Whataburger’s Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger is a delicious specialty burger that packs a flavor punch. This iconic fast food chain, founded in Texas in 1950, is known for its customizable burgers made with fresh ingredients. The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger delivers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what comes on a Whataburger Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger. We will examine each component of this signature burger, from the bun to the condiments. We will also provide nutritional information, tips for customizing your order, and compare it to other Whataburger burgers. Whether you are a Whataburger fan or have never tried it, read on to learn all about this tantalizing tex-mex treat.
The Bun
The bun lays the foundation for any great burger. For the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger, Whataburger uses a toasted five-inch sesame seed bun. The subtly sweet, yeasty flavor of the bun complements the burger perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients. The toasting gives the exterior a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft, pillowy interior. The sesame seeds provide eye-appeal, texture, and nutty flavor.
Whataburger’s signature bun has just the right balance of heft and lightness to contain the generous patty and toppings without falling apart. It also has enough structure to soak up sauces and prevent a messy eating experience. The bun crown helps seal in the heat and moisture of the patty, bacon, and other fillings.
Some customers prefer Whataburger’s specialty buns, like the jalapeño cheddar bun or Texas toast bun. But the classic sesame seed bun is a tried-and-true match for the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger.
The Beef Patty
The beef patty provides the hearty foundation for any burger. For the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger, Whataburger uses a quarter pound of fresh 100% beef. The patties are formed by hand into a flat circular shape then cooked on a griddle to order. This results in a tender, lightly charred patty rather than a thin, overcooked hockey puck texture common at some fast food chains.
Whataburger only uses whole muscle cuts of beef brisket, chuck, and sirloin. They do not use any fillers, extenders, or pink slime in their beef. The fat content and high-quality beef deliver a juicy and flavorful patty. It has a mild beefy flavor accented by the smoky char flavor from the griddle.
The quarter pound 4-ounce patty provides enough heft to balance the sweet and spicy flavors in this burger. A smaller patty would get overwhelmed. For comparison, Whataburger’s flagship Whataburger burger uses two thinner 2-ounce patties. The single thicker patty in the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger gives you that satisfying, hearty bite in each mouthful.
The Bacon
As the name indicates, bacon plays a starring role in the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger. Each burger starts with two slices of smoked bacon. The bacon is cooked until crispy then layered on top of the beef patty.
The salty, smoky, sweet flavor of the bacon complements the beef patty perfectly. The crisp texture contrasts with the soft bun and juicy beef. Each bite is a savory medley of pork and beef.
The bacon also contributes to the sweet flavor profile that balances the spicy pepper sauce. The smoky notes from the bacon accentuate the charbroiled flavor of the beef as well. This bacon is typically regular sliced bacon, but you can request thick-cut bacon for an even heartier crunch and smokiness.
Pepper Sauce
The signature pepper sauce is what gives this burger the “spicy” part of its name. It is made from a blend of aged cayenne and jalapeño peppers. Whataburger uses a proprietary recipe to give their pepper sauce its distinctive tangy, moderately spicy flavor.
The sauce has a bright reddish-orange color from the red jalapeño peppers. It brings a pleasant heat that builds slowly and lingers on your palate. However, the spice level is mild enough that those without a high heat tolerance can still enjoy this burger.
A generous portion of the pepper sauce is drizzled over the patty and bacon. It soaks into the beef and creates a nice flavor contrast with the sweetness of the bacon. The sauce also adds moisture and binds the ingredients together.
Onions
For additional flavor and crunch, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger comes topped with a layer of chopped onions. The onions are griddled until softened and lightly caramelized.
The mellow sweetness of the sauteed onions balances the spice from the pepper sauce. It also cuts through the rich fattiness of the bacon and beef. The onions add a pleasant oniony aroma and contribute an extra bit of moisture.
The small diced pieces distribute the onion flavor throughout each bite instead of just getting a whole raw onion slice in one spot. The onions are spread evenly over the patty and bacon beneath the top bun.
Mayonnaise
To add an extra touch of richness and bind the ingredients together, the burger gets a slathering of mayonnaise on the crown of the bun. While you can request no mayo or add extra, the standard amount provides ideal creaminess and moisture.
The eggy, neutral flavor of the mayo allows the other bold flavors of the burger to shine. It helps to balance and round out the tangy, sweet, savory, and spicy components into one cohesive package. The mayo’s emulsified texture also boosts the mouthfeel and keeps the bun from getting soggy.
Putting It All Together
Now that we have broken down each component individually, let’s look at how they come together to create sandwich nirvana:
The bottom bun provides a sturdy base and absorbs some of the juices and sauce oozing from the fillings. On top of the bottom bun goes the hot beef patty, sizzling right off the griddle and seasoned with just a pinch of salt and pepper.
The pepper sauce goes on next, coating the patty in a layer of sticky, spicy tanginess. Two slices of crispy, smoky bacon are laid on top of the sauce, adding crunch and hitting the sweet and salty flavor notes.
The caramelized onion pieces get spread evenly over the bacon. Their mild sweetness balances the spice and their moisture prevents the bacon from drying out.
On goes the top bun crown, smeared with a generous layer of creamy mayonnaise to tie everything together. The juices from the fillings soak into the top bun while the moisture barrier from the mayo prevents it from getting soggy.
When you pick up the burger, the fillings all bind together into one compact and cohesive delicious mouthful. As you bite down, you get the interplay of flavors and textures in every bite. Sweet, spicy, smoky, salty, beefy, and oniony – this burger hits all the right notes.
Customization Options
One of the great things about Whataburger is the high level of customization available. If you want to tailor the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger to your preferences, here are some options:
– Add extra pepper sauce for more heat
– Substitute thick-cut bacon for more pronounced smokiness
– Add lettuce, tomato, and raw onion for crunch
– Substitute grilled onions for raw onions
– Add sliced avocado for extra richness
– Try it “Fancy” style with melted American or Monterey Jack cheese
– Ask for extra mayo or sub in chipotle mayo for a spicy twist
– Put it on Texas Toast instead of a regular bun
– Make it a combo meal with fries and a drink
The beauty of this burger is that you can adapt it to your tastes while still preserving the core sweet, spicy, and bacon flavors. Feel free to get creative and customize to your heart’s content!
Nutrition Information
While a juicy burger and crispy bacon may not be health food, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger provides decent nutrition for a fast food burger. Here is the approximate nutrition information per burger:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 770 |
| Total Fat | 44g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 1280mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 39g |
As you can see, the burger provides a good amount of protein as well as a decent dose of dietary fiber for a fast food meal. However, it is high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence. Overall, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger offers a satisfying treat that delivers bold, craveable flavor.
Comparison to Other Whataburger Burgers
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger has a unique flavor profile compared to Whataburger’s other burgers. Here is how it stacks up:
| Burger | Patty Size | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger | Quarter pound | Pepper sauce, bacon, onion |
| Whataburger | Two 2 oz patties | Mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion |
| Whatacatch | Quarter pound | Tartar sauce, American cheese |
| Monterey Melt | Quarter pound | Monterey Jack, grilled onions |
| Green Chile Double | Two 2 oz patties | Hatch chiles, pepper jack |
While the Whataburger is their classic, Zippy-sauced burger, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger has its own unique appeal. The pepper sauce and bacon provide signature sweet heat you won’t find in their other burgers. It satisfies cravings for bold, adventurous flavors beyond a standard bacon cheeseburger.
Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Perfection
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger achieves a perfect trifecta of flavor sensations. The brown sugar cured bacon and caramelized onions deliver sweetness. The charbroiled beef patty and smoky bacon bring savory umami satisfaction. And the blend of cayenne and jalapeño in the pepper sauce packs a pleasant heat.
Every element – from the sesame seed bun to the creamy mayo – works in harmony to create burger excellence. This signature Whataburger offering is a must-try for spice lovers, bacon enthusiasts, and anyone who craves a burger with big, bold flavor.
While some specialty burgers come off as gimmicky, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger backs up the name. You get authentic sweetness, real spice, and quality smoked bacon in every bite. This Lone Star State original deserves a spot on your burger bucket list.
So next time you are cruising through Texas and see that iconic orange and white striped roof, make a bee-line for the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger. Grab a combo with some crispy fries and an ice cold Dr Pepper to round out a true taste of Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Whataburger Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger:
Is it spicy?
The burger has a pleasant heat from the pepper sauce, but it is relatively mild on the spice scale. Those without a high tolerance for heat should still find it enjoyable.
What’s in the pepper sauce?
The sauce is made from a blend of aged cayenne and jalapeño peppers. The exact recipe is a secret, but those are the key ingredients!
Can I order it without mayo?
Absolutely, you can customize it to your liking. Ask for no mayo or extra mayo when ordering.
Does it come with cheese?
No, the standard version does not have cheese, just the bacon and pepper sauce. But you can add cheese or order it “Fancy” style.
Is it available all day?
Yes, the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger is on the Whataburger menu 24/7.
Conclusion
The Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger from Whataburger is a phenomenal sandwich exploding with tex-mex flavor. It’s custom-made for bacon lovers and spice seekers with its peppery sauce and double bacon topping. While indulgent, it still delivers satisfying protein and nutrition compared to other fast food burgers. True burger connoisseurs will appreciate how every component – from the bun to the beef to the crisp onions – comes together in one delicious package. When you are craving big, bold flavors, this Lone Star legend never disappoints. Head to Whataburger and get ready to fall in love with the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger.