Description
These Fig and Bacon Goat Cheese Burgers offer a unique flavor combination that’s simple to prepare. With creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and crispy bacon, they create a delightful meal that’s ideal for quick dinners or casual gatherings.
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 as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour 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 small indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates if required.
- Grill the burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium rare or 140–145°F for medium.
- In the last minute of grilling, place the buns cut-side down on the grill to toast lightly.
- Spread 1-2 teaspoons of lemon garlic aioli on each of the bottom buns.
- On each bottom bun, layer arugula 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 immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, let the aioli chill longer than an hour if time permits.
Feel free to substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Buns can be replaced with lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 130mg