Buckle up, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger! This epic creation is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and downright explosive flavors – and it’s guaranteed to make your mouth water with every bite. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise and become the ultimate burger boss.
Why You’ll Love This Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
This Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is the stuff that food dreams are made of! The combination of smoky, caramelized bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and a sweet maple-whiskey glaze is simply out of this world. The juicy beef patty is the perfect canvas for these bold and intense flavors, creating a burger that’s both comforting and completely addictive. Plus, with its towering appearance and mouthwatering presentation, this burger is sure to impress your friends and family and leave them begging for more. Get ready to become the ultimate burger legend with this sensational creation!
Ingredients
To bring this Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, thick-cut bacon, cheddar cheese, brioche buns, and a handful of pantry staples like Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. The real stars of the show, however, are the maple-whiskey glaze and the homemade BBQ sauce – both of which pack a serious flavor punch and take this burger to the next level.
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 lb – Thick-cut bacon
- 8 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 8 – Brioche buns
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Smoked gouda or tangy bleu cheese (for a bolder flavor profile)
- Whiskey: Bourbon or dark rum (for a slightly different taste)
How to Make Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be the ultimate burger boss in no time!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preparing the maple-whiskey glaze and the homemade BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer until thickened. For the BBQ sauce, simply mix together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Set both sauces aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and caramelized, then set it aside. In a large skillet, form the ground beef into patties and cook them to your desired doneness, basting them with the maple-whiskey glaze during the last minute or two of cooking.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the burgers, place the beef patties on the brioche buns and top them with the crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of the homemade BBQ sauce, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Pop the burgers back into the oven or under the broiler just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, finish off these epic burgers with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Fried Egg: Add a fried egg on top for an extra-indulgent twist.
- Crispy Onion Strings: Swap out the bacon for crispy onion strings for a crunchy texture.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, like smoked gouda or pepper jack, to really amp up the flavor.
- Sauce It Up: Don’t be afraid to load up on the homemade BBQ sauce and maple-whiskey glaze – the more the better!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries or a creamy coleslaw for the ultimate burger experience.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop the burgers back in the oven or under the broiler until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The homemade BBQ sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in this Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger is a true flavor explosion, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. With a balance of protein-packed beef, heart-healthy fats from the avocado, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, this burger is sure to fuel you up and keep you satisfied. Just be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Protein: 44 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 48 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the secret to the perfect maple-whiskey glaze?
The key to the perfect maple-whiskey glaze is to simmer it slowly until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious caramelized coating on the burger patties.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The homemade BBQ sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only saves you time on the day of, but it also allows the flavors to meld and develop even further.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
To keep your burgers nice and sturdy, be sure to handle the patties gently and avoid overworking the meat. Also, make sure to use a high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, as this will help keep the burgers juicy and together.
Can I use a different type of bun?
While the brioche buns add a delightful richness and sweetness to this burger, feel free to experiment with other types of buns, such as a sesame seed or potato roll. Just be sure the bun can stand up to the hefty toppings without getting soggy.
How can I make this burger even more over-the-top?
For a truly epic and indulgent experience, try adding a fried egg, crispy onion strings, or even a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce on top of the burger. The possibilities for customization are endless!
Try These Next
- Smoked Applewood Bbq Ribs With Maple Glaze
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Maple Glaze
- Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders
Maple-Whiskey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍔 BURGER KINGDOM
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A smoky and sweet burger topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a delicious maple-whiskey BBQ sauce, perfect for grilling season!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
– 4 slices of bacon
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 4 burger buns
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup whiskey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce and tomato for topping (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. – In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, whiskey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until simmering, then reduce heat and let it thicken for about 10 minutes.
3. – While the sauce is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
4. – Form the ground beef into four equal patties and season with salt and pepper.
5. – Grill the patties on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
6. – In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
7. – Toast the burger buns on the grill until lightly golden.
8. – Assemble the burgers by placing the patty on the bottom bun, topping it with bacon, a generous drizzle of the maple-whiskey BBQ sauce, and any additional toppings like lettuce and tomato.
9. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
10.
Notes
– You can adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on your preference.
– For an extra smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon and add some smoked paprika to the beef patties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: burger, BBQ, bacon, cheese, maple, whiskey