.
At the same time, don’t cook it until it becomes rock-hard because it will thicken further as it cools.
When the mixture has a glossy, spoonable consistency, remove it from the heat and let it rest.
If it seems slightly loose while hot, give it a few minutes to cool before deciding whether it needs additional cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the Beef
While the bacon jam is cooking, divide the ground beef into eight loose portions.
The original recipe uses approximately 1/3-pound portions for the patties.
Keep the portions loose.
Don’t knead or compress the meat excessively.
The goal is to create thin smash-burger patties with plenty of browned surface area.
Step 6: Heat the Griddle
Preheat your griddle over high heat.
A properly heated cooking surface is essential for smash burgers.
When the beef hits the hot griddle, you want it to immediately begin searing.
This creates the browned crust that gives smash burgers their characteristic flavor.
If the surface isn’t hot enough, the meat can release moisture and begin steaming instead of developing a strong crust.
Step 7: Smash the Burgers
Place the loose beef portions on the hot griddle.
Immediately press each one firmly with a burger press or sturdy spatula.
Smash them into thin patties.
The initial smash is important because you want maximum contact between the beef and the hot cooking surface.
Season the patties generously with your favorite burger seasoning.
Once they’re pressed, try not to repeatedly smash or flatten them.
Allow them to cook undisturbed so a crust can develop.
Step 8: Cook Until Crispy
Cook the patties for approximately 4 minutes on the first side, depending on their thickness and the heat of your cooking surface.
Look for a deeply browned crust around the edges.
Once the first side has developed a good crust, flip the patties.
Immediately place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty.
Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
The result should be thin, juicy patties with crispy edges and melted cheese covering the surface.
Step 9: Toast the Croissants
While the burgers finish cooking, carefully slice the croissants in half.
Place them cut-side down on the hot griddle.
Toast them until the inside becomes lightly golden.
Don’t over-toast the croissants.
You want the cut surface to have enough structure to hold the burger and toppings, but the croissant should still retain its buttery, flaky texture.
Toasting also helps prevent the croissant from becoming soggy when the bacon jam and sauces are added.
Step 10: Assemble the Burger
Now comes the best part.
Spread chipotle mayo over the toasted croissant.
Place the cooked smash burger patties on the bottom half.
Add a generous spoonful of maple bourbon bacon jam.
Then add the pickled jalapeños.
Finally, place the toasted croissant top over everything.
Serve immediately while the beef is hot, the cheese is melted, and the croissant is still warm and crisp.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
What makes this burger work so well is the contrast between the ingredients.
The beef is salty and savory.
The bacon jam is sweet, smoky, sticky, and rich.
The pepper jack cheese adds creamy heat.
The chipotle mayo contributes smoky richness.
The pickled jalapeños provide acidity and spice.
And the croissant adds buttery sweetness and flakiness.
None of these ingredients has to do all the work by itself.
Together, they create a much more complex burger than a basic cheeseburger.
Tips for the Best Bacon Jam
Don’t Rush the Onions
Caramelized onions are one of the most important components of the bacon jam.
If you cook them too quickly over very high heat, they may brown before becoming properly soft.
Give them time to slowly develop their sweetness.
Use Real Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup provides a deeper flavor than many imitation syrups.
Because the bacon jam contains only a handful of ingredients, the flavor of each one can make a noticeable difference.
Balance Sweetness With Acid
The apple cider vinegar is important.
Without some acidity, the combination of bacon, brown sugar, and maple syrup could become overly heavy.
The vinegar cuts through that richness and gives the jam a more balanced flavor.
Let the Jam Cool Slightly
Bacon jam becomes thicker as it cools.
Don’t overcook it simply because it looks slightly loose while it’s still hot.
Allow it to rest for a few minutes before deciding whether the consistency is right.
Tips for Better Smash Burgers
Use high heat: The griddle needs to be hot enough to create a crust quickly.
Don’t overwork the beef: Loose meat produces a more tender texture.
Smash immediately: Press the beef as soon as it hits the cooking surface.
Don’t keep pressing: Once the patty has been smashed, let it cook.
Season generously: Thin patties need enough seasoning to stand up to the rich toppings.
Use a flavorful cheese: Pepper jack works particularly well with the sweet bacon jam.
Can You Make the Bacon Jam Ahead?
Absolutely.
In fact, preparing the bacon jam ahead of time can make this recipe much easier.
Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The original recipe recommends keeping leftover bacon jam refrigerated for up to one week.
When you’re ready to make another burger, gently warm the jam before serving.
You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat or carefully in the microwave.
Can You Use a Regular Burger Bun?
Yes.
Although the croissant is one of the things that makes this recipe special, you can absolutely use a toasted burger bun if that’s what you have available.
Brioche is another excellent option because its slight sweetness works beautifully with the bacon jam.
A toasted pretzel bun would create an entirely different flavor profile while still pairing nicely with the savory beef.
Cheese Substitutions
Pepper jack is the original choice, but you have plenty of alternatives.
Try:
- Sharp cheddar
- American cheese
- Smoked gouda
- Provolone
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss cheese
For a stronger smoky flavor, smoked gouda is especially delicious with the bacon jam.
For an ultra-classic smash burger experience, American cheese melts beautifully and creates a very creamy texture.
Adjusting the Heat
The pickled jalapeños and chipotle mayo provide a moderate amount of heat.
If you love spicy food, increase the jalapeños or use a hotter chipotle mayo.
You could also add a little hot sauce to the bacon jam or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
If you’re serving people who don’t enjoy spicy food, reduce the jalapeños or leave them out entirely.
The bacon jam and croissant will still provide plenty of flavor.
What to Serve With This Burger
Because this burger is rich and substantial, simple sides work especially well.
Try serving it with:
- Crispy French fries
- Potato wedges
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Grilled corn
- Simple green salad
- Onion rings
For a backyard barbecue, a big bowl of crispy fries and some cold pickles are all you really need.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the components separately.
Keep the burger patties in one airtight container and the bacon jam in another.
The croissants should also be stored separately so they don’t absorb moisture from the sauces.
When you’re ready to eat, warm the beef and bacon jam and toast a fresh croissant.
Then assemble the burger just before serving.
This will give you a much better texture than storing the fully assembled burger.
Easy Burger Variations
Extra-Spicy Bacon Jam Burger
Add more pickled jalapeños and use a spicy chipotle mayo.
You can even add sliced fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
BBQ Bacon Jam Burger
Replace some of the chipotle mayo with your favorite barbecue sauce.
The smoky-sweet flavors will complement the bacon jam beautifully.
Cheddar Bacon Croissant Burger
Swap the pepper jack for sharp cheddar.
The stronger cheese flavor pairs particularly well with the sweet maple bacon jam.
Breakfast-Style Version
Turn the burger into a breakfast-inspired creation by adding a fried egg.
The runny yolk combined with the bacon jam creates an incredibly rich sandwich.
Mushroom Bacon Jam Burger
Add sautéed mushrooms for another savory layer.
The earthy mushrooms pair naturally with the beef and caramelized onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bacon jam?
Bacon jam is a thick, spreadable mixture made by cooking bacon with ingredients such as onions, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and maple syrup. The mixture is reduced until it develops a jam-like consistency.
Can I make bacon jam without bourbon?
Yes. Bourbon adds flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer. The remaining ingredients still create a flavorful bacon jam.
What type of beef is best?
An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal for smash burgers because the fat helps keep the patties juicy and contributes to browning.
Can I use regular bacon?
Yes, although thick-cut bacon provides especially satisfying crispy pieces in the finished jam.
Can I prepare the bacon jam in advance?
Yes. Preparing it ahead is a great way to simplify the recipe. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheat it before serving.
What can I use instead of a croissant?
A brioche bun, pretzel bun, or toasted hamburger bun can all work well.
How do I keep the croissant from getting soggy?
Toast the cut side before assembling the burger and serve the burger shortly after assembly. Storing the components separately also helps preserve the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Jam Croissant Burger is far more than an ordinary cheeseburger with a few extra toppings.
It takes familiar ingredients and combines them in a way that makes every bite feel special. The crispy smash burger provides the savory foundation, while melted pepper jack brings creamy richness. Then comes the maple bourbon bacon jam, with its combination of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, maple sweetness, garlic, and a touch of acidity.
The pickled jalapeños provide the contrast the burger needs, while the chipotle mayo adds another layer of smoky flavor. Finally, everything is tucked inside a warm, buttery toasted croissant.
The bacon jam is the component that truly makes this recipe memorable. It can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and used to transform other sandwiches and burgers as well.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting a backyard cookout, or simply craving an over-the-top burger, this recipe is worth trying.
Don’t rush the onions, get your griddle hot, give the beef a proper smash, and toast those croissants just before assembling.
The result is a rich, crispy, sweet, smoky, spicy, and buttery burger that turns a simple cookout meal into something people will be talking about long after the last bite.
