Grilled Bourbon Bacon Burgers with Green Chiles and Cheddar
These bold grilled burgers combine lean ground beef with smoky bourbon, crispy bacon bits, and spicy green chiles for incredible flavor depth. Topped with aged white cheddar, crispy bacon strips, and fresh romaine on toasted onion buns, they deliver restaurant-quality taste at home. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth that complements the smoky bacon perfectly, while the green chiles provide a gentle kick. Perfect for summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or any time you want to your burger game beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (4 oz) Old El Paso Chopped Green Chiles
- 2 tablespoon bacon bits
- 4 teaspoon bourbon
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 slices aged white cheddar cheese, thickSwiss cheese1:1mild
milder flavor
- 4 onion bunsbrioche buns1:1rich
richer, more buttery
- 8 slices romaine lettuce, sliced into equal pieces for each burger
- 1 pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- 1
Combine beef, chiles, bourbon, bacon bits, salt and pepper in large bowl and mix with hands until well combined
- 2
Form mixture into four equal patties
- 3
Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- 4
Grill burgers until cooked through or desired doneness
- 5
Add cheese slices to burgers after flipping so cheese melts during grilling
- 6
Grill buns until good grill marks appear
- 7
Cook bacon in medium skillet over medium heat until crisp
- 8
Transfer bacon to plate, pat dry, and break in half
- 9
Serve burgers topped with bacon pieces and romaine lettuce
Tips
Marinate the formed patties in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the bourbon and chile flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Pat the cooked bacon very dry to ensure maximum crispiness when serving on the burgers.
Good to Know
Cooked burgers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Raw patties can be formed and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead.
Form patties and marinate up to 24 hours ahead. Cook bacon up to 2 days ahead and reheat before serving.
Serve immediately while burgers are hot and cheese is melted. Provide condiments on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't overwork the meat mixture to avoid tough burgers
Don't press down on burgers while grilling to retain juices
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I cook these burgers indoors?
Yes, use a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
What if I don't have bourbon?
Substitute with whiskey, rum, or omit entirely. The burgers will still be flavorful from the bacon and chiles.
How long do leftovers keep?
Cooked burgers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.