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Savory Whiskey Maple Bacon Burger with Caramelized Onions

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A juicy, smoky bacon burger infused with whiskey and maple syrup, topped with caramelized onions for a sweet-savory flavor perfect for easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp real maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp whiskey (bourbon or rye recommended)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 4 cheddar cheese slices (sharp or smoked)
  • Leafy greens or lettuce (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
  2. About 5 minutes before onions finish, pour in whiskey and maple syrup. Let simmer gently until liquid reduces and coats the onions.
  3. In another skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to avoid tough patties.
  5. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions (~4 oz each) and form round, slightly flattened patties with a small dimple in the center.
  6. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add cheese slices in the last minute and cover briefly to melt.
  7. Optionally, lightly toast burger buns in a dry pan or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Spread a little maple syrup on the bottom bun. Layer with patty, bacon, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and leafy greens or pickles if using. Top with the other bun half.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Do not rush caramelizing onions; cook low and slow for best flavor. Avoid overmixing burger meat to keep patties juicy. Rest cooked patties for a few minutes before assembly. Bacon can be chopped or left whole. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey burger, maple bacon burger, caramelized onions, easy weeknight meal, savory burger, bacon burger recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/savory-whiskey-maple-bacon-burger-recipe-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-meals/