Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with this epic Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack! Combining the bold, smoky notes of homemade bourbon barbecue sauce with the classic comfort of a juicy cheeseburger, this dish is sure to ignite your taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack
This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack is the ultimate indulgence for burger lovers. The smoky, zesty bourbon barbecue sauce complements the melty cheese and crispy bacon, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and craveable. The stacked presentation adds a touch of elegance, making this dish perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings. With chef-tested steps and reliable results, you can enjoy the satisfaction of a restaurant-quality burger in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this flavor-packed Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack, including ground beef, smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a soft, toasted bun. These familiar, high-quality components come together to create a truly epic and indulgent burger experience.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Smoky bourbon barbecue sauce
- 8 oz – Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon
- 4 – Soft, toasted burger buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap out the sharp cheddar for your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Patties: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based patties in place of the ground beef.
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack
Begin by preparing the smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. Next, form the ground beef into juicy, flavorful patties. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Prepare the smoky bourbon barbecue sauce and form the ground beef into patties. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Grill or pan-fry the beef patties until they reach your desired level of doneness, basting them with the bourbon barbecue sauce during the final minutes of cooking. Melt the cheddar cheese over the patties to create a melty, luscious topping.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Toast the buns to achieve a golden, crispy texture. Build the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack by layering the bottom bun, beef patty, bourbon barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and top bun. Repeat this process to create an impressive, towering burger.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, garnish the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack with fresh herbs, such as chopped chives or parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Try adding sautéed onions or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños into the bourbon barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
- Achieve Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef patties are cooked to your liking.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef patties with plant-based burger patties.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries or a crunchy coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftover components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the patties, buns, and toppings separately before assembling.
Make-Ahead: The bourbon barbecue sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.
Nutrition Information
This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack is a hearty and indulgent dish, providing a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to fuel your day. While it may not be the lightest option, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 Cheeseburger Stack
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 45 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the bourbon barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bourbon barbecue sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How can I keep the burger patties juicy and tender?
To ensure juicy, tender burger patties, avoid overworking the ground beef when forming the patties. Gently shape them, being careful not to compress the meat too much. Additionally, cook the patties to your desired doneness, as overcooking can result in dryness.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time. Simply reheat the bacon in the oven or a skillet until crispy before assembling the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To create a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ground beef patties with plant-based burger patties. You can also use vegan cheese and coconut bacon or mushroom bacon as alternatives to the traditional ingredients.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the components can be prepared ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack just before serving for the freshest and most satisfying result. The buns can be toasted, the patties cooked, and the toppings prepared in advance, but the final stacking and assembly should be done right before serving.
Try These Next
- ultimate maple bourbon bacon cheeseburger stack
- smoky bourbon bbq bacon ribs with maple glaze
- smoky bbq bacon cheeseburger sliders for parties
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stack is a deliciously indulgent burger featuring juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. Perfect for outdoor grilling or a hearty dinner!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 slices of crispy bacon
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 cup smoky bourbon BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup lettuce (shredded)
– 1/2 cup tomato (sliced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into 4 equal patties.
4. 3. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
5. 4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
6. 5. Meanwhile, grill the bacon until crispy.
7. 6. Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill.
8. 7. Assemble the burgers by placing the beef patty on the bottom bun, followed by the crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
9. 8. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
– For added flavor, marinate the beef patties in bourbon for an hour before grilling.
– You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: burger, bacon, BBQ, bourbon