Alright, imagine this: you take your all-time favorite bacon cheeseburger, then decide to turn it into a melty, toasty sandwich that practically oozes smoky, boozy goodness with every bite. That’s exactly how the Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Grilled Sandwich came to life in my kitchen. There’s something about that crisp bacon crackle paired with melted cheese and a hint of bourbon that just hits all the right notes. Plus, grilling the whole sandwich on buttery bread until golden brown? Pure magic. Trust me, if you’re a burger fan who loves a little twist, this sandwich is going to be your new go-to comfort food obsession!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
4 slices bacon
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 sandwich buns or thick-cut bread slices
2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Butter, softened (about 2 tbsp for grilling)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles
For the Bourbon Sauce:
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp bourbon whiskey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of smoked paprika
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove it and set it on paper towels to drain, but keep the bacon fat in the pan—you’ll use it to sauté your onions for that extra smoky-sweet flavor. Add the thin onion slices to the pan, cook over medium-low heat until soft and caramelized (about 8 minutes), then splash in 2 tablespoons of bourbon and let it reduce slightly for that rich boozy punch. Set aside.
Step 2:
Next, form your ground beef into 4 patties—try not to overwork the meat for tender results. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they reach 160°F internally. In the last minute, place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty to melt.
Step 3:
While your burgers cook, mix up the bourbon sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This little sauce packs big flavor and adds a creamy, tangy kick.
Step 4:
Butter one side of each bread slice or sandwich bun generously. Toast the bread, butter-side-down, in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp.
Step 5:
Assemble the sandwich: spread bourbon sauce on the toasted bread, layer on the caramelized bourbon onions, then the cheesy burger patty, and finally the crispy bacon slices. Add optional fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato if you want a little brightness.
Step 6:
Place the top slice of bread on, and give the whole sandwich a gentle press with a spatula for a minute on the pan, just to meld the flavors and heat through. Slice in half and serve immediately while it’s melty and warm.
Variations & Tips
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheese vibe.
Use brioche or potato buns for an extra soft, rich sandwich base.
Add a fried egg on top for an indulgent breakfast twist.
If you don’t want to cook bourbon into the onions, just add a splash to the sauce instead.
Grill your sandwich in a panini press for perfectly even toasting and melty cheese.
How I Like to Serve It
This sandwich shines on lazy weekends paired with crispy oven fries or a crunchy dill pickle. It’s also fantastic for game day gatherings—just stack up a platter and watch everyone dive in with big smiles. In cooler weather, it feels like a warm, hearty hug wrapped in bread.
Notes
Store leftover patties and onions separately in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to keep juicy.
Reheat grilled sandwiches in a skillet rather than microwave to keep bread crispy.
Closing: This bourbon bacon cheeseburger grilled sandwich always hits the spot with its perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and melty deliciousness—truly a kitchen win every time!
