Gather round, my fellow food fanatics, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of the Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam – a dish so epic, it’ll have you begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Get ready to unleash your inner food rebel and let’s transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam
This burger is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all wrapped up in a deliciously satisfying package. The candy apple BBQ sauce adds a tantalizing twist to the classic bacon burger, while the caramelized onion jam takes it to the next level with its rich, velvety texture and depth of flavor. Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by this revolutionary culinary creation!
Ingredients
Get ready to gather up some seriously epic ingredients, y’all! You’ll need juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, and a brioche bun to start. But the real stars of the show are the candy apple BBQ sauce and the caramelized onion jam. Trust me, these two condiments are about to take your burger game to new, insane heights!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Bacon
- 4 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 4 – Brioche buns
- 1 cup – Candy apple BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup – Caramelized onion jam
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beef Patties: Ground turkey or plant-based patties (for a lighter or dietary-friendly option)
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack or creamy brie (for a different flavor profile)
How to Make Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Buckle up, because we’re about to take your kitchen on the ultimate flavor journey.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting everything ready to go. Fire up your grill or heat up a cast-iron skillet, and get those beef patties seasoned to perfection. While that’s happening, let’s whip up the candy apple BBQ sauce and the caramelized onion jam. Trust me, these two condiments are about to turn your burger into a true flavor explosion!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Grill those juicy beef patties until they’re cooked to your liking, then top them with the crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, toast those brioche buns to golden-brown perfection.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Alright, it’s time to assemble this epic burger! Start by slathering the bottom bun with that tantalizing candy apple BBQ sauce, then layer on the beef patty, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Top it all off with a generous dollop of that rich, velvety caramelized onion jam, and finish it off with the top bun. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like never before!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you really want to take this burger to the next level, try adding a few extra toppings like crispy onion strings, pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, so let your inner food rebel run wild!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Beef: Try using ground turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or dietary-friendly twist.
- Try Different Cheeses: Pepper jack or creamy brie would also be delicious on this burger.
- Candy Apple BBQ Sauce Variation: Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations in the candy apple BBQ sauce.
- Caramelized Onion Jam Variation: Get creative with the caramelized onion jam, too – maybe try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of thyme.

Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, a fresh salad, or your favorite sides.
Storage: Keep any leftover burgers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: You can reheat the burgers in the microwave or a hot skillet.
Make-Ahead: The candy apple BBQ sauce and caramelized onion jam can be made a day or two in advance for easier assembly.
Nutrition Information
This Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam is definitely not a “health food,” but hey, sometimes you just gotta let loose and indulge in something truly epic. With juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a whole lot of flavor-packed sauces, this burger is a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and balance it out with some fresh, wholesome sides.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 55 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the candy apple BBQ sauce and caramelized onion jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making these two condiments a day or two in advance. That way, you can just focus on assembling the burgers when it’s time to eat. The flavors will only get better as they meld together.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, brie, or even blue cheese. Just make sure it complements the other flavors in the burger.
Can I make this burger with a plant-based patty?
Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with a plant-based patty. Just be sure to choose one that’s firm enough to hold up to the toppings and cooking process.
Can I make this burger on the grill?
Definitely! This burger is perfectly suited for the grill. Just be sure to follow the same cooking instructions, and don’t be afraid to get a little char on those patties for extra flavor.
How can I make this burger even more epic?
If you really want to take this burger to the next level, try adding some extra toppings like crispy onion strings, pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, so let your inner food rebel shine!
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Bbq Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
- Pumpkin Spice Bbq Burger With Maple Drizzle
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze


Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onion Jam
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious blend of sweet and savory, this Candy Apple BBQ Bacon Burger is topped with homemade caramelized onion jam for a flavor explosion. Perfect for BBQs or a gourmet twist on a classic!
Ingredients
4 beef patties (80/20 ground beef)
2 large apples, sliced
4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
4 slices of cheddar cheese
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup caramelized onion jam
4 burger buns
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh arugula or lettuce (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. Season the beef patties with salt and pepper, and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness.
3. 3. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
4. 4. Meanwhile, in a pan over medium heat, sauté the apple slices until they are slightly soft and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
5. 5. Toast the burger buns on the grill until golden brown.
6. 6. Assemble the burgers: place a patty on each bun, top with crispy bacon, sautéed apples, a generous amount of BBQ sauce, and a spoonful of caramelized onion jam.
7. 7. Add fresh arugula or lettuce if desired, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce.
Feel free to substitute the beef patties with turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg