Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger that’s absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! This recipe is gonna cause some serious food jealousy, so get ready to take your burger game to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger
This burger is the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and boozy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The bourbon-infused brown sugar glaze adds a rich, caramelized layer to the crispy bacon, while the juicy patty and melty cheese bring it all together for a truly epic eating experience. Warning: this dish is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready to live life on the edge of flavor, then get ready for the ride of your life!
Ingredients
To craft this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, bourbon, brown sugar, bacon, cheese, and your favorite burger buns. The combination of these classic flavors is about to become legendary. And the best part? You can easily swap out certain items to make it your own – just wait until you see the variations!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Bourbon
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 8 slices – Bacon
- 4 slices – Cheese (cheddar, swiss, or pepper jack)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or bison for a leaner protein (still packs a punch!)
- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack – or get crazy with brie or blue cheese!
How to Make Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger
Let’s get this party started! First up, we’ve got to tackle the bourbon brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan, we’re going to simmer the bourbon and brown sugar until it becomes a thick, sticky, and utterly irresistible coating for our bacon. While that’s happening, it’s time to season and form those patties – I’m talking a generous helping of salt, pepper, and any other spices that get your taste buds tingling.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully pour the bourbon brown sugar mixture over the bacon, making sure to coat each slice.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to sear those burger patties to perfection. Place them on the hot surface and let them work their magic for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked to your desired doneness. Top each patty with a slice of melty cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
It’s time to bring this masterpiece together! Grab your toasted burger buns and layer on the cheesy patty, followed by the bourbon brown sugar bacon. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go ahead and slather on some creamy mayo or tangy barbecue sauce. Trust me, your taste buds are about to be blown away!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Breakfast Twist: Add a fried egg for a delicious morning-inspired burger.
- Crunchy Contrast: Swap the bacon for crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch.
- Cheese Exploration: Try different types of cheese, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Topping Treasures: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a spicy jalapeño relish would all be amazing additions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: crispy fries, a fresh salad, or your other favorite burger accompaniments.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the burger and bacon in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also pop it in the air fryer for a quick and easy reheating option.
Make-Ahead: The bourbon brown sugar glaze can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before brushing it onto the bacon.
Nutrition Information
This Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth the indulgence. Each serving packs a whopping 650 calories, with 35 grams of fat and 45 grams of carbs. But hey, life’s too short to worry about the numbers – this is all about living your best, most flavorful life!
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the bourbon brown sugar glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before brushing it onto the bacon.
Can I use a different type of alcohol besides bourbon?
If you’re not a bourbon fan, you can swap it out for another dark liquor, like whiskey or rum. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How can I make this burger more healthy?
For a leaner twist, you can use ground turkey or bison instead of beef. And you can also cut back on the amount of bacon or use a lower-sodium variety.
Can I make this burger on the stovetop instead of the grill?
Absolutely! Just sear the patties in a hot cast-iron skillet and cook the bacon on the stovetop. The end result will be just as delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?
For best results, reheat the burger and bacon in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also pop it in the air fryer for a quick and easy reheating option.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Bbq Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
- Bourbon Infused Bacon Jam On Toasted Crostini
Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Burger combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the rich flavor of bourbon, topped with crispy bacon for an indulgent burger experience.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 burger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and your choice of cheese (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into four patties.
3. 2. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. 3. In the same skillet, add the bourbon and brown sugar, stirring until combined. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. 4. Grill or pan-fry the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness.
6. 5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the bourbon sauce over the patties.
7. 6. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on buns, topping with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
– For added flavor, marinate the beef patties in the bourbon mixture for an hour before cooking.
– Adjust the amount of brown sugar for sweetness according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg