Step into a flavor-packed paradise with this Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burger with Cheddar Lava. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet – a burger that’s sure to ignite your taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burger with Cheddar Lava
This epic burger is a culinary adventure that combines bold, adventurous flavors with a cozy, comforting vibe. The chipotle and whiskey marinade adds a zesty, smoky kick, while the crispy bacon and melty cheddar lava provide an indulgent, satisfying texture. Whether you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal or looking to impress your guests, this burger is sure to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble a flavor powerhouse! You’ll need ground beef, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, whiskey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, thick-cut bacon, cheddar cheese, and brioche buns.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 2 tbsp – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp – Whiskey
- 1 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz – Cheddar cheese, sliced
- 4 – Brioche buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option (offers similar texture and absorbs flavors well)
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack or blue cheese for a twist on the melty, gooey factor (bold, unique cheese flavors)
How to Make Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burger with Cheddar Lava
Let’s get started on this mouthwatering burger!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by mixing the chipotle, whiskey, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Divide the ground beef into equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Fry the bacon until crispy, then set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Working in batches, place the beef patties in the hot pan and use a sturdy spatula to smash them down, creating a crispy, caramelized crust. Flip the patties and cook until they’re cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the smashed patties on the bottom buns and top with the crispy bacon and a generous amount of melty cheddar cheese. Pop the burgers under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and lava-like.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve the Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burgers with Cheddar Lava immediately, allowing the flavors to mingle and the cheese to ooze. Don’t forget to add any desired toppings, like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, or tangy pickles, to complete the flavor profile.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: For an even bolder flavor, try adding a spoonful of adobo sauce from the chipotle can to the marinade.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or blue cheese, to take this burger to new heights.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the burgers with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
- Customize the Marinade: Try using a different type of whiskey or even tequila for a unique twist on the marinade.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, fresh salad.
Storage: Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the patties in the oven or on the stovetop before assembling and serving.
Make-Ahead: You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months before cooking.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent burger packs a flavor punch, but it also provides a decent amount of protein and essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, 30 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of smashing the burger patties?
Smashing the patties creates a delicious, crispy crust that seals in the juices and caramelizes the exterior, resulting in a mouthwatering, flavorful burger.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months before cooking.
How can I make this burger more spicy?
For an extra kick of heat, add a few more chipotle peppers to the marinade or top the burgers with sliced jalapeños or a spicy mayo.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the cheddar lava is a delicious and melty option, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as pepper jack, blue cheese, or even a combination of cheeses.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
The patties are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the edges are crispy and caramelized.
Try These Next
- Cheddar Stuffed Maple Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
- Cheddar Stuffed Bacon Burger Sliders With Caramelized Onions
- Gooey Cheddar Stuffed Bbq Bacon Burgers
Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burger with Cheddar Lava
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
This mouthwatering Chipotle Whiskey Bacon Smash Burger with Cheddar Lava is a flavor explosion! The combination of smoky chipotle, rich whiskey, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese makes this burger irresistible. Perfect for grill-outs or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 4 strips of bacon
– 1/4 cup whiskey
– 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce leaves
– Tomato slices
– Onion slices
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. 3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with whiskey, chipotle sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. 4. Form the beef mixture into 4 equal patties.
6. 5. Smash each patty on the grill for a crispy crust and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. 6. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty to melt.
8. 7. Assemble the burgers with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion on the buns.
9. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– You can use any type of cheese you like.
– Adjust the amount of chipotle sauce to your spice preference.
– Serve with fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg