The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger from Whataburger features a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a spicy pepper jack cheese, all nestled in a toasted bun for a bold and flavorful bite that perfectly blends smoky, sweet, and spicy elements.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Frying pan or skillet
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer or pre-sliced cheese
- Plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Using fresh, high-quality ground beef and thick-cut bacon will enhance the overall flavor and juiciness of your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger. Caramelizing the yellow onion with butter and brown sugar is key to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness that complements the spicy pepper jack cheese. Season the beef patty generously with salt and black pepper to bring out rich, savory notes. Toasting the hamburger buns with butter adds a subtle crunch and prevents sogginess when assembling the burger. You can recreate the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger from Whataburger's copycat menu at home by following these ingredient tips for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties; season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place patties on the grill/griddle; cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Add a slice of pepper jack cheese to each patty in the last minute of cooking; cover to melt.
- While burgers cook, lay bacon slices in the frying pan or skillet; cook until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Slice the onion thinly using a knife and cutting board.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter; add onions and cook over medium-low heat.
- Stir in brown sugar; sauté onions until soft and caramelized (about 10–15 minutes); set aside.
- Slice buns in half; spread butter on the cut sides.
- Toast buns on baking sheet in oven, toaster, or on grill until golden.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, beef patty with cheese, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, top bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate.
Substitution
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger copycat recipe from Whataburger offers a juicy beef patty layered with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and spicy pepper jack cheese on a toasted bun. If ground beef is unavailable, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner substitution without sacrificing flavor. When caramelizing onions, using a non-stick skillet helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking; brown sugar is essential for achieving the perfect sweet glaze but can be replaced with honey or maple syrup. If you don't have pepper jack cheese, a spicy cheddar or Monterey Jack with jalapenos can add a similar kick. You can toast burger buns in a pan with butter or in the oven for a crisp texture that complements the burger's bold flavors.
Tips
Your beef patties should be carefully seasoned with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor without overpowering the natural taste. Cooking the bacon until crispy on a skillet ensures it adds the perfect crunchy texture to your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger. When caramelizing onions, stir frequently on medium-low heat with butter and brown sugar to avoid burning and achieve a soft, sweet result. Toasting the buns with butter on the grill or in the oven adds a golden, slightly crispy surface that complements the juicy burger and toppings.
Nutritions
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger provides a substantial source of protein from its 1 lb of ground beef and 4 slices of bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. The pepper jack cheese adds calcium and fat, contributing to the burger's creamy texture and flavor richness. Caramelized onions supply small amounts of dietary fiber and antioxidants, enhanced by the cooking process using butter and brown sugar, which increases calorie content. Your meal includes carbohydrates primarily from the toasted hamburger buns, balancing macronutrients but also raising the overall calorie count.
Storage
Store your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep cooked bacon and caramelized onions refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal taste. For best reheating, warm the beef patty and bun separately on a grill or skillet to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without compromising flavor. Instead of pepper jack cheese, try sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to enhance the smoky notes of the bacon. For caramelized onions, using red onions instead of yellow adds a slightly sweeter, milder taste. Toast buns on a griddle brushed with garlic butter to infuse extra aroma and richness into your burger.
Allergies
Your Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the pepper jack cheese and butter used in both caramelized onions and bun toasting, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The hamburger buns likely contain gluten, posing a risk for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Those with pork allergies or dietary restrictions should avoid the crispy bacon included in this burger.
Why this recipe?
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger from Whataburger captivates taste buds with its unique blend of smoky bacon, sweet honey butter, and a spicy pepper jack cheese layer that creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Its combination of textures--from the crispy bacon to the juicy beef patty--is expertly balanced to deliver a satisfying bite every time. You'll appreciate how this burger offers a gourmet twist on classic comfort food without overwhelming your palate. Recreating this menu item at home allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients to match your preferences while enjoying the iconic taste that fans rave about.