BBQ Bacon Burger

The BBQ Bacon Burger is the ultimate comfort food: smoky, juicy, and layered with bold flavors. This all-American favorite features a seasoned beef patty grilled to perfection, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce—all piled high on a soft bun. It’s a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for summer cookouts or indulgent weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This burger delivers everything you want in a handheld meal—savory, sweet, smoky, and satisfying. The combination of grilled beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to impress guests or satisfy your own burger cravings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder or onion powder (optional for seasoning)
• Bacon strips
• Cheddar cheese slices (or your preferred cheese)
• Barbecue sauce
• Hamburger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, crispy onions, red onion slices
• Optional: butter or oil for toasting buns

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into patties (about 1/3 to 1/2 pound each) and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain.
4. Grill the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and let it melt.
5. Toast the buns on the grill or in a pan until golden.
6. Assemble the burgers: Spread barbecue sauce on the bottom bun, add the burger patty with melted cheese, top with bacon, and add any other desired toppings. Finish with the top bun.
7. Serve hot with fries, chips, or your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 BBQ Bacon Burgers. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with about 15 minutes of cook time, bringing the total time to approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

• Use smoked gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Swap beef patties for turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties.
• Add grilled pineapple rings for a sweet Hawaiian-style twist.
• Use spicy barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo for an extra kick.
• Add onion rings inside the burger for extra crunch and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store cooked burger patties and bacon separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Assemble fresh when ready to eat to avoid soggy buns. For best results, store buns at room temperature and re-toast before serving.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for burgers?

An 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) offers the best balance of flavor and juiciness for burgers.

Can I make BBQ Bacon Burgers in a pan instead of a grill?

Yes, a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan works great for cooking burgers indoors.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try smoked gouda, American, Swiss, or any cheese that melts well.

Can I use turkey or veggie patties?

Absolutely. This recipe works well with any type of burger patty, including plant-based options.

Should I toast the buns?

Yes, toasting adds texture and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy from the sauce.

What barbecue sauce should I use?

Any style you prefer—sweet, smoky, or spicy. Use homemade or store-bought depending on your taste and time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep components like the patties and bacon ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the burger just before serving.

What sides go well with BBQ Bacon Burgers?

French fries, onion rings, potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn all make great sides.

How do I keep bacon crispy on the burger?

Drain it well on paper towels and add it just before serving so it stays crispy.

Can I freeze the patties?

Yes, uncooked burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Separate with parchment and thaw before cooking.

Conclusion

The BBQ Bacon Burger is everything a great burger should be—meaty, cheesy, smoky, and dripping with bold barbecue flavor. Perfect for grilling season or indoor cooking, it’s a meal that satisfies from the first bite to the last. Customize it your way and serve it up hot for an unforgettable burger experience.

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