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
Units
Scale
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 1.5–2 inches in diameter).
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 2–3 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 5–7 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 glaze’s 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.