Burgers with Bacon and Onion Whiskey Sauce
Time to fire up the grill! Take your burger game from ordinary to incredible this season with some fresh inspiration. Our burgers are loaded with some of our favorite toppings -- crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, arugula, and onions that are bathed in a decadent whiskey sauce. The result? Over the top delicious!
Burger Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Fixings
- 4 slices sharp white cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, grilled
- Arugula
- Mayonnaise, if desired
Bacon and Onion Whiskey Sauce
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and cut in half
- 1-2 tablespoons reserved bacon grease
- 1 sweet onion, sliced pole-to-pole
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce whiskey
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into four equal portions and shape into 4-inch diameter patties.
- Prepare the whiskey sauce: Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the sliced onion in the reserved bacon grease until browned and caramelized.
- Sprinkle the onions with brown sugar, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until sugar dissolves. Add whiskey and cook for a few minutes. Set aside.
- Grill the burgers over medium heat or on a cast iron griddle for about 4 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Top each burger with a slice of cheddar cheese and let it melt. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
- While burgers rest, grill the buns until toasted.
- Assemble the burgers: Place arugula on bottom bun, then the burger patty with melted cheese, bacon slices, and a spoonful of whiskey onions. Top with the other bun half (add mayo if desired). Serve hot.