Smoky Cheeseburger Bites with a Ghost Pepper and Bourbon Twist: A Bold and Fiery Snack

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
Divide the mixture into 12 small portions and form them into mini burger patties that are just slightly smaller than the mini buns.
Cook the Patties:

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking oil.
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the patties and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
Make the Ghost Pepper and Bourbon Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, ghost pepper sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Adjust the amount of ghost pepper sauce depending on how spicy you like it. Taste the sauce and add more if you want it hotter.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Bites:

Place each mini cheeseburger patty onto a bottom half of a mini slider bun.
Drizzle a generous amount of the ghost pepper and bourbon sauce over the top of the burger patty.
Top with the other half of the mini bun and press down gently to secure.
Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the smoky, spicy cheeseburger bites immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy these bold and flavorful bites with a side of crispy fries or a cool drink to balance the heat!
Serving and Storage Tips: