Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam
An elevated burger featuring smoky Gouda, house-made maple-bacon jam, and caramelized onions for a show-stopping backyard feast. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), smoked Gouda cheese, brioche buns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 medium, thinly sliced onion
- 4 slices, cooked until crisp bacon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups mixed greens
Instructions
- Step 1: Divide ground beef into 4 equal patties (about 4 oz each), pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, adding 1 slice of smoked Gouda to each during the last minute of cooking.
- Step 3: While burgers cook, cook bacon until crisp, then crumble. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat, add 4 sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes until golden. Stir in 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, cooking for 3 more minutes until jammy.
- Step 4: Toast buns cut-side down on the grill. Assemble burgers with a layer of mixed greens, a spoonful of maple-bacon jam, and the cheese-topped patty on each bun.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grill Master Burger with Smoked Gouda and Maple-Bacon Jam?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this grill are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
