The Ultimate Maple Bourbon Bacon Burger Recipe: A Study in Sweet, Smoky, and Savory Balance
This Maple Bourbon Bacon Burger is a sophisticated take on a classic, featuring a juicy patty, crisp bacon glazed in a sticky maple-bourbon reduction, and creamy white cheddar.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 pounds ground chuck, 80 percent lean
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 cup high-quality maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
8 strips thick-cut smoked bacon
4 brioche or potato rolls
4 slices aged white cheddar cheese
Assorted toppings (lettuce, tomato)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Maple Bourbon Glaze by reducing maple syrup, bourbon, vinegar, and mustard until syrupy.
2. Cook bacon until crisp; toss lightly in one-quarter of the finished glaze.
3. Mix ground beef with seasonings; form into four patties, making a thumb dimple in the center of each.
4. Grill or sear the patties over high heat (around 400 Fahrenheit) for 3-5 minutes per side, brushing with glaze after the first flip.
5. Top with cheddar cheese during the last minute of cooking; allow to melt.
6. Brush cut buns with bacon drippings or butter and toast lightly.
7. Assemble the burger: bun, lettuce, tomato, glazed patty, bacon, and a final drizzle of the remaining glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat when forming the patties to keep them tender.
Always let the finished patties rest for five minutes before assembly.
Use flaky kosher salt for the exterior crust just before cooking for maximum sear development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/maple-bourbon-bacon-burger/