Sweet And Spicy Bacon Smash Burger (Whataburger Copycat)

closeup view of sweet and spicy bacon burger on plate with pickle next to it.

5 from 50 votes

Sweet And Spicy Bacon Smash Burger (Whataburger Copycat)

This Sweet And Spicy Bacon Smash Burger is inspired by the classic Whataburger version. It includes a juicy smash burger with a crispy exterior, topped with caramelized onions, thick juicy bacon, and melty cheese on a toasted Brioche bun. This burger will be your new favorite!

Prep Time10

Cook Time6

Total Time16

Course: burger, Main Course, main dish, sandwich

Cuisine: American

Servings: burgers

Calories: 1212kcal

Author: Sarah Jenkins

Ingredients

4 Brioche buns
1 pound 100% ground beef (80/20 mix is best)
1 large sweet onion, sliced
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
8 slices thick, cooked bacon

For The Sweet And Spicy Pepper Sauce

½ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup red pepper jelly or pepper relish

Instructions

Slice the onion and set aside.
Prepare the Brioche buns by buttering the inside of them and toasting them on the skillet until golden. Set aside.
Meanwhile, make the sweet and spicy pepper sauce by combining the barbecue sauce and the red pepper jelly in a small bowl. Mix well to combine and set aside.
Form the burger balls by dividing the ground beef evenly into 4 pieces and shaping them into balls. (If not cooking immediately, cover and place them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them.)
When you're ready to cook the burgers, heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is HOT before adding the burgers. Add the burger balls to the skillet (you may only be able to do 1-2 at a time depending on the size of your skillet) and smash it firmly with a spatula to even and thin it out. Allow it to cook, undisturbed until the bottom is crispy and browned and juices start to form on the top of the burger.
Add the sliced onion to the top of the burger and press it lightly into the patty with your spatula, then flip the burger. Immediately add the cheese and cook for 2 minutes more before transferring the burger to a plate. (You may want to continue cooking the onions just a bit to allow them more time to caramelize.)
Assemble the burger by placing the patty on the bottom half of the bun. Top each burger with the onions, 2 slices of bacon, the sweet and spicy pepper sauce, and the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Form the burger meat into balls, not patties before cooking, and make sure it is COLD! If you're not cooking the burgers immediately, place the burger balls into the refrigerator until you're ready to make them.
Use a cast iron skillet or griddle and make sure it is hot before adding the burgers. You can check this by adding a couple of drops of water to the skillet. If it sizzles, then it's ready.
Use a small piece of parchment paper between the burger ball and the spatula to prevent the spatula from sticking to the burger.
Don't disturb the burger while it's cooking! You want the meat to caramelize and develop a beautiful crispy exterior so leave it be until it's had a chance to do that.

Nutrition