Dive into the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger, complete with a vibrant cranberry relish. Savor the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite, as we bring together the cozy flavors of fall and the irresistible juiciness of a classic burger. Get ready to experience a burger that’s both craveable and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger with Cranberry Relish
Prepare to be swept off your feet by this epic burger creation. The smoky, crispy bacon is perfectly paired with a juicy beef patty and melty cheese, all infused with a warm blend of spices and maple syrup. The bright, zesty cranberry relish adds a pop of festive flavor, cutting through the richness with its lush, velvety texture. This is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, perfect for indulging in during the chilly autumn months or serving as the star of your next backyard BBQ.
Ingredients
Gather your kitchen essentials for this flavor-packed Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger, including ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a selection of spices and condiments to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Don’t forget the bright and tangy cranberry relish to complete this hearty, satisfying meal.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon
- 4 slices – Sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 2 tbsp – Maple syrup
- 4 – Burger buns, toasted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based patties (for a leaner or meatless option)
- Cheese: Swiss or pepper jack (to add an extra layer of melty, creamy goodness)
How to Make Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger with Cranberry Relish
Begin by preparing the cranberry relish, allowing the flavors to meld together while you work on the burger components. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside. Form the ground beef into evenly sized patties, seasoning them with a blend of warm spices, brown sugar, and salt. Grill or pan-sear the seasoned beef patties, basting them with a sweet and savory maple glaze during the final minutes of cooking. Top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt to perfection. Assemble your Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburgers by layering the cheesy beef patty on a toasted bun, then topping it with the crispy maple bacon and a generous spoonful of the vibrant cranberry relish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the cranberry relish, allowing the flavors to meld together while you work on the burger components. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside. Form the ground beef into evenly sized patties, seasoning them with a blend of warm spices, brown sugar, and salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Grill or pan-sear the seasoned beef patties, basting them with a sweet and savory maple glaze during the final minutes of cooking. Top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt to perfection.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Assemble your Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburgers by layering the cheesy beef patty on a toasted bun, then topping it with the crispy maple bacon and a generous spoonful of the vibrant cranberry relish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spice blends or add toppings like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce.
- Meatless Option: Use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese for a vegetarian or vegan twist.
- Swap the Cheese: Try using Swiss or pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of melty, creamy goodness.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your personal preferences, adding more or less of your favorite seasonings.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a side of coleslaw.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover cranberry relish for up to 1 week. Cooked burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the grill or in a skillet until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: The cranberry relish can be made a few days in advance, while the burger patties can be formed and refrigerated or frozen for easy assembly when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger with Cranberry Relish packs a hearty, satisfying punch, with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each burger provides a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded, indulgent meal option.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 53 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Sodium: 1,020 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to cook the burger patties?
You can either grill the patties over medium-high heat, or pan-sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Be sure to baste the patties with the maple glaze during the final minutes of cooking for maximum flavor and caramelization.
Can I make the cranberry relish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cranberry relish can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to assemble your burgers.
How can I make this burger more health-conscious?
For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or a plant-based patty in place of the beef. Opting for a lighter cheese, such as Swiss or pepper jack, can also help reduce the overall fat and calorie content of the burger.
Can I customize the spice blend?
Yes, feel free to adjust the spice blend to suit your personal preferences. You can add more or less of the seasonings, or even experiment with different spices like chili powder, paprika, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
What are some tasty side dish ideas to serve with this burger?
This Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a side of creamy coleslaw. You could also serve it with roasted sweet potato wedges or a hearty side of baked beans for a more substantial meal.
Try These Next
- Harvest Maple Bacon Burger With Spiced Apple Slaw
- Smoky Maple Bbq Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
- Cheddar Stuffed Maple Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
Spiced Maple Bacon Cheeseburger with Cranberry Relish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy beef patty with a sweet and spicy twist, topped with crispy bacon and homemade cranberry relish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 slices maple bacon
4 slices cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
1. Form the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the maple bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. In the same skillet, cook the beef patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
5. In a bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create the cranberry relish.
6. Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the skillet.
7. Assemble the burgers by placing the beef patty on the bottom bun, adding the crispy bacon, a generous spoonful of cranberry relish, and toppings of your choice.
8. Top with the other half of the bun and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the beef patties in your favorite seasoning for a few hours before grilling.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: burger, bacon, maple, cranberry