Description
These Fig and Bacon Goat Cheese Burgers offer an irresistible flavor with a combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese, making them perfect for a quick dinner or weekend barbecue. Simple to prepare, they bring a delightful twist to classic burgers with the added sweetness of fig jam and tang from the lemon garlic aioli.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 preferred
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- 3 tablespoons herbed goat cheese, softened
- ¼ cup caramelized onions, warmed
- 1 small handful arugula
- 2 brioche buns, split and lightly toasted
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, lightly blanched or roasted, then mashed into a paste
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- optional: 1–2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon until smooth and emulsified.
- Stir in the garlic paste, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using to let the flavors meld.
- Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (½ pound each).
- Gently shape into patties about 4½ inches wide, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates if needed.
- Grill burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium rare or 140–145°F for medium.
- During the last minute, place the buns cut-side down on the grill to toast lightly.
- Spread 1-2 teaspoons lemon garlic aioli on each of the bottom buns.
- Layer arugula on the bottom bun, followed by the grilled burger patty.
- Top each patty with goat cheese, a spoonful of fig jam, caramelized onions, and a slice of bacon.
- Finish with the top bun and serve right away.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding more herbs to the aioli if desired.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juiciness.
Feel free to customize toppings to your preference; pickled jalapeños add a nice kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg