Name: Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: For The Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; For The Maple Candied Bacon:; 6 strips bacon; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; A pinch of black pepper; For The Burger:; 4 beef patties (1/4 lb each); 4 sesame seed buns, split; 4 slices American cheese; Crispy onions (store-bought or homemade); Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat, optional); Lettuce and tomato slices (optional)

Adding the rich smoothness of American cheese and the unforgettable allure of smoky maple candied bacon, all nestled between a soft sesame seed bun. The Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is more than just a burger; it’s an experience, a journey through flavors that promise to leave you craving more.

What Is Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper?

The Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is a unique offering from Burger King. It features a 1/4-lb flame-grilled beef patty topped with a maple bourbon BBQ sauce that lends a sweet and smoky flavor profile aimed at tantalizing taste buds.

Ingredients:

For The Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For The Maple Candied Bacon:

6 strips bacon
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
A pinch of black pepper

For The Burger:

4 beef patties (1/4 lb each)
4 sesame seed buns, split
4 slices American cheese
Crispy onions (store-bought or homemade)
Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat, optional)
Lettuce and tomato slices (optional)

Instructions:

For The Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

Combine the ketchup, bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.

For The Maple Candied Bacon:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the bacon strips on the baking sheet, not overlapping.
Mix the maple syrup and brown sugar until well combined, and brush half of the mixture over the bacon strips.
Sprinkle a light dusting of black pepper over the bacon and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the oven, flip each strip, and brush with the remaining maple syrup mixture.
Bake for another 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Observe to prevent burning. Set aside.

For The Burger:

Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
Season the beef patties with salt and pepper.
Grill the patties on one side for about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes or to your desired level of doneness.
In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of American cheese and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
Remove the patties from the grill and rest them for a few minutes.
Toast the inside of the sesame seed buns on the grill or in a pan until lightly golden.
Assembling the Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper:
Spread a generous amount of the maple bourbon BBQ sauce on each bottom bunk.
Add lettuce and tomato slices if desired.
Place the cheese-topped beef patties on each bottom bun.
Add a slice or two of maple candied bacon to each burger.
Top with crispy onions and sliced jalapeños (if using).
Cap with the top buns and press down slightly to secure the stack.

Tips:

Feel free to modify the sauce’s spiciness or the number of jalapeños to suit your heat preference.
After cooking, always rest your beef patties to ensure the juices redistribute for a moist, flavorful burger.
Consider reducing it over medium heat before adding it to the sauce mixture for a more intense bourbon flavor.
Keep an eye on the candied bacon as it cooks; the sugar can quickly go from caramelized to burnt.
You can customize your Whopper with additional toppings or a different type of cheese if you don’t like American cheese.

What To Serve With

Sides:

Fries:

Crispy French Fries: A classic choice to serve with any burger, crispy fries bring a satisfying crunch and balance out the richness of the Whopper. Add a dusting of smoked paprika or garlic powder for an extra flavor that complements the smoky bourbon BBQ sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries contrasts nicely with the savory and smoky profile of the sandwich. Their sweetness enhances the maple flavor in the BBQ sauce, while the crispy exterior and soft interior offer a pleasant texture contrast.
Onion Rings: If you’re craving something more indulgent, crispy onion rings offer a crunchy, sweet, and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ. The rich flavor of the fried onions complements the bourbon sauce’s smoky notes.

Coleslaw:

Creamy Coleslaw: A traditional BBQ side, creamy coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy texture that cuts through the richness of the Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper. The tangy dressing in the slaw balances the maple syrup’s sweetness and the maple bourbon bbq Whopper smokiness.
Spicy Slaw: For those who like an extra kick, a tangy slaw with jalapeños or red pepper flakes can add a bold, savory contrast to the sweetness of the sandwich.

Grilled Vegetables:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob’s natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the maple and bourbon flavors in the BBQ sauce. To elevate the flavor, serve with a sprinkle of chili powder, lime juice, or butter.
Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini: The slight bitterness of grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can balance the sweetness of the sandwich, offering a lighter and fresher option for a side dish.

Potato Salad:

Classic Potato Salad: A creamy, mustard-based potato salad adds a rich, tangy element to balance the sweet and smoky sandwich. The creamy texture complements the burger’s juicy patty and provides a comforting contrast.
Dijon Potato Salad: A slightly sharper, mustard-based potato salad can cut through the richness of the maple bourbon BBQ sauce, providing a somewhat tangy contrast to the burger’s flavor profile.

Drinks:

Soft Drinks:

Iced Tea (Sweet or Unsweetened): A refreshing glass of iced tea works well with a BBQ-inspired meal. Sweetened iced tea would work best for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, while unsweetened tea provides a more neutral palate cleanser to balance the burger’s richness.
Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the maple bourbon BBQ sauce. The acidity in the lemonade cleanses the palate between bites.

Beer:

Amber Ale: An amber ale’s maltiness and slightly sweet finish pair well with the lovely and smoky elements of the BBQ Whopper. It’s a hearty, full-bodied beer that complements its flavors and doesn’t overpower the burger.
IPA (India Pale Ale): If you prefer something with a hoppy bite, an IPA can cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors with its bitterness. The bold flavors of the IPA will stand up to the intense flavors of the bourbon BBQ sauce.
Brown Ale: A nutty, malty brown ale provides a mellow flavor that complements the rich, caramel-like sweetness in the maple bourbon BBQ sauce.

Cocktails:

Old Fashioned: The deep flavors of an Old Fashioned, made with bourbon, bitters, and a hint of sweetness, complement the maple bourbon BBQ Whopper, tying together the flavors of the sandwich and drink. This classic bourbon-based cocktail brings a smoky, slightly sweet, complex flavor that mirrors the sandwich’s profile.
Whiskey Sour: For a slightly more refreshing, citrusy drink, a whiskey sour offers a tart and tangy contrast that works well with the burger’s sweet and smoky elements.

Milkshakes:

Vanilla Milkshake: If you’re looking for a dessert-like side dish to balance the rich, savory flavors of the burger, a creamy vanilla milkshake is a great choice. The shake’s sweetness and smoothness can offset the sandwich’s smoky and spicy flavors.
Chocolate Milkshake: A rich, chocolate milkshake adds a deeper, more indulgent layer to your meal. The sweet, creamy flavor complements the bourbon’s caramel notes in the BBQ sauce while providing a comforting, dessert-like finish.

Salads:

Crisp Mixed Green Salad: This light salad with mixed greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and fresh vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the burger’s heaviness. The vinaigrette’s acidity will cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce, while the greens add a crunchy texture.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A light salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, dressed in olive oil and lemon, can offer a refreshing and clean contrast to the burger’s smoky richness. The cucumbers’ crispness and tomatoes’ juiciness provide a nice balance.

Desserts:

Apple Pie: A classic dessert that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors, apple pie has a sweetness and spice that complements the maple syrup in the BBQ sauce. It also offers a comforting and traditional finish to a hearty meal.
Pecan Pie: The rich, caramelized flavor of pecan pie, with its nutty and sweet profile, works well after a savory BBQ meal, echoing the maple sweetness in the burger.

Health Benefits

Protein: The primary component of the Whopper is usually a beef patty, which is a good source of high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth. The protein content also helps with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by keeping you fuller for extended periods.
Whole Grains: If you can choose a whole grain or whole wheat bun, you can increase your intake of fiber and other nutrients. Dietary fiber is essential for good digestive health and can help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Vegetables: Typically, a Whopper comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, which can provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are crucial for various bodily functions, including immune system support and skin health.
Monounsaturated Fats: If cheese is part of your Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper, it can be a source of monounsaturated fats and calcium. While cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its saturated fat content, monounsaturated fats benefit heart health.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking to enjoy the Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper without straying too far from the path of balanced eating, the keys are moderation and customization. Opting for whole grain buns, requesting extra vegetables, moderating high-calorie sauces, and considering portion sizes can align this indulgence more closely with a health-conscious lifestyle.

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