Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Caramelized Onions (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 680 g ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 - 15 ml Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami)

→ Caramelized Onions

05 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
06 - 15 ml olive oil
07 - 15 g unsalted butter
08 - 30 ml bourbon
09 - 13 g brown sugar
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Burger Assembly

12 - 4 brioche burger buns
13 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
14 - 4 slices smoked bacon, cooked crisp
15 - Lettuce leaves (optional)
16 - Tomato slices (optional)
17 - Ketchup, mustard, or preferred sauce

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft, about 25–30 minutes. Add bourbon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes or until the bourbon has reduced and the onions are glossy. Set aside.
02 - Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 4 equal patties, making a small indentation in each center. Grill or pan-fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute to melt.
03 - In a separate pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to remove excess fat.
04 - Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast on a grill or skillet, cut side down, until golden and crisp.
05 - Spread ketchup, mustard, or chosen sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cheeseburger patty atop. Layer with crispy bacon, then a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Add lettuce and tomato if using. Cap with the top bun and press gently.
06 - Serve immediately with accompaniments such as fries or a crisp salad.

# Notes:

01 - Allow onions ample time to caramelize for optimal sweetness and flavor complexity.
02 - Chilling patties briefly before grilling helps maintain their shape during cooking.
03 - Use freshly ground beef for best texture and juiciness.

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