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Flavorful Whiskey Maple Bacon Burger Recipe Easy Homemade Cheddar & Glaze

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A juicy burger featuring a smoky whiskey and maple syrup glaze, crispy bacon, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for quick and impressive meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground chuck
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (applewood-smoked preferred)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons whiskey (bourbon or rye)
  • 4 sturdy hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • A few leaves of romaine or green leaf lettuce
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon Glaze: In a skillet over medium heat, add bacon slices and cook 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. When bacon is halfway done, pour in maple syrup and whiskey. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until thickened and syrupy, turning bacon to coat. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels. Keep glaze in pan.
  2. Form the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently without overworking. Divide into 4 equal portions (~4 ounces each) and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Using the same skillet with glaze remnants, place patties over medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes on first side without moving, then flip. Brush top with glaze. Cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness. In the last minute, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover skillet with lid or foil to melt cheese.
  4. Toast the Buns: Spread butter on inside of each bun half. Toast in a separate pan or under broiler until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: On bottom bun, layer lettuce and red onion slices if using. Place cheesy patty on top, then 2 slices of maple-glazed bacon. Drizzle extra glaze over bacon and top with bun crown.

Notes

Avoid overmixing ground beef to keep patties tender. Make a thumb indentation in patties to prevent bulging. Reduce whiskey and maple syrup glaze slowly over moderate heat to avoid burning. Start bacon in a cold pan for even crisping. Let patties rest a few minutes after cooking for juiciness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps; for dairy-free, use vegan cheddar substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey burger, maple bacon burger, cheddar burger, homemade burger, bacon glaze, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, smoky sweet burger

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-whiskey-maple-bacon-burger-recipe-easy-homemade-cheddar-and-glaze/