Description
Smoky ghost pepper cheeseburger bites pack explosive flavor for spice seekers craving bold culinary adventures. Gourmet appetizers deliver intense heat and complex bourbon-infused notes that promise to elevate your party snack experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 6 slices smoky ghost pepper cheese, cut into quarters (or substitute with pepper jack for less heat)
- 12 slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
- 12 pickle slices (optional)
Bourbon Glaze:
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Gently blend ground beef with a medley of robust spices, including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a whisper of cayenne. Carefully shape the seasoned meat into compact 2-inch mini patties, ensuring a delicate touch to maintain tenderness.
- Craft a luxurious bourbon glaze by melding bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a simmering saucepan. Allow the mixture to reduce and thicken, creating a glossy, caramelized coating with deep, complex flavors.
- Ignite a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Sear the petite patties, cooking each side to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and desired doneness. In the final moments of cooking, crown each patty with a slice of fiery ghost pepper cheese, letting it melt provocatively.
- Prepare slider buns by lightly toasting to enhance their texture. Paint the bottom buns with a seductive layer of bourbon glaze. Nestle the cheese-topped patties onto the buns, then embellish with crispy fried onions and a tangy pickle slice for added crunch and zest.
- Arrange the cheeseburger bites on a serving platter, accompanied by a ramekin of extra bourbon glaze for those craving an additional flavor punch. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the buns are warmly inviting.
Notes
- Handle ghost pepper cheese with caution, as it’s extremely spicy and can irritate skin and eyes.
- Consider wearing kitchen gloves when preparing and handling the cheese to prevent accidental burning.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing cayenne and using milder cheese for sensitive palates.
- Opt for plant-based ground meat alternatives to create a vegetarian version of these slider bites.
- Quickly chill patties in the refrigerator before cooking to help them maintain shape and prevent crumbling.
- Balance intense heat by serving with cooling side dishes like cucumber salad or ranch dressing.
- Prepare bourbon glaze in advance and refrigerate to develop deeper flavor complexity.
- Select high-quality bourbon with smooth characteristics to enhance the glaze’s overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg