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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Burgers Recipe

brown sugar bourbon glazed burgers - featured image

These Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Burgers feature a sticky, caramelized glaze that locks in all the juice, creating a restaurant-quality burger at home. Perfect for grilling season, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 to 6 burger buns (brioche or potato)
  • 4 to 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and softened butter. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Divide into 4-6 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F-450°F) or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Clean and oil grates or add oil to skillet.
  4. Place patties on grill or skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip carefully. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
  5. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush a generous layer of glaze onto the cooked side of each patty. Flip, brush the other side, and cook for 1 minute. Flip again, brush once more, and cook for 30 seconds until glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  6. Optional: During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cover grill or skillet to melt cheese, about 60 seconds.
  7. Transfer patties to a baking sheet with a wire rack. Let rest for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Toast buns on grill or skillet for about 30 seconds per side, cut-side down. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overwork the meat to keep burgers tender. Watch the glaze carefully to prevent burning; apply during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Let patties rest before serving to retain juices. Make extra glaze for dipping or drizzling.

Nutrition

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