Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a burger worthy of the occasion. Smoky bacon, juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and sweet bourbon balsamic onions come together to create the ultimate Independence Day cookout favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Bourbon Balsamic Onions
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Seven Barrels Garlic Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Seven Barrels Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Burgers
- 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Dill pickle chips
Optional Bourbon Balsamic Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Seven Barrels Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bourbon Balsamic Onions
Heat the Garlic Olive Oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions and salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize.
Add the Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar and brown sugar. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onions become rich, glossy, and jam-like.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.
Step 3: Make the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions.
Form into patties slightly larger than your buns and create a small indentation in the center of each.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Grill the Burgers
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Grill burgers for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
During the final minute, top each burger with cheddar cheese and close the grill lid until melted.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Place brioche buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted.
Step 6: Build the Burger
Spread the Bourbon Balsamic Burger Sauce on both sides of the bun.
Layer:
- Lettuce
- Cheeseburger patty
- Two slices bacon
- Bourbon Balsamic onions
- Tomato
- Pickles
Top with bun and serve immediately.
Chef's Tip
The secret to this burger is the Bourbon Balsamic onions. As they slowly caramelize, the sweet bourbon notes and rich balsamic flavor create a savory-sweet topping that transforms an ordinary cheeseburger into something unforgettable.
