This Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger recipe is inspired by the popular dish served at TGI Friday's. Combining juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, it's a burger lover's dream. The star of the show is the tangy and sweet Jack Daniel's sauce, which elevates this burger to a whole new level of deliciousness.
While most of the ingredients should be readily available in your pantry, you may need to look for a couple of items. Hawaiian buns can be found in the bread section of most supermarkets, and they offer a slightly sweet contrast that works perfectly with the savory ingredients. Better Than Bouillon Beef Base is a concentrated paste that adds a rich, deep flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. You can usually find it in the soup aisle.
Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Ingredients
Bacon: It adds a savory, smoky flavor to the burger. Choose a thick cut for best results.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a nice creamy contrast to the other textures. Choose a high-quality one for better melting.
Hawaiian buns: These are slightly sweet, which complements the rich, savory flavors of the burger.
Fresh ground chuck: This is the ideal meat for burgers due to its high fat content, making it juicy and flavorful.
Onion powder, Garlic powder: These will add depth to the flavor profile of your sauce.
Tabasco sauce: Adds a bit of kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Pineapple juice: Gives the sauce a sweet, tangy flavor.
Jack Daniels: It's not just for drinking. It gives the sauce a unique, deep flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
Better than bouillon beef base: This will add a rich, meaty taste to the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Its tangy, umami flavor enhances the other sauce ingredients.
One reader, Julita Hinton says:
This TGI Fridays inspired Jack Daniel's bacon cheeseburger recipe is a game-changer! The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and the sweet and tangy Jack Daniel's sauce is simply irresistible. It's the perfect indulgence for a weekend treat. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making the Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger
How to make the Jack Daniel's sauce: Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Tabasco sauce, pineapple juice, Jack Daniels, brown sugar, beef base, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
How to shape the ground beef patties: Take the fresh ground chuck and shape it into patties weighing about ⅓ of a pound each. Ensure the patties are evenly shaped and compacted to hold together while cooking.
How to season the beef patties: Liberally season the beef patties with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the patties as they cook.
How to cook the beef patties: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and cook the beef patties for 4 minutes on each side. This will result in a juicy and flavorful burger patty with a delicious crust.
How to assemble the cheeseburger: Place the cooked beef patty on a Hawaiian bun, add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and top it with thick bacon. Complete the assembly with the top bun and serve the burger while it's hot and delicious.
How To Make TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel’s Bacon Cheeseburger
This bacon cheeseburger is inspired by TGIFridays. It also has a recipe for their famous Jack Daniel-infused sauce, a nice, spicy and savory addition.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cheeseburger:
- ⅓lbthick bacon
- 4slicessharp cheddar cheese,thick
- 4Hawaiian Buns,white or wheat are fine too
- 1⅓lbsfresh ground chuck
- kosher salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
For Sauce:
- 1tbsponion powder
- 1tbspgarlic powder
- 1tbsptabasco sauce
- 1cuppineapple juice
- ½cupJack Daniels
- 2cupsbrown sugar
- 2tspBetter than Bouillon Beef Base,or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 4tbspWorcestershire sauce
Instructions
-
Put all the sauce ingredients into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and stays in place if a finger is run through it.
-
Shape the ground beef into patties weighing about ⅓ of a pound each.
-
Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
-
Cook in a cast iron skillet, on high, for 4 minutes on each side.
-
Assemble burger and eat!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1000.89kcal
- Fat: 33.81g
- Saturated Fat: 13.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.76g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.04g
- Carbohydrates: 109.48g
- Fiber: 1.85g
- Sugar: 82.43g
- Protein: 49.78g
- Cholesterol: 149.60mg
- Sodium: 1173.45mg
- Calcium: 385.31mg
- Potassium: 1095.76mg
- Iron: 6.84mg
- Vitamin A: 84.93µg
- Vitamin C: 9.60mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting the TGIFridays Inspired Bacon Cheeseburger
When cooking your bacon, it's best to start with a cold cast iron skillet. Lay the bacon in the skillet before turning on the heat. This allows the fat to slowly render out, ensuring that your bacon will cook evenly without burning. It also gives you beautifully crispy bacon that's perfect for topping your cheeseburger.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sauce and shape the burger patties the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Consider using pre-cooked bacon to save time and avoid the hassle of cooking bacon from scratch.
Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, you can shape the burger patties or prepare the buns to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all the ingredients and tools are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Invest in quality tools: Investing in good quality kitchen tools and appliances can help you work more efficiently and save time during meal preparation.
Clean as you go: Cleaning up spills and putting away ingredients as you cook can help maintain an organized workspace and save time during the cleanup process.
Substitute Ingredients For TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel’s Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
thick bacon - Substitute with Canadian bacon: Canadian bacon is a leaner alternative to regular bacon and has a similar smoky flavor, making it a suitable substitute for thick bacon in this recipe.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda cheese: Smoked gouda cheese has a rich, smoky flavor that can add depth to the burger, similar to sharp cheddar cheese.
hawaiian buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns have a slightly sweet and rich flavor, similar to Hawaiian buns, and will complement the flavors of the burger.
fresh ground chuck - Substitute with ground sirloin: Ground sirloin is leaner than ground chuck but still has good flavor and juiciness, making it a suitable substitute for fresh ground chuck.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onions: Fresh onions can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to onion powder, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic will offer a more pungent and fresh garlic flavor compared to garlic powder, adding a robust taste to the sauce.
tabasco sauce - Substitute with sriracha sauce: Sriracha sauce can provide a similar level of heat and tanginess as Tabasco sauce, adding a spicy kick to the sauce.
pineapple juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can add a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce, similar to pineapple juice, and complement the other ingredients.
jack daniels - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon can be used as a substitute for Jack Daniels to provide a similar whiskey flavor to the sauce.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, similar to brown sugar.
better than bouillon beef base - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can be used as a substitute for beef base to provide a savory and rich flavor to the sauce.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the sauce, similar to Worcestershire sauce.
Presenting the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Elevate the burger bun: Choose a high-quality, artisanal bun that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy burger patty and flavorful toppings. Consider toasting the bun to add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture of the burger.
Artfully arrange the bacon: Instead of simply placing the bacon on the burger, consider weaving the crispy bacon slices into an intricate lattice pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures that every bite of the burger is infused with the smoky, savory flavor of the bacon.
Create a symmetrical burger stack: Assemble the burger with precision, ensuring that each layer is evenly distributed and perfectly aligned. This attention to detail will showcase your commitment to excellence and elevate the dining experience for your guests.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the plate by garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme or microgreens. This subtle yet elegant touch will demonstrate your dedication to both flavor and presentation.
Serve with a side of elegance: Accompany the burger with a side dish that complements its flavors, such as truffle-infused fries or a vibrant, seasonal salad. The side dish should be thoughtfully plated to enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Bacon Cheeseburger
Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet that provides even heat distribution and is great for searing and frying.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a recipe.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
Grill or stovetop: Used for cooking the burger patties to perfection.
Knife: Essential for slicing and prepping ingredients, such as cutting the bacon and slicing buns.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring and portioning ingredients for the sauce.
Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients, especially for the sauce.
Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the burger patties while cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Stove or cooktop: Used for cooking the sauce and other components of the recipe.
Storing and Freezing the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger for Later
- Let the cheeseburger cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and to maintain freshness.
- Place the wrapped burgers in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the burgers in the refrigerator overnight, if frozen.
- Unwrap the burgers and place them on a microwave-safe plate or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- For best results, reheat the bacon separately in a skillet or in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
- Assemble the reheated burgers with fresh buns and toppings for optimal taste and texture.
- If you have leftover Jack Daniel's sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheeseburger on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the burger loosely with another piece of foil to prevent excessive drying. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain moisture. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the bun to become soggy and the meat to dry out.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the jack daniel's bacon cheeseburger in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the burger inside. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and the bun is crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the burger in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the bun is lightly toasted.
If you want to reheat the bacon separately for extra crispiness, place it on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat the bacon in the microwave by placing it on a paper towel-lined plate and microwaving for 30-45 seconds.
Interesting Trivia About the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
The Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger at TGI Fridays was first introduced in 1997 and quickly became a customer favorite. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy a hearty and flavorful burger.
Is Making the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger at Home Cost-Effective?
This Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger recipe may not be the most cost-effective for a household due to the use of premium ingredients like Jack Daniel's and thick bacon. However, the indulgent flavors and quality of the dish make it a worthwhile treat for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $40-$50. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be a solid 8 out of 10, considering the rich and savory combination of flavors that make it a standout dish for burger enthusiasts.
Is the Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for a Jack Daniel's bacon cheeseburger is undoubtedly delicious, but it's far from healthy. The combination of high-fat ingredients like bacon, ground chuck, and cheddar cheese contributes to a meal that's rich in saturated fats and calories. The sauce, while flavorful, is also loaded with sugar and sodium from the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and beef base. Consuming this burger regularly could lead to health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner meat like ground turkey or a vegetarian alternative like a black bean patty
- Replace the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it altogether
- Use a whole wheat or multigrain bun instead of Hawaiian buns
- Reduce the amount of cheese or choose a low-fat variety
- Incorporate fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion to add nutrients and fiber
- Modify the sauce by reducing the brown sugar, using low-sodium beef base, and replacing some of the pineapple juice with water
- Serve the burger with a side salad or roasted vegetables instead of fries
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of a Jack Daniel's-inspired burger while significantly reducing the overall fat, sugar, and sodium content. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in a less healthy option occasionally is fine as long as it's part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on the TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
This recipe for a TGI Fridays inspired Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of thick bacon and sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich and savory element to the burger, while the homemade Jack Daniel's sauce brings a sweet and tangy kick. The addition of pineapple juice in the sauce adds a unique twist, complementing the flavors of the bacon and cheese perfectly. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious and indulgent burger experience that is sure to satisfy any craving for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel’s Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to the TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement the TGIFridays Inspired Recipe
Why trust this TGIFridays Inspired Jack Daniel’s Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted recreation of the iconic TGIFridays Jack Daniel's Bacon Cheeseburger. The sauce is a perfect blend of pineapple juice, Jack Daniel's, and other flavorful ingredients, creating a sweet and tangy glaze. The use of high-quality ground chuck ensures a juicy and flavorful patty, while the addition of thick-cut bacon and sharp cheddar cheese elevates the burger's richness. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a delicious result, making this recipe a reliable choice for anyone craving a restaurant-quality burger experience at home.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Bacon Cheeseburger (Red Robin Copycat) Recipe
In-N-Out Chocolate Milkshake Recipe (Copycat)
Beef Sauerkraut Burger Recipe
Dan’s Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Hot Fudge Sundae Recipe
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs Recipe
Original McDonald’s Cheeseburger Recipe
