Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper Recipe

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That irresistible combination of flame-grilled beef, rich maple bourbon BBQ sauce, crispy onions, spicy jalapeños, and smoky candied bacon is enough to make any burger lover swoon. But what if you don’t want to head out to satisfy that craving? What if you could recreate the magic of this drool-worthy Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper right at home?

How to make Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper

The Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper is a limited-time, fan-created variation of the iconic Whopper sandwich — now returning to menus because people loved it.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Vegetable oil (for greasing the grill or pan)

For the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp bourbon (or omit if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for added smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Candied Bacon:

• 6 strips bacon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Additional Toppings:

• Crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• Pickled jalapeños
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Sesame seed hamburger buns

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the pan over medium heat and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should slightly thicken and release a rich, smoky aroma.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning (more cayenne for heat, more maple syrup for sweetness). Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Candied Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Lay the bacon strips flat on the baking sheet, then brush them generously with the maple mixture.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let the candied bacon cool and harden slightly before use.

Step 3: Cook the Burger Patties

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
2. Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Preheat your grill or frying pan to medium-high heat, and lightly brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the patties for 3–4 minutes per side (depending on your preferred doneness), until you’ve achieved a nice sear on the outside and the patties are cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger

1. Toast the sesame seed buns lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
2. Spread the maple bourbon BBQ sauce generously on the top and bottom buns.
3. Layer the Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper in the following order:
   • Bottom bun
   • Lettuce leaves
   • Sliced tomato
   • Beef patty
   • Crispy fried onions
   • Pickled jalapeños
   • Candied bacon
   • Sliced red onions
   • Top bun

Tips for Perfecting Your Whopper

• Flame-Grill for Authenticity: If you have access to an outdoor grill, flame-grilling your beef patties will bring you closer to the authentic Burger King taste!
• Adjust Heat Levels: The pickled jalapeños and cayenne in the sauce add a spicy kick. You can dial them up or down depending on your preference.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and freshly made beef patties will elevate your Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper to restaurant-quality levels.
• Candied Bacon Pro Tip: Watch the oven closely to prevent the bacon from burning. The maple syrup caramelizes quickly!

Ingredients Substitutes

When making your homemade Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper, you may find yourself missing certain ingredients—or looking for alternatives to suit dietary preferences or availability.

1. Ground Beef (Burger Patties)

The original Whopper uses flame-grilled beef patties, but not everyone eats or prefers beef. Here are some substitutes:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative that can work well when seasoned generously. Add extra moisture with a tablespoon of olive oil or grated onion.
• Plant-Based Patties: Use store-bought options like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger to create a vegetarian or vegan version of the Whopper. They cook similarly to beef patties and mimic the flavor well.
• Homemade Veggie Patties: Blend black beans, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and spices to form a flavorful and hearty substitute. Pan-fry or grill for a charred finish.

2. Maple Syrup (for the BBQ Sauce)

Maple syrup provides a distinct sweet flavor, but if you’re out or looking for a substitute, here are a few options:

• Honey: Use equal parts honey for a similarly sweet profile, though it’ll lack the maple edge.
• Brown Sugar: Dissolve 2 tbsp of brown sugar in 1 tbsp of water for a thicker, caramel-like sweetness.
• Molasses: Half the amount of molasses can add a deep, rich sweetness similar to maple syrup, but be careful—it’s more robust in flavor.

3. Bourbon (for the BBQ Sauce)

Not everyone keeps bourbon on hand or includes alcohol in their meals. Here are some non-alcoholic substitutes that work:

• Apple Juice or Apple Cider: Replace bourbon with equal amounts of apple juice or cider to mimic the slight fruity sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash (1/2 tsp) of vanilla extract can replicate the warm, smoky notes of bourbon.
• Apple Cider Vinegar + Water: Use 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar diluted in 1 tbsp of water for a touch of tanginess.
• For a more authentic bourbon flavor, try an alcohol-free bourbon essence or syrup (available in specialty stores).

4. BBQ Sauce (Premade Option)

If making homemade sauce isn’t an option, use store-bought BBQ sauce as a base and adjust the flavor:

• Enhance Flavor: Add a touch of maple syrup, liquid smoke, or cayenne pepper to mimic the Whopper’s maple bourbon BBQ sauce.
• Look for options labeled “Smoky Maple BBQ Sauce” for a closer match.

5. Candied Bacon

Candied bacon is a decadent addition to the Whopper, but there are alternatives for those avoiding pork or looking for something lighter:

• Turkey Bacon: Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Brush it with maple syrup and bake to achieve sweet-caramelized edges.
• Vegan Bacon: Coconut bacon or tempeh bacon (seasoned with smoked paprika, soy sauce, and maple syrup) makes a fantastic plant-based substitution.
• Smoked Sausage Rounds: For a twist, caramelize thin slices of sausage (pork, chicken, or plant-based) with maple syrup and brown sugar for similar flavors.

6. Crispy Fried Onions

Not everyone has the time to make crispy fried onions from scratch. Here are alternatives:

• Store-Bought Fried Onions: Convenient and readily available at most grocery stores. They’re usually sold near the salad toppings.
• Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooking sliced onions in a bit of butter and sugar can mimic the sweetness and richness of fried onions, though without the same crunch.
• Crushed Potato Chips: If crunch is what you’re after, lightly seasoned potato chips (like BBQ flavor) can work as a quick topping.

7. Pickled Jalapeños

Jalapeños add a spicy kick, but not everyone enjoys the heat or may want an alternative:

• Bell Peppers: Grilled or roasted slices of green, red, or yellow bell peppers are sweet, smoky, and much milder.
• Banana Peppers: These have a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that’s often more approachable than jalapeños.
• Sliced Dill Pickles: For a crunch and tang without spice, dill pickle slices can work as a refreshing substitute.

8. Sesame Seed Buns

Sesame seed buns are a staple of the Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper, but you can explore other bread options depending on availability or your dietary needs:

• Brioche Buns: For a softer, buttery texture, brioche buns add a touch of richness.
• Whole Wheat Buns: A healthier option that provides a nuttier flavor.
• Gluten-Free Buns: For gluten-sensitive diets, find gluten-free burger buns sold in most grocery stores.
• Lettuce Wraps: Go low-carb by using large iceberg lettuce leaves to wrap the burger.

9. Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion (Fresh Toppings)

While these staples are fairly common, there are alternatives if you don’t have access to fresh produce:

• Spinach or Arugula: Use spinach for a similar mild flavor or arugula for a peppery kick in place of lettuce.
• Cucumber Slices: Crisp cucumber slices can replace lettuce or tomato for a refreshing crunch.
• Caramelized Onions: Swap raw red onion with caramelized onions for a sweeter, more complex flavor.

10. Liquid Smoke (Optional Ingredient for BBQ Sauce)

Liquid smoke is used to add barbecue-style smokiness to sauces. If you don’t have it, try these substitutes:

• Smoked Paprika: Add 1/4 tsp for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Chipotle Powder: A pinch gives a smoky and spicy heat.
• Char on Grill or Stove: If you’re grilling your patties, the natural char from flame-grilling can provide the same smoky notes.

11. Mayonnaise (For Spreading)

Many Whopper enthusiasts enjoy mayo on their burgers to balance the flavors. Alternatives include:

• Greek Yogurt: A healthier, tangy option that mimics the creaminess of mayo.
• Guacamole: For a creamy addition with a savory twist, spread guacamole on your bun.
• Vegan Mayo: Perfect for vegan diets; it’s widely available in stores.

Final Thoughts

These ingredient substitutes allow you to recreate the essence of the Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper with minimal stress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavor combinations—after all, the best part of a homemade burger is making it your own!

More Burger King Recipes:

• Copycat Burger King Biscoff Ice Cream Recipe