The Canyon Creek-Style Beef Burger is a bold, flavor-packed creation inspired by a steakhouse classic. Built on a perfectly grilled beef patty, this burger is layered with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, roasted jalapeños, creamy goat cheese, and a generous spoonful of sweet onion jam—all nestled between toasted pretzel buns. It’s a luxurious yet approachable burger that blends spicy, savory, sweet, and creamy elements into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This burger is a gourmet take on a backyard favorite. The balance of textures and flavors—melted cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy goat cheese, and the sweet heat of onion jam and jalapeños—makes for a deeply satisfying meal. The pretzel bun adds a chewy, golden crust that holds everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for grill nights, weekend indulgence, or impressing guests with a handcrafted burger that’s both rustic and refined.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup goat cheese
2 jalapeños, sliced and roasted
1/4 cup onion jam or caramelized onions
2 pretzel buns
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Optional: fresh arugula or lettuce
directions
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and shape into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill the patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Add cheddar slices during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- In a separate skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Roast jalapeño slices in a hot pan or under the broiler until softened and slightly charred.
- Slice the pretzel buns and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast in a skillet or on the grill until golden and crisp.
- Assemble each burger: spread goat cheese on the bottom bun, top with the beef patty and melted cheddar, bacon slices, roasted jalapeños, and a spoonful of onion jam. Add arugula or lettuce if desired, and close with the top bun.
- Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 720 kcal per burger
Variations
- Add a fried egg: Top the burger with a sunny-side-up egg for added richness.
- Swap the cheese: Try blue cheese or brie for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based patty and vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Extra heat: Add sriracha mayo or hot sauce to intensify the spice.
- Different bun: Use brioche or ciabatta if pretzel buns are unavailable.
storage/reheating
Unassembled components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the patty in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture. Bacon can be reheated in a dry pan or oven. Toast the buns fresh for best texture. Once assembled, the burger is best enjoyed immediately to preserve structure and flavor.
FAQs
What type of beef should I use?
An 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Can I use store-bought onion jam?
Yes, store-bought onion jam works well. You can also make caramelized onions as a substitute.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Cream cheese, ricotta, or a slice of creamy brie can serve as a good substitute.
How spicy is the burger?
It has mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the number of jalapeños or remove seeds to reduce spiciness.
Are pretzel buns necessary?
No, but they enhance the texture and flavor. Brioche or Kaiser rolls also work well.
Can I grill the jalapeños whole?
Yes, grill them whole and slice after roasting for a slightly milder flavor and smokier char.
What’s the best side for this burger?
Crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a tangy slaw pair well with this burger’s rich profile.
How do I prevent the burger from falling apart?
Avoid overworking the beef while forming patties, and make a small dimple in the center to maintain shape while cooking.
Can I make this burger in advance?
You can prep and cook all ingredients ahead of time, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Is this burger suitable for freezing?
The cooked patties can be frozen, but fresh assembly is recommended for the best texture and taste.
Conclusion
The Canyon Creek-Style Beef Burger is a luxurious yet accessible meal that brings steakhouse-level flavor to your home kitchen. With its bold blend of creamy goat cheese, savory beef, crispy bacon, and sweet-spicy accents all nestled in a chewy pretzel bun, this burger is a true standout. Ideal for casual dining or special occasions, it’s a flavorful upgrade that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Print
Canyon Creek-Style Beef Burger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Inspired by the Canyon Creek classic, this gourmet beef burger layers sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, roasted jalapeños, creamy goat cheese, and sweet onion jam on a toasted pretzel bun—delivering a perfect blend of savory, spicy, creamy, and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
- 2 jalapeños, sliced and roasted
- 1/4 cup onion jam or caramelized onions
- 2 pretzel buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional: fresh arugula or lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 2 equal patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill patties for 3–4 minutes per side until desired doneness. In the last minute, top each with cheddar cheese and allow to melt.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Roast jalapeño slices on a hot pan or under a broiler until charred and softened.
- Slice pretzel buns and spread butter on the cut sides. Toast in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown.
- To assemble, spread goat cheese on the bottom bun, place the patty with melted cheddar, then top with bacon, roasted jalapeños, and onion jam.
- Finish with the top bun and serve hot with fries or a side salad.
Notes
- Use room-temperature goat cheese for easier spreading.
- Pretzel buns add a unique chew and saltiness but can be substituted with brioche or ciabatta.
- Onion jam can be homemade or store-bought; caramelized onions work as a great alternative.
- For less heat, remove seeds from the jalapeños before roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
