This Bourbon Burger will be a hit at your next cookout! The patty is well seasoned, and the bourbon adds bold and smoky flavors to take it over the top. If you want a creative and delicious burger recipe, you should definitely try this one with its delectable bourbon cheese sauce!
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The secret ingredient is infusing the burger with bourbon to ensure it has that recognizable flavor. I add a BBQ sauce and a splash of bourbon whiskey to the meat and then finish it with a bourbon cheese sauce to make it extra rich and decadent!
If you like cooking with bourbon, you will love this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken and Maple Bourbon Braised Salmon.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple recipe: This is a simple bourbon bacon burger recipe with a decadent bourbon cheese sauce that anyone can make, even if you don’t cook much!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Bourbon and burgers are a fabulous match, so it’s no secret as to why everyone loves them! If you want a crowd-pleasing burger, you have to try this one.
- There are endless ways to serve it: There are so many different burger toppings, including veggies and condiments, so you can make it your own! I love that everyone can choose what you put on their burger.
Bourbon Burger Ingredients
Below are the ingredients needed to make the burger patty as well as assemble the finished bourbon burger. It’s incredibly simple!
- Ground beef: I use 80/20 beef. It has just the right amount of fat to keep the patties moist and flavorful without being overly greasy.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds an umami flavor that compliments the sweet and smoky notes of the bourbon.
- Spices: I chose salt, pepper, and onion powder to keep it simple. I also threw in roasted garlic to add depth, too. These seasonings provide the perfect balance to ensure the burgers are flavorful without overpowering the bourbon.
- Bourbon: Use any bourbon whiskey that you like for this recipe. It doesn’t have to be expensive! I add some to the burger meat and the rest to the queso.
- Bourbon BBQ sauce: Any brand of bourbon BBQ sauce will work great. If you prefer, you may use a regular BBQ sauce but I like to further enhance the bourbon flavor.
- Queso dip: Try this recipe with your favorite queso dip! You can even make it yourself if you prefer. This instant pot queso is one of my favorites.
- Toppings: You can’t have a bacon bourbon burger without strips of crispy bacon! Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions are other classic toppings. Use whatever you like best!
- Buns: You will want a good, sturdy bun to stand up to the queso. Brioche is a great choice. I like sourdough buns, too.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Bourbon burger sliders: Make smaller patties and serve them on Hawaiian or dinner rolls to make them into sliders and serve them as an appetizer.
- Cowboy-style burger: Top your burger with sliced cheese and crispy onion rings for a cowboy-inspired version.
- California-style burger: Use freshly sliced or mashed avocado and sliced onion.
How to Make Bourbon Burgers
This is an easy recipe to make and you are sure to have a delicious bourbon whiskey burger every time. If you decide to use another cooking method like the grill, ensure to preheat it to 400 degrees F before you get started.
Step 1: Prepare the meat mixture. Combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, spices, 2 ½ tablespoons of bourbon, and the bourbon BBQ sauce. Mix it until it’s all well incorporated.
Step 2: Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and then gently form them into perfectly even patties.
Step 3: Make the cheese sauce. Add the remaining bourbon and the queso dip to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it to warm it up.
Step 4: Cook the burgers. Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Cook them for about 4 minutes per side (this will leave them pink in the middle) or until they reach your desired doneness.
Step 5: Assemble and serve. Add toppings like lettuce and tomato to the bun and finish it with the burger, bourbon cheese sauce, and strips of cooked bacon. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Try a mellow bourbon: If you don’t want an intense bourbon flavor, try a low-proof variety. It won’t be as alcohol-forward.
- Allow the meat time to absorb flavor: Let your burger meat marinate for 20-30 minutes before forming and cooking the patties. This will allow the flavors more time to develop.
- Don’t overmix it: Gently mix the ingredients into the ground beef. Overworking it can make the burgers tough.
If you love recipes like this easy bacon burger, you may also enjoy this Sweet and Spicy Bacon Burger.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store any extra burger patties and cheese sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze the patties for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend saving assembled burgers because they are difficult to reheat.
- Make Ahead: You may prepare the burger mixture and/or form the patties up to 1 day in advance. This is helpful if you are making them for a cookout.
Serving Suggestions
- Are you looking for more amazing burger topping ideas? Try this smoky bacon aioli and my zesty horseradish pickles for richness and spice.
- Fries and burgers are soulmates! Make them with a twist and serve air fried frozen sweet potatoes or Taco Bell nacho fries.
- Another great side or topping for these would be this homemade jalapeno coleslaw.
Recipe FAQs
The BBQ sauce, bourbon, and Worcestershire add some additional moisture. If you find this makes the beef too difficult to stick together, add some breadcrumbs to help it bind together.
Overcooked burgers will be very dry and chewy. Cook them just longer enough to be more medium (a little pink in the middle) for best results. This will keep it juicy. Also, don’t smash the burger with the spatula as it cooks, this will release all the juices.
Of course! They will take 3-5 minutes per side at medium-high heat.
More Delicious Burger Recipes
Do you like burgers? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
The Best Ever Bourbon Burger
Equipment
- grill or skillet
- spoon or spatula to stir with
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon minced roasted garlic
- ¼ cup bourbon divided
- 2 tablespoons bourbon BBQ sauce
- 1 cup queso dip cheese
- 4 slices romaine lettuce
- 1 large tomato sliced
- 8 slices crispy bacon
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet to a medium high heat (about 375-400°F).
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, 2 ½ tablespoons bourbon and the BBQ sauce. Use clean hands to gently mix until everything is just incorporated. (Overmixing will create a tough burger so be gentle.) Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Form the meat into 4, evenly sized patties.
Grill
- Grill them on your grill, flipping halfway through. If your grill is 400°F you should grill on each side for 4 minutes for a medium burger. (See the burger cook times below for more details.)
Skillet or Grill Pan
- If you don’t have a grill, you can make these burgers on a large heavy bottom skillet. Add a bit of olive oil or butter into the skillet to prevent the meat from sticking and cook over medium high heat.
- While the burgers cook, make the cheese sauce. Stir together the remaining bourbon with the queso cheese in a small pot over low heat or in a microwave for 1 minute until warmed.
- Toast buns in oven if desired. Assemble your burgers by layering lettuce and then tomato. Next add burger patty, drizzle the cheese over the top and add bacon.. Top with the burger top and serve warm. Burger grilling times for 400 °F grill. These times will vary depending on burger hickness and grill consistency. These times are for a typical 4.5-ounce burger.
- Rare-2 minutes on each side
- Medium rare-3 minutes on each side
- Medium-4 minutes on each side.
- Medium well-5 minutes on each side
- Well-6 or more minutes on each side
Notes
- Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also store the sauce in a separate container for 3 days.
- Avoid overworking the burger meat so they don’t become tough or dense.
- Overcooking your burger or smashing it with your spatula are the most common reasons for a dry burger. Don’t let it cook too long or smash it so it doesn’t release all of its juices.
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