Smoky Bourbon Bacon Hamburger

Why I love it

I love this hamburger because it delivers that classic smoky, chargrilled flavor while still offering a gourmet twist. The bourbon infused sauce adds a richness that elevates it from a regular hamburger to something extraordinary. The bacon provides a crispy, salty contrast to the tender beef, and the gooey cheese melts over everything, uniting the flavors into pure perfection. Trust me, one bite of this hamburger, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Introduction

When it comes to hamburgers, I am always on the hunt for that perfect balance of flavors—smoky, juicy, a little sweet, and a touch of savory. That’s why I love the Smoky Bourbon Bacon Hamburger. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of rich, smoky bacon, tender beef, and the subtle sweetness of bourbon makes every bite an indulgence. This burger is packed with flavor, and the best part? It’s versatile. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a classic dinner or impress guests at a barbecue, this hamburger always steals the show.

Recipe

Smoky Bourbon Bacon Hamburger

Cheffery

This Hamburger is an irresistible combination of tender, juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and rich bourbon BBQ sauce, all nestled between perfectly toasted buns. With sharp cheddar melted on top and a generous layer of sweet, smoky caramelized onions, this burger is the ultimate indulgence for burger lovers everywhere. Each bite is packed with layers of flavor—from the tangy sauce to the smoky bacon and the juicy beef patty. Whether you’re making it for a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, this burger will leave everyone craving more.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 650 kcal

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Ingredients

  

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For the Patty:

• 1 500g Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) The key to a juicy burger is using beef with a higher fat content. The 80/20 ratio is perfect for ensuring that the patty stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
• 1 Small onion, finely chopped The onions add a natural sweetness to the beef, enhancing the patty’s flavor and adding moisture. Finely chopped ensures they blend seamlessly into the meat.
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced Garlic brings a robust, savory depth to the patty. Its flavor mellows when cooked, blending perfectly with the beef.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Worcestershire sauce adds umami and a slight tanginess, giving the patty an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 tbsp Smoked paprika This adds a subtle smokiness to the patty, complementing the bourbon BBQ sauce and bacon.
• Salt and pepper to taste Simple yet essential. Salt enhances the flavor, and pepper adds a slight bite.

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• ½ cup Ketchup The base of the BBQ sauce, ketchup adds sweetness and a slight tang.
• 2 tbsp Bourbon Bourbon adds a deep, smoky sweetness to the sauce that makes this burger stand out.
• 1 tbsp Molasses Molasses gives the sauce a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky notes of the bourbon.
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the ketchup.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a bit of savory tang to the BBQ sauce.

For the Toppings

• 6 slices Bacon, cooked until crispy Bacon adds a crispy, salty contrast to the tender beef patty.
• 4 slices Sharp cheddar cheese Cheddar is the perfect cheese for burgers because of its sharp, tangy flavor and excellent melting properties.
• Caramelized onions (2 large onions) Slowly caramelizing onions brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth and richness to the burger.
• Fresh lettuce leaves Lettuce provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the beef and bacon.
• Sliced tomatoes Juicy tomatoes add freshness and a bit of acidity to cut through the burger's richness.

For the Buns

• 4 Brioche buns (toasted) Brioche buns are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect complement to this rich, indulgent burger.

Instructions

 

Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

  ½ cup ketchup

  2 tbsp bourbon

  1 tbsp molasses

  1 tbsp brown sugar

  1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The bourbon will add a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef and bacon. Once the sauce is done, set it aside.
  

Cook the Bacon

• In a skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Once done, drain on a paper towel, but reserve a small amount of the bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the onions.
  

Caramelize the Onions

• In the same skillet, add 2 large thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
  

Make the Beef Patties

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  500g ground beef

  1 small onion (finely chopped)

  2 minced garlic cloves

  1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  1 tsp smoked paprika

  Salt and pepper to taste

  Gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the beef, as this can result in a tough patty. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
  

Cook the Patties

• Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or longer if you prefer your burger well-done. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty, allowing it to melt.
  

Toast the Buns

• While the patties are cooking, toast your brioche buns on the grill or in a skillet until they’re golden and slightly crispy. Toasting the buns adds texture and helps prevent them from becoming soggy from the juicy burger and toppings.

Assemble the Burger

• Now comes the fun part—assembling your burger!

  Start by spreading a generous amount of bourbon BBQ sauce on the bottom half of the toasted bun.

  Add the cheesy beef patty.

  Top with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tomato slices.

  Place the top half of the bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

If you’re a fan of bold, smoky flavors, check out our Savory Flame Grilled Hamburger, which features a smoky chipotle mayo, grilled onions, and a zesty coleslaw topping for an extra kick. It’s the perfect next step for those who love BBQ-inspired burgers.

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This burger falls squarely into American cuisine but has gourmet elements with its use of bourbon and caramelized onions. It’s a modern twist on a classic American burger with influences from Southern BBQ flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 32gFat: 45g

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Conclusion

The Smoky Bourbon Bacon Hamburger is everything you could want in a gourmet burger—juicy, smoky, sweet, and savory. The bourbon BBQ sauce takes it to another level, and the combination of bacon, cheddar, and caramelized onions creates a burger that is rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re enjoying this burger at a cookout or making it for a special dinner, it’s sure to impress. Pair it with some crispy fries or a fresh salad for the perfect meal, and enjoy the flavors of this elevated burger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

   Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. However, keep in mind that the fat content plays a significant role in keeping the patty juicy. If you use leaner meats, consider adding a bit of olive oil or a grated vegetable like zucchini to maintain moisture.

2. Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to bourbon for the BBQ sauce?

   Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with apple cider or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor. Another option is to use liquid smoke or a smoky BBQ sauce base to retain the depth of flavor without the alcohol.

3. How do I prevent my beef patties from shrinking during cooking?

   To minimize shrinkage, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps the patty cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up or shrinking excessively.

4. Can I prepare the caramelized onions and BBQ sauce in advance?

   Yes! Both the caramelized onions and bourbon BBQ sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the onions gently in a skillet before assembling the burger, and warm the BBQ sauce slightly for easier spreading.

5. What’s the best way to toast brioche buns without burning them? 

   Toasting brioche buns lightly is key to achieving a crispy exterior while keeping them soft inside. Use a grill, skillet, or toaster on medium heat and watch closely to avoid burning. Spread a small amount of butter or oil on the cut sides before toasting for added flavor and golden color.