4th of July Steakhouse Smashed Burger with Bourbon Bacon Jam

Looking for the ultimate 4th of July burger recipe? Elevate your cookout with this gourmet Steakhouse Smashed Burger, layered with rich bourbon bacon jam and smoky chipotle mayonnaise. Crispy-edged beef, bold flavors, and premium toppings come together for a restaurant-quality burger that's guaranteed to be the star of your Independence Day barbecue, summer gathering, or weekend cookout.

Ready in just 45 minutes (30 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking), this recipe serves four and delivers an unforgettable combination of comfort food and modern steakhouse flavor. Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July, hosting friends, or simply craving the ultimate homemade burger, this smashed burger is one you'll make all summer long. Let's fire up the grill and get cooking!

Recipe Snapshot

🍽 Serves: 4
🔥 Calories: 650 per serving
💪 Protein: 43g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 30g
🥑 Fat: 38g
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Smashed Burger Patties

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Bourbon Bacon Jam

• 8 oz bacon, chopped (sub: pancetta)
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup brown sugar (sub: honey)
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (sub: lemon juice)

Chipotle Mayonnaise

• ½ cup mayonnaise (sub: Greek yogurt)
• 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo, minced (sub: sriracha)
• 1 tsp lime juice (sub: lemon juice)

Plated Assembly

• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted
• 1 cup aged cheddar, sliced (sub: gruyere)
• Fresh pickles for garnish (sub: jalapenos)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

How to Make Elevated Smashed Burger with Bourbon Bacon Jam

Smashed Burger Patties:

1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot.
2. Form the ground beef into four loose balls (about 4 oz each) and season each ball with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately use a spatula to press down firmly until it's about ¾ inch thick. Repeat with the remaining balls.
5. Cook for about 2 minutes until a deep crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until medium-rare, adjusting for desired doneness. Set aside.

Bourbon Bacon Jam:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the fat in the pan.
2. In the same pan, add onion and cook until translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the brown sugar and bourbon, scraping the bottom of the pan.
4. Add apple cider vinegar and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Stir in the bacon and set aside.

Chipotle Mayonnaise:

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Plated Assembly:

1. On each toasted bun base, spread a generous dollop of chipotle mayonnaise.
2. Layer the smashed burger patty on top, followed by a slice of aged cheddar, and a spoonful of bourbon bacon jam.
3. Top each burger with remaining bun halves. Garnish each plate with fresh pickles and a sprig of rosemary for presentation.

Tips for Best Results

1. For the sear, preheat your cast-iron skillet until it's smoking hot before adding the beef. This ensures a crusty exterior for flavor and texture.
2. To add depth, use a mix of both kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on the burger just before smashing it down into the pan.
3. When making the bourbon bacon jam, cook the bacon until it's deeply caramelized but not burnt. This will enhance the savory-sweet flavor profile.
4. For a glossy finish on the burger, brush the top half of the bun with a little melted brown butter just before serving.
5. Serve the burger atop a dollop of the chipotle mayonnaise for added creaminess and a hint of heat; drizzle any remaining bourbon bacon jam over the top. This layers the flavors beautifully.

Plating & Presentation

To create an enticing plate, stack the burger high and serve on a large platter. Arrange the fresh pickles and rosemary sprigs artistically around the burgers for a vibrant look. Consider adding a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a full meal experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the smashed burger?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option.

Q: Is bourbon necessary for the bacon jam?
A: While bourbon enhances the flavor, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a different but tasty result.

Q: How can I increase the spiciness of the chipotle mayonnaise?
A: Add more minced chipotle in adobo or a splash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

Q: Can I prepare the bourbon bacon jam in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the jam ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're firing up the grill for the 4th of July, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply craving a restaurant-quality burger at home, this Steakhouse Smashed Burger with Bourbon Bacon Jam and Smoky Chipotle Mayo is guaranteed to impress. Crispy beef patties, sweet and savory bourbon bacon jam, and a smoky, creamy sauce create the perfect balance of bold flavors in every bite. Pair it with crispy fries, grilled corn, potato salad, or your favorite summer side dishes for a meal everyone will remember. If you make this recipe, share it with family and friends and explore more gourmet burger and seasonal recipes here on InspoPlate—where fresh ingredients become unforgettable meals.

Thank you for spending a few minutes cooking with me today.

Whether tonight's dinner is something simple or something special, I hope this recipe reminds you that great meals don't require complicated ingredients—just a little inspiration.

Every recipe on InspoPlate is created with the hope of making home cooking easier, more creative, and more enjoyable.

Happy cooking,

— Katia

I created InspoPlate to solve one simple question: "What am I going to cook today?" My mission is to help home cooks transform the ingredients they already have into beautiful, restaurant-worthy meals while building confidence in the kitchen.