Gather ’round, friends, because we’re about to embark on a flavor journey that will leave your taste buds utterly captivated. Introducing the Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt – a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the rich, smokiness of bourbon, the sweetness of maple, and the salty crunch of bacon, all nestled between two slices of melty, gooey cheese. This epic creation is a must-try for any burger enthusiast or comfort food connoisseur.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt
This loaded burger melt is a true flavor sensation that will transport you to flavor town with every bite. The bourbon-infused patty, paired with the sweet and smoky maple-glazed bacon, creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The melty cheddar and provolone cheese add a luxurious creaminess that ties the whole dish together. Whether you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal or looking to impress your friends, this Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt is sure to satisfy your wildest burger dreams.
Ingredients
The key to this epic burger melt is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, bourbon, maple syrup, bacon, cheddar and provolone cheese, onion, garlic, and a few simple seasoning. The combination of these flavors creates a truly craveable and satisfying dish.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 2 tbsp – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Maple syrup
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices – Provolone cheese
- 1 small – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner option)
- Maple syrup: Honey (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt
The key to this epic burger melt is using high-quality, fresh ingredients and following a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy and golden, then brush it with a tantalizing mixture of bourbon and maple syrup. Set the bacon aside and prepare your burger patties by mixing the ground beef with bourbon, garlic, and seasonings. Form the patties and get ready to start cooking.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium-high heat and cook the seasoned burger patties until they’re juicy and cooked through. Once the patties are ready, it’s time to assemble the melt. Layer the bottom bun with the burger patty, followed by the crispy bourbon maple bacon, and top with a generous amount of melty cheddar and provolone cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the loaded burger melt under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining bun, creating a towering masterpiece of flavor. Finish by adding any additional toppings, such as caramelized onions or pickles, to really make this burger melt shine.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Kick of Flavor: Add a dollop of spicy bourbon-infused barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or pepper jack, to find your perfect combination.
- Extra Indulgence: Consider adding a fried egg or a drizzle of creamy, melted queso on top.
- Healthier Version: Use leaner ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and serve the burger open-faced on a whole-wheat bun or lettuce wrap.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the melt in a preheated oven or toaster oven until the cheese is hot and bubbly once again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the seasoned burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with essential nutrients from the vegetables and cheese.
- Serving Size: 1 burger melt
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 50 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the burger patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seasoned burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will save you time and make the assembly process a breeze.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the combination of cheddar and provolone creates a delightful melty texture, you can certainly experiment with other types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyère, or even a blend of your favorites.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up this Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt, you can try using leaner ground beef or turkey, reducing the amount of cheese, and serving the burger open-faced on a whole-wheat bun or lettuce wrap.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, you can substitute the beef patty with a plant-based burger or portobello mushroom cap. For the cheese, opt for a dairy-free or vegan cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish for a crowd?
If you’re serving a larger group, you can easily scale up this recipe by doubling or tripling the ingredients. You can also consider making mini slider-sized versions of the Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt for a fun and shareable appetizer.
Try These Next
- maple bourbon bacon cheeseburger melt
- maple bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries
- spiced maple bacon cheeseburger with cranberry relish
Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a decadent Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Melt that combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet bourbon maple glaze, all melted together for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices bacon
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup bourbon
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 4 slices of bread (Texas toast or your choice)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, and pickles for topping
Instructions
1.
2.
3. 1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels, then chop into pieces.
4. 2. In the same skillet, drain excess bacon fat leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
5. 3. In a small bowl, combine bourbon, maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the cooked beef and let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 4. Preheat another skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
7. 5. Assemble the sandwiches: On the non-buttered side, layer ground beef mixture, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
8. 6. Grill the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes per side.
9. 7. Serve hot with optional lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
10.
Notes
– Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference.
– For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
– This recipe is perfect for a backyard barbecue or game day!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, bacon, bourbon, melt, sandwich