Meet your new burger obsession: the Whiskey Bacon Burger. This isn’t just a burger—it’s a saucy, smoky, downright irresistible meal that hits every crave-worthy note. Imagine juicy beef, crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and a finger-licking whiskey sauce all piled high on a soft bun. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be planning your next backyard cookout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Saucy: That homemade whiskey sauce is silky, bold, and takes this burger from great to unforgettable.
- Perfect Texture Combo: Crunchy bacon, juicy burger, and tender sautéed mushrooms in every single bite—what else could you ask for?
- Totally Customizable: From patty size to toppings, you can easily put your own spin on this Whiskey Bacon Burger.
- Pure Crowd Pleaser: This burger always delivers that wow factor whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Whiskey Bacon Burger is all in the layers, each ingredient playing a starring role. No need for anything fancy—just good, reliable basics, each one helping build that crave-able flavor and juicy, saucy experience!
- Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15): A little fat keeps burgers luscious and flavorful—don’t skimp!
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich “beefy” depth to both the patties and the sauce.
- Egg: Helps bind your burger together for the perfect bite.
- Salt & fresh ground black pepper: The essential seasoning duo—season boldly for maximum flavor.
- Whiskey: Brings a gentle warmth and complexity to both the sauce and patties. Use your favorite sipping whiskey for best results.
- Unsalted butter & oil: For beautifully sautéing onions and mushrooms without burning.
- Yellow onion: Caramelizes into pure golden sweetness for your whiskey sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the whiskey sauce, making it velvety and perfect for drizzling.
- Beef stock: Adds body and bold, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce & tomato paste (for sauce): Give richness, umami, and a hint of tang.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with a subtle herbal note.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy, meaty, and oh-so-delicious when sauteed.
- Bacon strips: Smoky, crisp, and absolutely essential for that “bacon burger” experience.
- Burger buns: Soft, sturdy, and ready to soak up all that saucy, meaty goodness.
Variations
The joy of the Whiskey Bacon Burger is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood, your pantry, or your crowd. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors and textures—make this burger entirely your own!
- Cheese Lover’s Whiskey Bacon Burger: Layer on a slice of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for the ultimate melty finishing touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a smear of chipotle mayo to amp up the heat.
- Lighter Option: Swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef—just be gentle during cooking, as leaner meats need a lighter hand.
- Low-Carb or Gluten-Free: Serve the burger “naked” over a bed of greens or on your favorite gluten-free bun.
- Veggie Style: Use a plant-based patty and keep every other element the same for a fab vegetarian burger.
How to Make Whiskey Bacon Burger
Step 1: Prep Your Burger Patties
Start by quickly mixing ground beef, Worcestershire, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 hearty ½-lb patties (or 6 if you prefer smaller), handling just enough to bind without overworking. For best texture, shape them quickly and evenly, then lay on parchment and sprinkle both sides with an extra hit of salt and pepper. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 2–4 hours so flavors meld and patties firm up for that perfect sear.
Step 2: Make the Whiskey Sauce
While your burgers chill, get started on the all-important whiskey sauce. Sauté sliced onions in a blend of butter and oil until gloriously golden. Sprinkle with flour and stir, then slowly add whiskey, letting the magic happen as it simmers and thickens. Add beef stock, Worcestershire, tomato paste, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Let it all gently bubble together until beautifully velvety—then remove from heat and fish out the bay leaf.
Step 3: Sauté the Baby Bella Mushrooms
Use the same pan (hello, extra flavor!) to sauté mushrooms in butter and oil. Season, then sauté until deeply browned and fragrant. Set aside—these golden beauties are about to become a standout topping on your Whiskey Bacon Burger.
Step 4: Cook That Bacon
Your burger deserves bacon that’s truly crispy! Cook your bacon strips in a skillet or on a sheet pan, drain on paper towels, and try (just try!) not to eat them all before assembly. Their smoky crunch is essential here.
Step 5: Sear and Whiskey-Baste the Patties
Just before cooking, press a little well into the center of each patty to keep it from puffing up. Sear burgers in a hot, lightly oiled pan. Don’t fuss—let them develop a nice crust on one side, then flip and pour in a splash of whiskey to sizzle and infuse those burgers with even more flavor. Let them finish cooking, then rest under foil for 5 minutes so all those luscious juices redistribute.
Step 6: Assemble Your Whiskey Bacon Burger
Time for the grand finale: stack each toasted bun with its juicy patty, pile on sautéed mushrooms, loads of crispy bacon, and finish with a generous pour of whiskey sauce. Grab some napkins—you’re going to need them!
Pro Tips for Making Whiskey Bacon Burger
- Patty Resting Magic: Chilling the burger patties in the fridge makes them much easier to handle and helps keep them juicy on the grill or skillet.
- Sear, Don’t Squish: Resist the urge to press the burgers while cooking—let them sear undisturbed for the ultimate juicy Whiskey Bacon Burger bite.
- Whiskey Splash Timing: Pour in the whiskey as soon as you flip the patties for maximum flavor without burning off all that deliciousness.
- Sauce Simmer Power: Let the whiskey sauce gently bubble and thicken until silky, then let it cool a bit so it clings perfectly to every layer of your burger.
How to Serve Whiskey Bacon Burger
Garnishes
Go all-out with a big scatter of extra crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of fresh chives for a pop of color and bite. A few crunchy fried onions or pickled jalapeños can add personality and a little zing to your Whiskey Bacon Burger, making every plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with shoestring fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp coleslaw to balance out the burger’s richness. For summer BBQ vibes, grilled corn on the cob or a light cucumber salad is downright perfect alongside your Whiskey Bacon Burger masterpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a burger bar! Set out the cooked patties, whiskey sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and all your favorite toppings so everyone can build their dream Whiskey Bacon Burger. Or serve mini “slider” versions for parties—stacked with sauce and a cocktail skewer, they’ll disappear in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store cooked burger patties, mushrooms, bacon, and sauce separately in the fridge (covered tightly) for up to 3 days. This keeps the Whiskey Bacon Burger layers at their best for round two—or even lunchboxes!
Freezing
Uncooked burger patties freeze like a dream. Simply wrap tightly in plastic and pop into a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual. The whiskey sauce can be frozen too, just make sure it’s sealed well to keep its silky texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat burger patties in a covered skillet or low oven to keep them juicy—avoid the microwave if possible. Warm the whiskey sauce and mushrooms on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if needed. Burgers assembled fresh are always best, but leftovers come pretty close!
FAQs
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What type of whiskey works best for the Whiskey Bacon Burger sauce?
A good-quality bourbon or rye gives the sauce a smooth warmth and depth, but honestly, use any whiskey you enjoy sipping—just stay away from flavored versions, as they can overwhelm the sauce.
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Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-searing them?
Absolutely! The Whiskey Bacon Burger is fantastic on the grill. Just grill patties over medium-high heat until done to your liking, and finish by splashing whiskey over the patties off the flame for a burst of flavor before serving.
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Is there a way to make the whiskey sauce alcohol-free?
Yes! Substitute beef broth for the whiskey in the sauce; you’ll lose a little nuance but retain the same savory, rich character that pairs beautifully with the rest of the burger.
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What’s the ideal doneness for the Whiskey Bacon Burger?
For the juiciest results, aim for medium-rare (130-135°F) or medium (140-145°F). But with all the moisture from the toppings and whiskey sauce, you’ll still have a delicious burger if you prefer yours more well-done.
Final Thoughts
This Whiskey Bacon Burger is everything you want in a show-stopping sandwich: saucy, hearty, perfectly messy, and endlessly customizable. I hope you’re as smitten as I am—whip up a batch, invite your favorite people, and get ready for the happy smiles around your table!
Print
Whiskey Bacon Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Whiskey Bacon Burgers. Juicy beef patties topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a rich whiskey sauce, all sandwiched between soft burger buns. This recipe is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients
Whiskey Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 1/4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Burgers:
- 2 lbs ground beef 85/15 or 80/20
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp whiskey to cook the burgers
Toppings:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 8–12 strips crispy bacon
Instructions
- Burgers (2-4 hours ahead): Combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Shape into patties and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- Sauce: Sauté onions, add flour, whiskey, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer until thickened.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms in oil and butter until golden brown.
- Cooking the burgers: Make a well in each patty, cook in a hot pan with oil, flipping once. Pour whiskey while cooking.
- Assemble: Top burgers with mushrooms, bacon, and whiskey sauce.
Notes
- Burger Temperature: For medium-rare burgers – 130°-135°, For medium – 140°-145°, For medium-well – 150°-155°, For well done – 160°-165°
- Cooking burgers: Burgers cook fast, adjust cooking time based on thickness. Recipe produces juicy burgers even if cooked to medium-well.
- Do not disturb: Avoid moving burgers when cooking.
- Do not press: Do not press burgers to retain juices.
- Let it rest: Allow burgers to rest before serving for juicier results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: Approx. 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
