Cheesy French Fry Bourbon Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds fresh ground beef
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
• 4 of [your favorite whole wheat hamburger buns (toasted | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/everything-bagel-slider-buns/])
• 3 pounds unpeeled russet potatoes (cut into wedges or strips)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teasponn pepper
• 3/4 cup bourbon
• 1 cup cold water (divided)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons of [your favorite BBQ Sauce |https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-barbecue-sauce-just-like-sweet-baby-rays/]
• 1 1/2 teasspoons tabasco
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)

Steps

1. 1

   Make the Fries: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. 2

   Place cut potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, seasoned salt and pepper. Gently toss with your hands or two spatulas to evenly coat. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, then flip and roast for 25-30 minutes more. This may take longer depending on how thick you cut your potatoes. You want the potatoes to be deeply golden and crispy on the outside!

3. 3

   While the fries cook make the sauce. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add the cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. In a medium sauce pan over low heat, combine the bourbon, 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, honey, [BBQ Sauce | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-barbecue-sauce-just-like-sweet-baby-rays/] Tabasco, brown sugar, dijon and garlic. Bring up the heat to a simmer and slowly add the corn starch mixture, whisking vigorously as you go. When the mixture is well combined, cook about 1 more minute. Turn off the heat and set aside until ready to use. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.

4. 4

   Preheat a grill or griddle over medium-high heat.

5. 5

   Make the burgers: Form the meat into 4 patties. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare or longer if you prefer. Add a handful of the fries on top of the burger and place a slice of cheese right on top of the fries. Let the cheese melt and then serve the burgers on toasted buns and drizzle with a generous amount of the sweet bourbon sauce.