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Maple Bourbon BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Maple Bourbon BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onions Recipe
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This Maple Bourbon BBQ Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onions is a juicy and flavorful burger combining sweet maple syrup, smoky bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, crispy thick-cut bacon, and rich caramelized onions. Perfectly seared beef patties topped with optional sharp cheddar or smoked gouda cheese are assembled on toasted buns to create a bold yet balanced comfort food favorite, great for any season and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil

For the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey

For the Bacon

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 burger buns
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Optional: 4 slices sharp cheddar or smoked gouda cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice yellow onions thinly and cook them slowly in a pan with butter or oil over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and allow the onions’ natural sugars to develop for 30-40 minutes until they turn deep golden brown, unlocking a sweet, rich flavor.
  2. Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and bourbon. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld into a balanced, rich sauce.
  3. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon slices until crispy. Drain excess grease on paper towels and set aside.
  4. Form and Season Patties: Gently shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties about ¾ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, taking care not to over-handle.
  5. Grill or Pan-Fry the Burgers: Heat grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness or to your preference. Add cheese slices during the last minute and cover to melt.
  6. Toast the Buns: Brush burger buns lightly with melted butter and toast on grill or pan until golden brown for added texture and flavor.
  7. Assemble the Burger: On the bottom bun, place the patty with melted cheese, top with caramelized onions, drizzle with maple bourbon BBQ sauce, add crispy bacon slices, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Patience with onions is key—low and slow cooking ensures proper caramelization.
  • Use high-quality ground beef for juicier, more flavorful burgers.
  • Do not press patties while cooking to keep juices inside.
  • Let burgers rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
  • Adjust maple syrup and bourbon quantities in the sauce to match your preferred sweetness and smokiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon burger, BBQ burger, bacon burger, caramelized onions, smoky burger, comfort food, grilled burger

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/maple-bourbon-bbq-bacon-burger-with-caramelized-onions-recipe/