The Whiskey Bacon Burger from Applebee's features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky whiskey-glazed crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy barbecue sauce, all sandwiched between a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a bold and savory flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Frying pan or skillet
- Oven or toaster (for buns)
- Saucepan (for glaze and caramelized onions)
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet or wire rack (for bacon)
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or 4 cheddar cheese slices
- 2 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
When selecting ingredients for the Whiskey Bacon Burger, use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, ideally 80/20, to ensure juicy patties. Opt for thick-cut bacon to achieve the perfect crispy texture when glazed with the whiskey sauce. Fresh yellow onions caramelize best when cooked slowly with butter, adding a rich sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and tangy barbecue sauce. Toasting the sesame seed buns lightly improves texture and prevents sogginess from the toppings. You can recreate the bold, savory profile of Applebee's Whiskey Bacon Burger at home by following these key ingredient suggestions.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 burger patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook bacon on baking sheet in oven or on skillet until crispy; set aside.
- In saucepan, combine whiskey and brown sugar; simmer until reduced and syrupy.
- Stir barbecue sauce into whiskey glaze; mix well and set aside.
- Slice onions thinly on cutting board.
- Melt butter and olive oil in saucepan; add sliced onions.
- Caramelize onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness, flipping with spatula.
- In last minute of cooking, top each patty with cheddar cheese; close grill or tent with foil to melt.
- Brush bacon slices with whiskey glaze using basting brush.
- Toast burger buns in oven or on toaster until golden.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, burger patty with melted cheese, glazed bacon, caramelized onions, extra barbecue glaze if desired, top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Whiskey Bacon Burger from Applebee's copycat menu captures the original's rich and smoky essence by combining whiskey-glazed bacon with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese. If whiskey is unavailable or not preferred, you can substitute with bourbon or a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of molasses to maintain the smoky-sweet profile. When cooking, use a cast-iron skillet or grill to achieve the perfect sear on the beef patty and bacon for optimal texture and flavor. Toasting the sesame seed buns in the oven or on a griddle enhances their crunch and prevents sogginess from the sauce. Your choice of barbecue sauce can be adjusted in sweetness or spiciness to suit personal taste without compromising the overall dish balance.
Tips
Make sure not to overhandle the ground beef when forming patties, as this can lead to dense burgers rather than juicy ones. Watch the caramelized onions closely and stir regularly to prevent burning and achieve that perfect deep golden color. When glazing the bacon with the whiskey sauce, apply it quickly and evenly to keep the bacon crispy without becoming soggy. Your toasted sesame seed buns should be warmed just before assembling to enhance texture and flavor without drying them out.
Nutritions
The Whiskey Bacon Burger from Applebee's contains approximately 800-900 calories per serving, with high protein content from the beef patty and cheddar cheese contributing around 45-50 grams of protein. The bacon and glaze add significant sodium and sugar, with the whiskey-brown sugar barbecue sauce providing about 15-20 grams of sugar. Fat content is moderately high, primarily from the bacon, butter, and cheese, delivering around 50-60 grams of total fat, including saturated fat. You should consider portion size and balance this rich meal with lighter, nutrient-dense sides to maintain a healthy diet.
Storage
Store any leftover Whiskey Bacon Burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Separate components like buns, patties, and bacon to avoid sogginess, reheating patties and bacon on a grill or skillet to restore crispness and flavor. Your best results come from consuming leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal taste and food safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb to create a different flavor profile while maintaining juiciness. Instead of whiskey, try bourbon or rum for the glaze to add a unique depth to the smoky bacon. For a twist on the cheese, use pepper jack or smoked gouda to enhance the savory elements of your burger. Consider grilling the onions along with the patties to intensify their sweetness and add a slight char.
Allergies
The Whiskey Bacon Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and butter, and gluten present in the sesame seed bun. Bacon and barbecue sauce may also contain preservatives or ingredients that trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Your careful attention is necessary if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or specific additives to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Whiskey Bacon Burger at Applebee's is favored for its rich combination of smoky whiskey glaze, crispy bacon, and juicy beef patty, creating a bold and savory flavor profile that satisfies burger enthusiasts. This menu item balances sweet, smoky, and salty elements, offering a unique taste experience that stands out from typical burgers. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this signature flavor at home with customized ingredients and freshness that match your personal preferences. Your efforts in recreating this burger can replicate the popular restaurant experience while saving money and enhancing culinary skills.