I have so many mixed emotions today.
How (HOW?!) is this upcoming weekend already Labor Day weekend?! How is the summer almost over already?
See also: I am super pumped for fall this year. I mean, I am every year (it’s my favorite time of year), but for some reason, this year, I’m extra excited. Talk about conflicting feelings! Perhaps it’s because of all the life changes our family is experiencing this year.
I quit my job of 14 years this week. Well, it was a long time coming (I gave over two months’ notice), but it will take me some time to get used to this new normal of being a stay-at-home mama. Kieran’s last day at his preschool is today (he’s been there for over 3 years, since he was 1 and 1/2 – OMG, I might cry). He starts kindergarten next week (what the what?), along with some new extracurricular activities. This is the first “real” school year for us. Like, my kid is IN THE SYSTEM. He’ll be taking a bus to and from school. We have an actual “back to school” night. It’s mind-blowing. In addition to all of those big changes, I have some fun things in the works for my blog/business. LOTS HAPPENING. I am nervous-excited.
But I’m still in denial that the summer is almost over. I mean, once Labor Day hits, I sorta feel like it’s over, despite the official end date being weeks later. Whew. Time is a-flyin’.
I think we should send summer out with a bang, and today’s burger recipe is just the ticket. Besides, what’s more perfect for Labor Day than grilling? Not much!
This is the first beef burger I’ve shared in a long time. I’m keeping it mostly classic with a few delicious twists thrown in. These are BREAKFAST cheeseburgers with homemade tomato jam! And they are as insanely decadent as they sound. So, so good.
Now, normally, I would be more than happy with a standard bacon cheeseburger. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Throw a runny-yolked egg on top? Well, do you see the name of this blog? To say I’m a fan is an understatement. If I stopped here, I would have been one happy girl.
But! I didn’t stop there. And I’m so glad I didn’t because the homemade smoky-sweet tomato jam that gets slathered all over this burger is the BEST part of the whole situation. Yup. It’s better than the burger. The cheese. The bacon. AND the egg.
Now you know I’m serious.
The jam has so much going on. It’s sweet, savory, a touch spicy, and smoky all at once. It is absolutely scrumptious. After we made and ate these burgers, I had some jam left over and I ate it on a cracker. That’s how good it is. I actually can’t wait to make it again, because I could see it on so many things. BLTs are next on my list to try it with. OMG.
Dan said that this burger was good enough to be on a restaurant menu. He said it was better than some of the burgers he’s had out. As soon as he finished his burger, he looked at me and asked “So, when do I get to eat that again? Because that was the best burger I’ve had in a LONG time.”
And ya know what? I kind of agree. Just LOOK at that beaut!
Humble brag.
Breakfast Cheeseburgers with Smoky Tomato Jam
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These are no ordinary burger. Think breakfast meets summer grilling. Burgers piled high with bacon, cheese, avocado, runny eggs, and smoky tomato jam. Heaven on a bun!
Ingredients
For the Tomato Jam:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed and chopped (seeds removed if you don’t want spice)
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 6 eggs, poached or fried to desired doneness
- Greens or microgreens
- Burger buns
Instructions
For the Tomato Jam:
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes or until the tomatoes and peppers have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, as needed. If a smoother consistency is preferred, pulse the mixture in a food processor. Cool to room temperature and store in the fridge in an airtight container.
For the Burgers:
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper and then form into six burger patties. Add to the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how “well” you like your burger.
- While the burgers are grilling, cook the eggs.
- Assemble the burgers with desired toppings. For a full breakfast burger effect, top the burgers with sliced cheese, bacon, an egg, greens, and generous slathering of the tomato jam. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
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