Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper Recipe

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For those who share my obsession with getting every detail just right, crafting the perfect Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is more than following a recipe—it’s about infusing every bite with a touch of love, a dash of creativity, and an unyielding commitment to flavor.

How to make Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper

The Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is a limited-time variation of Burger King’s classic Whopper burger, featuring a special maple bourbon BBQ sauce. This version typically includes the standard ingredients of a regular Whopper (flame-grilled beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mayonnaise), but with the addition of the maple bourbon BBQ sauce, which gives it a sweet and smoky flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Burger:

• 4 beef patties (¼ lb. each, preferably 80/20 for optimal juiciness)
• 4 sesame seed burger buns
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 1 cup crispy onions (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Smoky Maple Candied Bacon:

• 8 slices of thick bacon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite as a base)
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, maple syrup, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Smoky Maple Candied Bacon:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer.
3. Mix the maple syrup and smoked paprika and brush it over the bacon slices.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through and brushing with more maple syrup mixture. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Once done, transfer it to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

3. Cook the Beef Patties:

1. Season the beef patties with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of American cheese to each patty to allow it to melt.
3. Toast the sesame seed buns lightly on the grill.

4. Assemble the Whopper:

1. Spread some Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce over the bottom half of each bun.
2. Place a cheese-topped beef patty on each bun, followed by two slices of smoky maple candied bacon.
3. Add a generous amount of crispy onions and a few slices of pickled jalapeños.
4. If desired, add a final drizzle of Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce on top before covering with the bun’s top half.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: The Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce and smoky maple candied bacon can be made ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and reheat the bacon in the oven to crisp it up before assembling.
• Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality beef for the patties and thick, artisanal bacon.
• Personal Touch: Adjust the amount of bourbon in the sauce according to your taste. Add less for a subtle flavor or more for a boozy kick.
• Serving: For a complete meal, serve the Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper with a side of your favorite fries or a crisp salad.

What to serve with

Complementing your Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper with the right side dishes can turn a simple burger meal into a gourmet feast. Here’s a run-down of sides that pair brilliantly with the rich flavors of your burger, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

1. Sweet potato fries are a fantastic alternative to regular fries. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness and slight sweetness of the Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper. For extra flavor, sprinkle the fries with a touch of smoked paprika before baking.

2. Crispy Coleslaw: A vibrant, tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger. Use a mix of red and green cabbage for color, and add a touch of maple syrup to the dressing to subtly echo the burger’s flavors.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob, especially when grilled, offers a delightful sweetness and smokiness that complements the burger’s taste profile. Brush the corn with a butter mixed with smoked paprika, a sprinkle of salt, and chopped cilantro for an extra flavor boost.

4. Baked Beans: A side of baked beans, with their deep, savory-sweet flavor, is a classic pairing for any BBQ-themed meal. To match the burger’s palate more closely, opt for a version with a hint of bourbon or maple in the sauce.

5. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Try roasting asparagus spears with olive oil, garlic, and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for a lighter side. This side is not only easy to prepare, but its freshness beautifully balances the indulgence of the burger.

6. Macaroni and Cheese: For those seeking the ultimate comfort meal, a creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese can be a perfect companion. To elevate this side, incorporate smoked Gouda or cheddar for an added layer of flavor that mirrors the smokiness of the burger.

7. Onion Rings: If you adore the crispy onions on your Whopper and crave more, serving it with a side of crispy, golden-brown onion rings is a no-brainer. The crunch and sweetness of the onion rings are an ideal match for the burger’s textures and flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper involves a delicious combination of flavors from its key ingredients: a juicy beef patty, maple bourbon BBQ sauce, crispy onions, bacon, and often cheese and fresh produce. If you’re missing some ingredients or need alternatives due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences, here are some substitutes for each component of the burger:

Beef Patty

• Turkey or Chicken Patties: For a leaner meat option, ground turkey or chicken can be used.
• Plant-based Patties: Vegetarians or vegans can opt for a plant-based meat substitute.
• Portobello Mushroom Cap: A large Portobello cap, marinated and grilled, serves as a great whole-food, plant-based alternative.

Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Regular BBQ Sauce + Maple Syrup: If you don’t have a specific maple bourbon BBQ sauce, use your favorite BBQ sauce and enrich it with a splash of real maple syrup.
• Honey or Agave: You could use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for maple syrup in the BBQ mix, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Flavor: If avoiding alcohol, look for a non-alcoholic bourbon extract to use in the sauce.

Crispy Onions

• Fried Shallots: For a milder onion flavor and similar crunch, fried shallots can replace crispy onions.
• Onion Powder: If you don’t want an onion texture but desire the flavor, add onion powder to the burger meat before cooking.

Bacon

• Turkey Bacon: For those avoiding pork, turkey bacon can provide a similar crispy texture.
• Vegetarian Bacon: Vegetarian or tempeh bacon works for a meatless diet.
• Smoked Paprika: To enhance the smoky flavor of bacon, sprinkle some smoked paprika on the patty before cooking, especially if you omit bacon entirely.

Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese: A common choice for burgers, cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Gouda or Smoked Cheese: These can add an interesting smoky element to the burger.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Vegans can utilize dairy-free cheese alternatives made from ingredients like nuts or soy.

Fresh Produce

• Lettuce: If iceberg isn’t available, try romaine or butter lettuce for a similar crunch.
• Tomato: For a no-tomato option, red bell pepper can provide moisture and a sweet flavor.
• Pickles: If you’re not a fan, simply omit or try cucumber slices for the crunch without the brine.

Bun

• Whole Wheat Bun: For a healthier option, go for whole-grain or whole-wheat buns.
• Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb alternative, wrap your burger in large lettuce leaves.
• Gluten-Free Bun: Available at many stores for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

Pairing your Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper with any of these sides will enhance the flavors and transform your meal into an unforgettable dining experience.