Ingredients:

• 1.5 Ibs ground beef (80/20 mix)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chill powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
• 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 large onion, sliced and sautéed until caramelized
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Tomato slices or Tomato Powder
• 4 pretzel buns, split and lightly toasted

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and ground mustard.
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently but thoroughly.
4. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
5. Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat.
6. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness.
7. In the last minute of cooking, brush each patty generously with the bourbon BBQ sauce and top with a slice of smoked cheddar. Cover to melt the cheese.
8. On the bottom half of each pretzel bun, place lettuce and tomato if desired.
9. Add the cooked burger patties.
10. Top each patty with caramelized onions and two strips of crispy bacon.
11. Optionally, add an extra drizzle of the bourbon BBQ sauce.
12. Cover with the top half of the pretzel bun.
13. Serve the jirgers hot, ideally with sides like sweet potato fries, pickles, or a simple coleslaw.