Discover an unparalleled taste sensation with our Irish Car Bomb Burger – a culinary masterpiece featuring an American beef patty, crispy Guinness Battered Onion Rings, zesty Jameson BBQ Sauce, and sweet Candied Baileys Bacon. This burger isn’t just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavor designed to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in grand style!

The Irish Car Bomb Burger: A Festive Flavor Explosion

Once again, I’ve crafted a recipe bearing the name “Irish Car Bomb.” Before we dive into the delicious details, I want to respectfully clarify the naming convention. My intention is not to trivialize the serious historical events that occurred in Ireland. The name “Irish Car Bomb” is used in a specific culinary context within America, referring to a popular cocktail that combines Guinness, Baileys Irish Cream, and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Therefore, if the name causes any offense, I sincerely apologize. This burger is simply my American culinary interpretation of that well-known cocktail, transforming its iconic flavors into a truly unique and memorable meal.

With that important note addressed, let’s wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with a collection of inspired recipes that will make your celebration unforgettable. As the “green beer” holiday approaches, it’s a wonderful time to infuse our kitchens with Irish cheer and innovative flavors. It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now we’re already in the vibrant heart of March! The improving weather, with its promise of warmer days, certainly has me looking forward to longer evenings and the joyous return of grilling season. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a sizzling burger permeating the fresh spring air. Even if the weather decides to play tricks on us with a surprise cold snap, a trusty grill pan ensures these incredible flavors can be enjoyed indoors, anytime.

Crafting the Components: A Symphony of Irish Flavors

The journey to create this extraordinary burger began with my deep affection for my Irish Car Bomb Brownies. I was captivated by the distinct combination of Guinness, Baileys, and Jameson, and found myself wondering how these three iconic Irish-inspired flavors could be ingeniously translated into a savory burger. It wasn’t an immediate revelation. Integrating Baileys Irish Cream into a burger without an overwhelming or unappetizing result proved to be the most challenging aspect. The creamy, subtly sweet, and somewhat chocolaty notes of Baileys required a creative solution.

The Eureka Moment: Baileys Candied Bacon

Then, a brilliant idea sparked: candied bacon! While I hadn’t attempted it before, the concept of infusing bacon with a sweet element seemed like the perfect vehicle for Baileys. My husband, ever the purist when it comes to bacon, was initially skeptical, exclaiming, “No, just no. Leave the bacon alone!” But as any dedicated home chef knows, sometimes you have to push the boundaries of convention. Trusting my culinary intuition, I reasoned that candying the bacon with a Baileys reduction would harness its unique sweetness and creamy undertones, transforming a simple ingredient into a star component of the burger.

The process started by carefully preparing a Baileys reduction. Simmering Baileys with a touch of brown sugar and spices creates a thick, syrupy glaze that intensifies its flavor. This rich reduction was then generously brushed onto thick-cut bacon strips before, during, and after baking. The aroma that filled my kitchen was nothing short of intoxicating—literally! The sweet, smoky, and creamy scent was utterly irresistible, making the wait for it to emerge from the oven almost unbearable. And the result? Absolutely divine! Each slice of bacon offered a delightful crunch, followed by a sweet, savory, and subtly boozy flavor that was perfectly balanced. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the burger, but for proving my culinary vision (and not ruining an entire package of bacon!).

The Tangy Kick: Jameson BBQ Sauce

Next on the agenda was the Jameson BBQ sauce, which surprisingly came together with remarkable ease. I simply took a beloved classic BBQ sauce recipe and elevated it with a generous splash of Jameson Irish Whiskey. The transformation was phenomenal! This rich, tangy sauce with its subtle sweetness and robust whiskey kick quickly became one of my favorite elements of the entire burger. The Jameson doesn’t overpower; instead, it adds a sophisticated depth and a warming note that complements the other flavors beautifully. We certainly didn’t use all of it on the burgers, and I was thrilled to have the leftovers in the fridge. It proved to be an exceptional dipping sauce for French fries the following day, extending the delicious experience.

Crispy Perfection: Guinness Battered Onion Rings

The Guinness Battered Onion Rings, while perhaps the most time-consuming component, were undoubtedly worth every minute of effort. I describe them as “hands-on” because preparing them requires your full attention, unlike some of the other elements that can simmer or bake with minimal oversight. Despite rarely deep-frying at home, the indulgence of perfectly crispy, homemade onion rings in moderation is a treat everyone deserves to experience.

My approach began with a standard beer batter recipe, but with a crucial twist: instead of a light beer, I opted for the rich, dark notes of Guinness Stout. The choice of onion is equally important; a sweet onion variety is essential as it cooks down to a tender, mild flavor, avoiding the sharp, biting taste that can detract from a great onion ring. After slicing the onions into uniform rings, I heated my oil to a precise 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Each ring was then carefully dipped into the smooth Guinness batter and gently lowered into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. These beauties cook quickly, transforming into a golden-brown crispness in just a minute per side. Unlike many beer-battered dishes where the beer’s flavor is lost, the Guinness truly shone through here, imparting a distinct dark, roasted, malty essence to the onion rings. Dipped in the Jameson BBQ sauce, they were nothing short of sensational – a truly harmonious pairing of Irish-inspired flavors.

Assembling the Masterpiece: The Ultimate Irish Car Bomb Burger

When contemplating the construction of this multi-component burger, the challenge was coordinating the cooking of the patties amidst all the other preparations. My solution was a clever and effective technique: while the Jameson BBQ sauce simmered on the stove, I formed the beef patties and quickly seared them in a grill pan for a few minutes on each side to achieve a beautiful char. This initial sear locks in juices and flavor. Then, an innovative step: I transferred the partially cooked burgers to the oven to finish baking for approximately 20 minutes. This strategy worked perfectly, allowing the burgers to cook through while I focused on frying the Guinness Battered Onion Rings. This way, every component was hot and ready for immediate assembly, ensuring a piping hot, perfectly cooked burger. Just before serving, a slice of sharp Irish cheddar (I highly recommend Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese for its robust flavor) was placed on each patty and returned to the oven for a quick minute, melting into a gooey, savory blanket.

The Signature Toppings: Beyond the Basics

To complement the rich, layered flavors of the Irish Car Bomb Burger, I included classic toppings like crisp lettuce and ripe tomato for freshness and texture. And then… I added an egg. Yes, it happened! I firmly believe that almost everything is elevated with a perfectly cooked egg. For me, an over-easy egg, with its luscious, runny yolk, adds an incredible richness and an extra layer of decadence to the burger. However, if you, like my husband, prefer a firm yolk, a simple fried egg works just as wonderfully. It’s all about personal preference when it comes to that golden goodness.

The Ultimate Stack: A Culinary Engineering Feat

Assembling these majestic Irish Burgers requires a strategic approach to ensure structural integrity and a delightful eating experience. I began by placing a fresh piece of lettuce on the bottom half of the bun. This acts as a protective barrier, preventing the bread from becoming soggy – because nobody enjoys a collapsed, wet bun! Next came a juicy slice of tomato, followed by the perfectly cooked cheeseburger patty, topped with that delicious, sharp Irish cheddar. A generous dollop of the Jameson BBQ sauce added its signature tangy kick. Then, two slices of the irresistible Baileys Candied Bacon, followed by two crispy Guinness Battered Onion Rings, and finally, the crowning glory: the over-easy egg. The top bun completed this impressive stack.

Whew! That’s a mouthful, both literally and figuratively. I instantly recalled an episode of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” where he describes his particular stance for tackling a truly gigantic burger – spreading his feet, lunging over the table, elbows up, and going in for the bite. While I won’t describe my own attempt at this (it’s certainly not as graceful), this Irish Car Bomb Burger, with all its glorious layers, is not only pretty to look at but utterly delicious to devour!

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Irish Car Bomb Burger

Prep 30 mins

Cook 1 hour

Total 1 hour, 30 mins

Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 4

An All American beef patty with Guinness Battered Onion rings, Jameson BBQ sauce and Candied Baileys Bacon, this Irish Car Bomb Burger is literally a flavor bomb!

Ingredients

• Baileys Candied Bacon
• 8 slices thick cut bacon
• 2/3 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• a pinch each of black pepper and cayenne pepper
• Jameson BBQ Sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup Jameson whiskey
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Worchestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Guinness Battered Onion Rings
• Oil for frying (peanut, grapeseed, canola)
• 1 Sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ rings
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• pinch of salt and black pepper
• 1 cup Guinness
• Burger Patties
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (6 ounce burgers)
• Sprinkle of Seasoned Salt and pepper.
• 4 slices (4 ounces) Cheddar Cheese, I used Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese
• 4 Hamburger buns
• Additional toppings: lettuce, tomato, fried egg, over easy egg, pickles.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top sprayed with cooking spray.
3. Lay out your strips of bacon on the prepared rack.
4. Baileys Candied Bacon
5. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the Baileys Irish Cream, brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for the Baileys Candied Bacon glaze. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
6. Once thickened, generously brush a layer of the Baileys mixture on top of your strips of bacon, repeating twice to ensure full coverage.
7. Place the bacon in the preheated oven and cook for 10 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and brush them again with the Baileys mixture.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and deeply caramelized.
10. Jameson BBQ Sauce
11. While the bacon is cooking, begin preparing your Jameson BBQ Sauce.
12. Whisk all ingredients for the Jameson BBQ Sauce (ketchup, Jameson whiskey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, chili powder) into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
13. Boil gently for 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is reduced by half and has a rich, thick consistency. Set aside.
14. Burger Patties
15. Divide the ground chuck mixture into 4 equal patties (approximately 6 ounces each) and sprinkle generously with seasoned salt and pepper on one side.
16. In a grill pan (or outdoor grill) over medium-high heat, place the burgers, seasoned side down, into the pan.
17. Season the other side with seasoned salt and pepper.
18. Grill patties on each side for 3-4 minutes or until charred and seared. Then, transfer them to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty reads 145 degrees F (63 C) for medium doneness.
19. Place a slice of cheddar cheese onto each patty and return to the oven for 1 minute, or until melted and slightly bubbly. Remove from oven and set aside.
20. Guinness Battered Onion Rings
21. Line a cookie sheet or plate with paper towels to drain the fried onion rings.
22. Heat the oil for frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven until it registers 350 degrees F (175 C) on a deep-fry thermometer.
23. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, corn starch, paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Guinness Stout, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
24. When the oil reaches the correct temperature, dip each onion ring into the Guinness batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Carefully drop a few battered rings into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy rings.
25. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, usually about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the paper towel-lined sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining onion rings.
26. To Assemble
27. On the bottom of your hamburger bun, place a piece of fresh lettuce, followed by a slice of ripe tomato. Top with the cheesy burger patty, a generous dollop of Jameson BBQ sauce, 2 slices of the irresistible Candied Baileys Bacon, 2 crispy Guinness Battered Onion Rings, and finally, a perfectly cooked over-easy egg*. Complete with the top bun. Assume your favorite position and dig in! Sláinte!

Notes

*To fry an over-easy egg, simply heat a small nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Crack your egg into the pan and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, just until the egg whites are mostly firm but the yolk is still liquid. Carefully flip the egg over and cook the other side for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the yolk to remain gloriously runny. For a fried egg with a firm yolk, cook longer on the second side until desired firmness is reached. Beer Batter recipe slightly adapted from Food Network’s Beer-Battered Fries.

Courses Burger

Serving and Savoring: A Complete Irish-Inspired Feast

The intricate layers of flavor and texture in this Irish Car Bomb Burger come together harmoniously to create an unforgettable dining experience. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sweet and savory Baileys candied bacon to the robust Guinness-battered onion rings and the zesty Jameson BBQ sauce, all crowning a perfectly cooked beef patty. While the full assembly creates a truly epic burger, feel free to customize it to your liking. If you’re not a fan of an egg on your burger, simply omit it – the other incredible flavors will still shine through brilliantly. This burger is a feast for the senses, delivering a gourmet experience right in your home kitchen.

One sweet onion yields a generous amount of onion rings, so you’ll likely have plenty to serve alongside your magnificent burgers. I highly recommend offering the extra rings with a side of the leftover Jameson BBQ sauce for dipping. They make a fantastic side dish on their own and are a wonderful addition to your recipe arsenal for the upcoming grilling season, proving to be far more exciting than standard fries.

More St. Patrick’s Day Delights

As you plan your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, be sure to explore a few more Irish-inspired recipes I’ve recently shared on the blog. These treats are perfect for rounding out your holiday menu:

I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Irish Car Bomb Burger. Its unique blend of flavors truly captures the festive spirit. If you try this recipe, please share a photo on social media and tag it with #strawberryblondiekitchen. I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations!