Looking for a party snack that will leave your guests talking? Smoky Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger Bites with Bourbon Kick pack a fiery punch and a touch of sweet bourbon flavor. These miniature cheeseburgers are perfect for spice lovers who crave bold flavors in every bite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Spicy:ย The ghost pepper adds an intense heat that spice enthusiasts will love.
- Miniature Size:ย Perfect for parties or as appetizers, these bites are easy to serve and eat.
- Sweet and Smoky:ย Bourbon brings a sweet, smoky element that balances the heat beautifully.
- Customizable:ย You can easily adjust the spice level or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Finely diced onions
- Ghost pepper seasoning
- Bourbon (for the glaze)
- Cheddar cheese slices
- Mini slider buns or biscuit rounds
- Pickles
- Smoky barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onions, ghost pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, but avoid overmixing.
- Form small, evenly-sized patties to match your slider buns or biscuit rounds.
- Grill or pan-sear the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat bourbon and barbecue sauce together. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
- Assemble the bites by layering a patty on the bun, followed by a drizzle of the bourbon glaze, a pickle slice, and the top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy the fiery and smoky flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Makes 10-12 cheeseburger bites
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 15 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Milder Heat:ย Swap ghost pepper seasoning for a milder chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Different Cheese:ย Experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
- Vegetarian Option:ย Use plant-based burger patties and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat the patties in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300ยฐF until warmed through. Reassemble with fresh buns and toppings before serving.
FAQs
What is ghost pepper seasoning?
Ghost pepper seasoning is a spice blend made from dried and ground ghost peppers, known for their extreme heat.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives.
How can I reduce the heat level?
Use less ghost pepper seasoning or substitute it with a milder chili powder.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the patties and glaze in advance. Assemble just before serving for the best taste.
Is there an alcohol-free option for the glaze?
You can replace bourbon with apple juice or cider for a similar sweet and smoky effect.
What other toppings work well?
Caramelized onions, jalapeรฑo slices, or a dollop of spicy aioli are excellent additions.
Can I bake the patties instead of grilling?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What buns are best for slider-sized bites?
Mini slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or biscuit rounds are all great choices.
How do I make this dish more kid-friendly?
Omit the ghost pepper seasoning and bourbon glaze, and use ketchup or regular barbecue sauce.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
Smoky Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger Bites with Bourbon Kick are the ultimate crowd-pleasers for those who love a spicy twist on a classic favorite. With their perfect blend of heat, smokiness, and sweetness, theyโre guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Try them out, and let the flavors light up your taste buds!
Print
Smoky Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger Bites with Bourbon Kick
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Pan-Fry, Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fiery, smoky cheeseburger bites are packed with bold flavors that are not for the faint of heart! Featuring ghost pepper cheese for an extra spicy kick, juicy beef patties, and a touch of bourbon-infused glaze, these bites are perfect for adventurous eaters and party appetizers.
Ingredients
For the Burger Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded ghost pepper cheese (or substitute with pepper jack for less heat)
- Slider-sized brioche buns or mini rolls
For the Bourbon Glaze:
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Toppings:
- Crispy bacon slices, cut into thirds
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Pickle slices
- Lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Divide the mixture into small, slider-sized patties (about 1.5โ2 inches in diameter).
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 2โ3 minutes on each side until cooked to your desired doneness. Add a small handful of ghost pepper cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.
- Make the Bourbon Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5โ7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Lightly toast the slider buns.
- Spread a little bourbon glaze on the bottom bun.
- Add a lettuce leaf (if using), the cooked patty, a slice of bacon, red onion, and a pickle slice.
- Top with more bourbon glaze and place the top bun.
- Serve:
- Secure each bite with a toothpick for easy handling. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- If ghost pepper cheese is too spicy, opt for a milder cheese like cheddar or Swiss.
- Adjust the bourbon glazeโs sweetness by adding more brown sugar, or tone it down with extra ketchup.
- For a smoky touch, grill the patties over charcoal instead of using a skillet.
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