Grilled Cheese Smash Burger

1: Make the burger sauce and refrigerate to enhance flavors.

2: Heat griddle or pan to 375°F.

3: Cook the bacon on the griddle until 3/4 of the way done, then set aside.

4: Cook the sliced sweet onion and jalapeños in the leftover bacon grease until almost fully cooked.

5: Combine the bacon with the veggies and mix in apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Cook until jammy, being careful not to burn the sugar.

6: Place a ball of ground chuck on the griddle, smash, season, and flip when cooked 85% of the way. Top with cheese and let melt.

7: Butter the griddle, place bun face down and top with cheese and another bun.

8: Assemble the burger with the bottom bun, sauce, patties, bacon jam, more sauce, and the top bun.