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Savory Whiskey Maple Bacon Burger Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Made Easy

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A bold and flavorful burger featuring a whiskey maple glaze, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp whiskey (preferably bourbon like Maker’s Mark)
  • 6–8 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (e.g., Tillamook)
  • 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp softened butter (for toasting buns)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons whiskey. Warm gently over low heat, stirring often, until slightly thickened—about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the bacon: Place 6-8 thick-cut bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor if cooking patties in the same skillet.
  3. Make the patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground beef with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties about ¾-inch (2 cm) thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing up.
  4. Cook the patties: Heat the skillet (with reserved bacon fat or a little oil) over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until nicely browned. Flip, brush the tops with the whiskey maple glaze, then add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty. Cook another 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Toast the buns: While patties cook, spread softened butter on buns and toast them face down in a separate skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Assemble the burgers: Place each patty on a toasted bun bottom, top with 2 slices of crispy bacon, and add desired toppings like lettuce or tomato. Drizzle a bit more warm glaze over the bacon if you like a stronger maple kick. Cap with the top bun.
  7. Serve immediately while cheddar is melty and bacon is still crisp.

Notes

Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Brush glaze on patties after flipping to preserve caramelization. Let patties rest 2-3 minutes before assembling. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For a spicy twist, add cayenne or chipotle powder to beef mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey maple bacon burger, bacon cheeseburger, whiskey glaze burger, maple syrup burger, crispy bacon burger, cheddar cheese burger, easy burger recipe, weeknight dinner, BBQ burger

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/savory-whiskey-maple-bacon-burger-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheddar-made-easy/