Description
Sizzling smoky ghost pepper cheeseburger bites with bourbon kick elevate classic burger flavors into a spicy sensation. Small plates pack intense heat and complex flavors that challenge traditional appetizer expectations. Grill masters and chili enthusiasts will savor this bold culinary creation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 6 slices smoky ghost pepper cheese, cut into quarters (or substitute with pepper jack for less heat)
- 12 slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 12 pickle slices (optional)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Thoroughly combine ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of cayenne. Mold into compact 2-inch mini patties with a gentle touch to preserve meat’s delicate texture.
- Bourbon Glaze Creation: Merge bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Simmer until the mixture transforms into a glossy, caramelized reduction with rich, layered flavors.
- Grilling Process: Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Sear mini patties, achieving a golden-brown exterior while maintaining desired internal doneness. In the final cooking moments, top each patty with ghost pepper cheese, allowing it to melt provocatively.
- Assembly Technique: Lightly toast slider buns to enhance their crispness. Brush bottom buns with bourbon glaze. Position cheese-crowned patties onto prepared buns, garnishing with crispy fried onions and a zesty pickle slice for textural contrast.
- Serving Presentation: Arrange cheeseburger bites on a serving platter, accompanied by a ramekin of additional bourbon glaze. Serve immediately while cheese remains molten and buns are warmly enticing.
Notes
- Handle Ghost Pepper with Care: Use gloves when handling ghost pepper cheese to prevent skin irritation and accidentally transferring intense heat to eyes or sensitive areas.
- Perfect Meat Consistency: Mix ground beef gently and avoid overworking to keep burger bites tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
- Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and ghost pepper quantities based on personal heat tolerance, gradually increasing for desired spiciness.
- Bourbon Glaze Timing: Reduce sauce slowly over low-medium heat to develop rich caramelized flavors without burning, stirring occasionally for smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg