When it comes to burgers, I’m always chasing new favorite ways to take the bold and craveable to a whole new level. And let me tell you, this Cowboy Candy Burger hits just right. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s smoky—and stacked high with crispy bacon, a runny fried egg, and of course, a spoonful of sticky homemade Cowboy Candy made with my brand-new Cowboy Candy Rub.
What the heck is Cowboy Candy Rub? Well, it’s my new caramelized jalapeño pepper blend that you’re gonna want to sprinkle on everything. Trust me, it’s so good, it borders on addictive. You’re gonna love all the ways you can make the most of this epic seasoning, including the Cowboy Candy Grilled Steak with Bacon Jam.
Thanks to all the intense, sweet, and spicy jalapeño flavor combo my new rub brings to the beef, this burger is unbeatable. I’m talking texture, richness, heat, and that “grab-a-napkin” kind of mess that tells you you’re doing it right. Whether you’re making it for brunch, dinner, or straight-up food glory, this cowboy burger’s got you covered.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy Burger
- Cowboy Candy Burger Ingredients Round-Up
- And It’s 🔥
- How to Make the Cowboy Candy Burger
- Pro-Tip: Save the syrup!
- What to Serve with Cowboy Candy Burger
- Leftovers & Reheating Instructions
- More Burger Recipes
- FAQs for Cowboy Candy Burger
- Most Anticipated Grill of 2025
- Cowboy Candy Burger Recipe
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy Burger
If you haven’t made cowboy candy before, now’s the time to try these quick sweet snacks. It’s a great way to level up just about anything—the perfect combination of sweet heat from spicy peppers that is meant for burgers, hot dogs, and even baked beans. And when you combine that sweet heat with a juicy, cheese-covered burger, you get a flavor combo that’s straight-up addictive.
This recipe brings a little bit of everything: spicy hot peppers cooled by a creamy aioli, savory bacon alongside rich egg yolk, and a perfectly seasoned patty all kissed by fire. The spicy flavor of the Cowboy Candy cuts through the richness, and the whole thing is tied together with melty cheese and toasted buns. It’s a full-flavor experience in every bite. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can cook it over an open flame, on a gas grill, or in a cast iron skillet on your stove.
Want the OG version of this burger? Check out the original Cowboy Candy recipe for a more classic take on this burger—no egg, no rub, just pure, sweet jalapeño heat. And if you’re still hungry for more bacon-loaded burger madness, don’t stop here. These are next on your list: BBQ Bacon Burger, Bacon Jam Burgers, and Mega Bacon Cheeseburger.
Cowboy Candy Burger Ingredients Round-Up
- Burger – Pick up some high-quality ground beef (80/20 is ideal), slices of cheese (American, jack, cheddar, your choice), and some of my killer Cowboy Candy Rub.
- Cowboy Candy – For the star of this show, you’ll need a heaping pile of fresh jalapenos, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and more of the rub.
- Sweet & Spicy Aioli – A tangy, creamy sauce made with mayo, a spoonful of leftover syrup (aka cowboy candy brine), Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and a bit more Cowboy Candy Rub.
- Toppings – Grab some farm-fresh eggs, your favorite bacon, and some burger buns to round out this recipe.
Now that you know what to get from the store (or delivery!), let’s make the most freakin’ delicious burgers on the backyard grill.
Cowboy Candy Is Here
And It’s 🔥
Cowboy Candy is the latest from Derek Wolf – built for those who like a little sweet with their spice.
For more with my Cowboy Candy Rub, check out Cowboy Candy Party Ribs and Cowboy Candy Rubbed Grilled Steak with Bacon Jam!
How to Make the Cowboy Candy Burger
Cowboy Candy Recipe
First, let’s kick things off with the real star: the Cowboy Candy. Toss a cast iron skillet over medium heat, then add your brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Cowboy Candy Rub. Stir it all up until you get a smooth, sweet base. Bring it to a boil, then toss in those jalapeño slices and simmer them for about 2-3 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the peppers and set them aside. Keep boiling the syrup for another 5–6 minutes to thicken it up, then combine everything in a mason jar. Toss it in the fridge and let it rest for a few hours—or even better, a few days—to let those flavors develop into straight-up liquid gold.
Pro-Tip: Save the syrup!
That leftover syrup from your Cowboy Candy fixins? Use it to glaze ribs, brush on grilled veggies, stir into tangy BBQ sauce, or even mix into a Bloody Mary for a wild twist. It’s spicy, sticky gold—don’t let it go to waste.
Aioli action
Next, mix together your sweet & spicy aioli in a small bowl: mayo, cowboy candy brine, mustard, hot sauce, and more rub. Stir well and let it sit while you get to grilling.
Burger Bliss
Season your burger patties generously with my Cowboy Candy Rub. Next, go ahead and toss them in the fridge until ready to cook. Preheat your grill for two-zone cooking at medium-high heat (around 375F). Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, and before pulling them off, top with cheese to melt into that gooey goodness.
In another skillet or over the fire, cook your bacon until it’s as crispy as you like it. Then fry your eggs—keep those yolks runny if you’re like me.
Cowboy Candy Burger Assembly
Finally, assemble your burgers: toasted buns, aioli, patty, egg, cowboy candy, more aioli, and the top bun. Done. Serve it hot and enjoy every smoky, spicy, juicy bite. Cheers!
What to Serve with Cowboy Candy Burger
This burger is loud and proud on its own, but if you want to build a full plate, I’ve got some go-to combos. I like pairing it with something that brings either crunch or a little cooling relief. Fried onions or onion rings are a no-brainer—they add texture and another layer of indulgence. If you’re keeping it classic, a pile of sweet potato fries or kettle chips on the side works great too.
I also love throwing some Bush’s Original Baked Beans on the plate, especially when you stir in chopped bacon and a spoonful of cowboy candy for that sweet and spicy twist. And hey, don’t forget the drink! This burger’s big on flavor, so a cold beer, a smoky old-fashioned, or a spicy Bloody Mary hits just right.
Leftovers & Reheating Instructions
If you end up with leftovers (which, honestly, is doubtful), you can absolutely save them for round two. Keep all the components separate when storing. So, burger patties in one container, toppings in another, and the buns on their own so they don’t get soggy.
When it’s time to reheat, throw the patties back in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Toast your buns fresh to bring back that golden brown crunch. As for the egg? Fry a fresh one—no one wants a rubbery yolk.
Your Cowboy Candy will last a few weeks in the fridge stored in that Mason jar, and don’t you dare toss the leftover syrup. That stuff is perfect for glazing hot dogs, brushing onto wings, or stirring into a spicy marinade.
More Burger Recipes
FAQs for Cowboy Candy Burger
Yes! In fact, it gets better the longer it sits. Give it 3–4 days to really develop that deep spicy-sweet flavor.
Melted cheddar cheese is a solid choice, but pepper jack or smoked gouda add a whole new twist.
Absolutely. Use a cast iron skillet on your stovetop and follow the same cook times for a killer sear and juicy center.
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Most Anticipated Grill of 2025
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Cowboy Candy Burger
Ingredients
Burger:
- 1 lbs Ground Beef
- 6-8 Sliced Cheese
- 1/4 cup Cowboy Candy Rub
Cowboy Candy:
- 1 lb Jalapeños thinly sliced
- 3 cups Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup Cowboy Candy Rub
Sweet & Spicy Aioli:
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Cowboy Candy Brine
- 1 tsp Cowboy Candy Rub
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce
Toppings:
- 2-3 Fried Egg
- ½ lb Chopped Bacon
- Burger Buns as needed
Instructions
Cowboy Candy:
- Add a cast iron skillet to medium heat.
- Place all the ingredients (outside the jalapenos) to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Add the jalapeños to the rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to remove the softened jalapeños and set aside. Boil the sugar sauce for 5-6 more minutes, then pull off and add everything to a mason jar.
- Place in the fridge to cool for at least 2-3 hours but ideally 3-4 days.
Burgers:
- Mix together all the ingredients for the Sweet & Spicy Aioli and set to the side.
- Slather your burgers with oil and generously season with my Cowboy Candy Rub. Set in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375F) for two zone indirect cooking.
- Next, add your burgers to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the burgers are 165F. Before the burgers are done, top each with a slice of cheese to melt. Once everything is done, pull off to let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Add a cold skillet along with bacon and cook until done to your liking. Pull off and let cool.
- Add to the skillet an egg and fry until done to your liking. Pull off and set to the side.
- Start with your burgers with buns, aioli, burger, egg, cowboy candy, more aioli and top of burger. Serve and enjoy!!
