Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles

Forget the drive-through. The Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles is the kind of burger that makes people stop mid-bite and ask, “Wait — you made this at home?” Two crispy-edged smash patties, gooey melted cheese, tangy pickles, and a sticky-sweet bacon jam that ties everything together. It's not complicated. It's just built different.

Key Takeaways

• Smash burgers cook fast — under 10 minutes once the griddle is hot
• Bacon jam is the secret weapon — make it ahead and store it all week
• 80/20 ground beef is non-negotiable for that crispy crust
• Pickles aren't optional — the acid cuts through the richness perfectly
• No fancy equipment needed — a cast iron skillet does the job

What You Need to Make a Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles

Ingredients

For the Bacon Jam

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

💡 Pro tip: Bacon jam keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make a double batch on Sunday. Worth the grind.

How to Make the Bacon Jam (Do This First)

The bacon jam takes the most time — about 25 minutes. Start here.

Step 1: Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leave 1 tbsp of fat in the pan.

Step 2: Add sliced onions to the bacon fat. Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until caramelized and golden.

Step 3: Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add the bacon back in. Cook another 3–4 minutes until thick and jammy.

Step 5: Let it cool slightly. Use as-is or pulse once or twice in a food processor for a smoother texture.

Straight up — this stuff is addictive. You'll be putting it on everything.

How to Cook a Perfect Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Divide 1 lb of 80/20 ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 2 oz each). Don't overwork the meat. Just roll them loosely. Season with salt and pepper right before cooking.

Step 2: Get the Pan Screaming Hot

Cast iron skillet or flat griddle. High heat. No oil needed — the fat in the beef does the work. Wait until the pan is fully preheated before anything goes in.

Step 3: Smash Hard and Fast

Place one beef ball in the pan. Immediately press it flat with a heavy spatula or burger press. Hold for 10 seconds. You want it thin — about ¼ inch. Do the same for the second ball right next to it.

🔥 The smash creates the crust. That crispy, lacy edge is where all the flavor lives. Don't skip this step.

Step 4: Cook and Flip

Cook for 60–90 seconds until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip once. Immediately add a slice of American cheese to each patty. Let it melt for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Butter the cut sides of your brioche buns. Toast in the same pan for 1–2 minutes until golden. Keep it moving — they burn fast.

Step 6: Build the Burger

Layer it up in this order:

1. Bottom bun
2. Generous spoonful of bacon jam
3. First cheesy patty
4. Pickle coins
5. Second cheesy patty
6. More pickles (yes, more)
7. Top bun

That's it. No drama.

Tips for Getting It Right Every Time

Consistent beats perfect — here's what actually matters:

• ✅ Use 80/20 beef. Leaner beef = dry burger. Don't do it.
• ✅ Hot pan first, beef second. Always.
• ✅ Don't move the patty after smashing until it's ready to flip.
• ✅ American cheese melts best. This isn't the time for fancy cheese.
• ✅ Pickles go on both layers. The acid balance is everything.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ Pressing the patty after it's already cooking (you lose the crust)
• ❌ Using cold beef straight from the fridge (let it sit 10 minutes)
• ❌ Skipping the bun toast (it prevents sogginess)

Make It a Meal

The Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles pairs well with:

• Crispy oven fries — toss in olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
• Simple coleslaw — creamy or vinegar-based, both work
• Dill pickle chips — lean into the pickle theme
• Sparkling water with lemon — cuts through the richness

Real ones know — the sides make the meal.

Conclusion

The Double Smash Burger with Bacon Jam & Pickles is one of those recipes that looks impressive but doesn't ask much of you. Show up for yourself, make the bacon jam ahead of time, and the rest comes together in under 15 minutes on a weeknight.

Your next steps:

1. Make the bacon jam this weekend — store it in a jar in the fridge
2. Grab 80/20 ground beef on your next grocery run
3. Cook it on a Tuesday when everyone needs a win

Do the work once, eat well all week. That's the move. 🍔