Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper Copycat Recipe (Taste Review & Maple Bacon)
The maple candied bacon is what sold me on this one. Sweet bourbon BBQ sauce balances perfectly with the jalapeños, and the bacon stays crispy even with all that sauce. It's messy but worth it. 🍔
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 80/20 ground beef 4 oz
- sesame seed hamburger bun 1 piece
- thick-cut bacon 2 slices
- cheddar cheese 1 slice
- iceberg lettuce 3 leaves
- tomato 2 slices
- white onion 2 rings
- dill pickle chips 4 slices
- fresh jalapeño 4 slices
Seasonings/Sauce
- mayonnaise 1 tbsp
- ketchup 1 tsp
- BBQ sauce 1 tbsp
- bourbon 1 tsp
- maple syrup 1 tsp
- brown sugar 1 tsp
- smoked paprika 1 tsp
- salt 0.5 tsp
- black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
58 g
26%
Protein
33 g
15%
Fat
54 g
59%
Cooking steps
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1
Prepare the candied bacon: On a foil-lined baking sheet, lay out 2 slices of thick-cut bacon. Brush with a mixture of 1 tsp maple syrup and 1 tsp brown sugar; bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until crispy and glazed. Set aside to cool and harden for crunch.
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2
Make the maple bourbon BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp BBQ sauce, 1 tsp bourbon, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Stir well and set aside. This captures the Whopper’s sweet, smoky, boozy signature sauce.
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3
Form and season the beef patty: Shape 4 oz 80/20 ground beef into a wide, thin patty, slightly larger than the bun. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
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4
Flame-grill the patty: Preheat a gas grill or cast iron grill pan on high (BK technique: this mimics the chain’s conveyor broiler). Grill the patty for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once; look for dark char marks and doneness to 160°F. Add cheese slice in the last minute to melt.
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5
Toast the sesame seed bun, cut side down, on the grill or in a dry pan until golden with a slight char. This prevents sogginess and adds restaurant flavor.
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6
Assemble: Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on the bottom bun. Layer in order: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion rings, jalapeño slices, then place the grilled beef patty with melted cheddar. Top with the candied bacon and generous drizzle of maple bourbon BBQ sauce. Add the top toasted bun (charred side down). Serve immediately for best texture.
Personalized Q&A
Q. How close is this to the real Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper?
This recipe is designed to replicate the original Burger King Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper as closely as possible at home. The use of 80/20 ground beef and grilling over high heat creates that signature flame-grilled, smoky flavor. Candied maple bacon and a house-made maple bourbon BBQ sauce bring the sweet-smoky combo that defines this limited-time Whopper. Assembly order and ingredient portions match the authentic experience.
Q. How do I get authentic flame-grilled char on my burger patty?
For the best Burger King-style char marks and flavor, use a gas grill on high or a preheated cast iron grill pan. Grill your seasoned patty for 3-4 minutes per side, only flipping once—this mimics BK’s commercial flame broiler and produces classic sear and smokiness.
Q. Can I substitute the bun, sauce, or cheese?
Yes! While a sesame seed hamburger bun best imitates Burger King, brioche or potato buns work too. For the sauce, substitute non-alcoholic bourbon flavor or omit bourbon if needed. Cheddar cheese can be replaced with American for a more classic Whopper vibe.
Q. What is the nutrition for one homemade Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper?
Each copycat burger serving is approximately 910 kcal, with 58g carbohydrates (26% of calories), 33g protein (15%), and 54g fat (59%). This reflects a generous portion with glazed bacon, sauce, and toppings—enjoy as an occasional treat!
Q. Any tips for the best burger assembly?
Toast both halves of your bun until just golden, layer wet ingredients like tomato and sauces above the meat, and always add mayo to the bottom bun first. This prevents sogginess and keeps the crispy candied bacon intact, just like Burger King’s build.
