Description
The Whiskey Bacon Burger combines smoky, savory bacon with juicy beef patties and a rich, slightly sweet whiskey-infused sauce. This burger features bold, balanced flavors with crispy bacon, melted sharp cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce and onions, all layered on soft buns. A perfect gourmet twist for BBQs or casual meals, it offers a satisfying texture and flavor experience that’s easy to customize for various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Bacon
- 6 strips smoky bacon
Whiskey Sauce
- 1/4 cup whiskey (mid-range bourbon or rye)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Other Toppings
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or choice of cheese)
- 4 fresh burger buns
- Leaf lettuce, as needed
- Thinly sliced onions, as needed
- Pickles (optional), as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Whiskey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine whiskey, brown sugar, ketchup, and a touch of mustard. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy, concentrating the flavors.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry or bake bacon strips until crisp but still slightly chewy. Drain on paper towels to maintain texture.
- Form and Season the Beef Patties: Shape ground beef into four patties about ¾-inch thick. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Patties: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties approximately 4 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Add cheese slices on top during the last minute to melt.
- Assemble the Burger: Lightly toast burger buns. Spread a layer of whiskey sauce on both bun halves. Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun, then add crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, sliced onions, optional pickles, and top with the other bun half.
Notes
- Use quality whiskey for best flavor in the sauce.
- Handle beef gently to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Create a small dimple in patties to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Rest cooked patties for a few minutes before assembling to allow juices to redistribute.
- Lightly toast buns to add crunch and avoid sogginess from sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Whiskey Bacon Burger, BBQ burger, whiskey sauce, bacon burger, grilled burger, smoky burger, whiskey glaze