📖 Instructions

1. **Make the Bacon Jam:**
2. 1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to drain on paper towels. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 3. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, coffee, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
5. 4. Crumble the bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. 5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and the liquid has reduced. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam should coat the back of a spoon. This is the most important step to the recipe!
7. 6. Cool and store: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the bacon jam cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The bacon jam can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week. It may harden in the fridge, just take it out a little while before you need it.
8. **Prepare the Smash Burgers:**
9. 1. Divide the ground beef: Gently divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Do not overwork the meat; we want it to stay tender.
10. 2. Form loose balls: Lightly form each portion into a loose ball. Again, avoid compacting the meat too much.
11. 3. Prepare the griddle: Preheat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you don't have a griddle, a large cast-iron pan will do the trick.
12. 4. Smash the burgers: Place the beef balls on the hot griddle. Using a burger press or a sturdy spatula, smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner, the better! It should be really thin like you're trying to ruin it.
13. 5. Season: Immediately season the smashed patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
14. 6. Cook: Cook the burgers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and have a crispy crust. The edges should be deeply caramelized.
15. 7. Add cheese: During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt slightly.
16. **Assemble the Burgers:**
17. 1. Toast the buns: Lightly toast the burger buns. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
18. 2. Spread the bacon jam: Spread a generous amount of bacon jam on the top bun.
19. 3. Assemble: Place the cheesy burger patties on the bottom buns. Top with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional).
20. 4. Serve: Place the top bun (with the bacon jam) on top of the burger and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Dad's Day Griddle Smash Burgers!