Burger Recipe

Make sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tbsp bourbon, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Let simmer 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 1 tbsp water to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning; remove from heat and set aside. (If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute additional 1 tbsp water and 1 tsp smoked paprika.)

Caramelize onions

Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until butter melts. Add 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion and 1/4 tsp salt. Sauté, stirring frequently, 6–9 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.

If desired, sprinkle 1/2 tsp brown sugar over onions after 5 minutes to encourage caramelization. Continue cooking 3–5 more minutes until golden-brown but not burnt. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while you cook the burgers.

Cook bacon

While onions cook, place 4 bacon strips in a cold skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook 8–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crisped to your liking. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Form patties

Divide 1 lb ground beef into 2 equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form into patties about 3/4" thick and slightly wider than your buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering, add patties and cook 3–4 minutes without moving, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (cook longer for medium-well/well-done).

During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, spoon about 1 tbsp bourbon sauce onto each patty, then place 2 slices Monterey Jack over each patty and cover the skillet for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

Toast buns

Meanwhile, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the 2 buns. In a separate skillet over medium heat, toast bun cut sides 1–2 minutes until golden.

Assemble burgers

Place bottom bun on plate, brush or spoon 1/2–1 tbsp bourbon sauce onto bun, add the cheeseburger patty, top with 2 bacon strips, a generous portion of sautéed onions, and an additional drizzle (about 1 tsp) of bourbon sauce on the onions. Close with top bun and serve immediately.