The Ultimate BBQ Bacon Burger: A Flavor-Packed Grilling Experience
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure with these incredible BBQ Bacon Burgers! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly toasted bun, followed by a burst of tangy barbecue sauce, the rich, savory juiciness of a well-seasoned burger patty, and the satisfying crunch of crisp, smoky bacon. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that truly makes every bite worth the messy fingers and happy face. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard bash or simply craving an extraordinary weeknight dinner, these homemade burgers are designed to be piled high with your favorite burger toppings, delivering a taste sensation that will undoubtedly become a new household favorite. Get ready to craft the best flavorful patties you’ve ever enjoyed!
Why These BBQ Bacon Burgers Are a Must-Make
There’s a reason why the classic combination of barbecue, crispy bacon, and juicy burgers holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, and this recipe elevates that beloved trio to new heights. These BBQ Bacon Burgers aren’t just a dish; they’re an experience, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to lively weekend gatherings. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the meticulous attention to flavor in every component, ensuring an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
The star of the show, our juicy burger patties, are seasoned to perfection with a proprietary blend that includes savory garlic powder, a hint of sweet brown sugar, a kick of chili powder, a dash of hot sauce for warmth, and a touch of liquid smoke for that authentic, slow-cooked BBQ aroma. This unique combination ensures that each homemade burger patty is infused with deep, complex flavors, creating a rich foundation for your ultimate burger. Forget bland burgers; these are designed to impress and deliver on the promise of truly flavorful patties!
But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there. We take things up a notch with beautifully caramelized red onions, cooked until tender and sweet, adding a nuanced depth that complements the smoky bacon. Alongside fresh, ripe tomato slices for a hint of acidity and, of course, a generous slathering of your favorite tangy barbecue sauce, these burgers promise a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, savory, and zesty notes. It’s a flavor profile so enticing, you might just find your family devouring them before you even have a chance to set out the side dishes.
Beyond the core ingredients, this recipe truly shines with its versatility in burger toppings. While the usual suspects like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, crunchy pickles, and melty cheese are always welcome, we encourage you to get creative. For an truly over-the-top experience, consider adding a layer of crispy, crunchy homemade onion rings directly onto your burger. The textural contrast and extra burst of oniony goodness are simply divine. Alternatively, serve them on the side for dipping. The beauty of these BBQ Bacon Burgers is that the sky truly is the limit when it comes to customizing them with your favorite burger toppings!
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Bacon Burgers
Crafting the perfect BBQ Bacon Burger starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements is conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s highlight some of the key components that bring these flavorful burgers to life. Remember, fresh ingredients are the foundation of any truly delicious meal, so choose wisely to ensure maximum taste and texture for your homemade burgers.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions for Your Perfect Burger
Understanding your ingredients and knowing when to make clever substitutions can elevate your grilling game and ensure delicious results every time. Here’s a closer look at the key components for your ultimate BBQ Bacon Burgers:
- Ground Beef for the Ultimate Burger Patty: For truly juicy burgers, we highly recommend using 85/15 ground beef. This ratio, meaning 85% lean meat and 15% fat, strikes the perfect balance. It provides enough fat to keep your burger patties incredibly moist and flavorful as they cook on the grill, without being excessively greasy. You can also opt for 80/20 ground beef if you prefer a slightly richer, more indulgent burger. While tempting to go leaner for health reasons, remember that a bit of fat is crucial for tenderness and preventing a dry burger. If you decide to use ground sirloin, which is typically much leaner, be aware that your burgers may turn out drier. If using leaner meat, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a beaten egg per pound to help retain moisture. For non-beef alternatives, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but adjust cooking times and consider adding a little extra fat or moisture to compensate for the leaner meat.
- Crispy Bacon: The Smoky Star: We call for 12 ounces of bacon to ensure every BBQ Bacon Burger gets a generous helping of that irresistible crispy, smoky goodness. Look for good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. The rendered bacon grease will also be wisely used to cook your onions, infusing them with an extra layer of savory depth and making your burger even more delicious.
- Flavorful Seasonings for Juicy Burgers: The magic in our burger patties comes from a thoughtful blend of spices and liquids, transforming simple ground beef into truly flavorful patties:
- Garlic Powder: Adds a foundational, aromatic savory note that enhances the beef’s natural taste.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and spicy elements. It also aids in caramelization, creating a beautiful crust on your burger while grilling.
- Chili Powder: Contributes a mild warmth and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ profiles. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your personal spice preference.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot) adds a tangy kick and a touch of heat, brightening up the overall flavor.
- Liquid Smoke: This is a secret weapon for imparting a deep, authentic smoky flavor to your burgers, even if you’re cooking indoors or on a gas grill. It gives the patties that desired wood-fired taste without needing a smoker.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Used specifically for the bacon, this robust blend of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and other spices enhances the bacon’s natural flavors beautifully, ensuring it’s not just crispy but also incredibly savory.
- Beyond the Bun: Topping Wonderland for Your Burger: The beauty of these BBQ Bacon Burgers lies in the customization of burger toppings. While personal preference reigns supreme, here are some suggestions to inspire your ultimate creation:
- Red Onion: We recommend slicing red onion into rings and gently sautéing them in the leftover bacon grease until they become tender, sweet, and slightly caramelized. This process transforms their sharp bite into a mellow, flavorful addition. If you prefer a bolder, sharper taste and more crunch, feel free to leave the red onion raw.
- Cheddar Cheese: Classic cheddar slices melt beautifully, forming a gooey layer and offering a familiar, comforting flavor that perfectly complements the rich BBQ notes. For a twist, consider these melty alternatives:
- Pepper Jack: Adds a delightful spicy kick.
- American Cheese: For ultimate meltiness and an undeniably creamy texture.
- Monterey Jack: A mild, buttery option that melts exceptionally well.
- Smoked Gouda: To double down on the smoky flavor profile and add a gourmet touch.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your absolute favorite bottled BBQ sauce! Whether you like it sweet, tangy, spicy, or deeply smoky, the right BBQ sauce ties all the complex flavors of the burger together. Feel free to experiment with different regional styles, such as a Kansas City sweet and thick sauce, a Carolina vinegar-based tang, or a bold Texas-style smoky sauce.
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp lettuce leaves, thick-cut juicy tomato slices, and tangy crunchy pickles are classic burger accompaniments that add essential freshness, moisture, and textural contrast.
- Crispy Additions: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, consider adding a generous pile of crispy fried onions (whether store-bought or homemade) or even a few of those delicious onion rings you might be serving on the side. They truly take the burger over the top, adding an irresistible textural element.
- Hamburger Buns: A good bun is absolutely essential to hold up to these magnificent burgers. Choose sturdy, fresh hamburger buns that can contain all the juicy fillings and delicious toppings. Toasted buns are non-negotiable for preventing sogginess and adding a delightful texture and warmth. You can also lightly butter them before toasting for extra flavor.
Crafting Your Delicious BBQ Bacon Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Grilling Perfection
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe for the most delicious BBQ Bacon Burgers. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Grill: Begin by preheating your outdoor grill to a consistent 400°F (200°C). Achieving the correct temperature is key for those perfect grill marks and even cooking, ensuring juicy burgers.
- Season the Ground Beef: Place your pound of 85/15 ground beef into a large mixing bowl. In a separate, small bowl, combine the garlic powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Using gloved hands (this helps with hygiene and prevents overworking the meat), thoroughly mix these dry seasonings together. Then, add this flavorful spice blend to the ground beef.
- Form the Patties: Next, add the liquid smoke and hot sauce to the seasoned ground beef. Again, use gloved hands to gently combine all ingredients until just mixed – be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough, dry burgers. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and carefully form them into patties, ensuring they are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Using your finger or thumb, create a slight indent in the center of each patty.
EXPERT TIP – Creating an indent in the center of each hamburger patty is a crucial step! This clever trick prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle during grilling, ensuring a perfectly flat and evenly cooked patty that fits beautifully on your bun.
- Cook the Bacon: Season your bacon strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning. Cook them in a large skillet or on a flat-top grill until they reach your desired crispness. Once perfectly cooked, remove the crispy bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Don’t discard the bacon grease – it’s liquid gold for the onions!
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet or on the flat-top grill, use the flavorful bacon grease to cook your sliced red onion rings. Sauté them over medium heat until they become tender and slightly caramelized, taking on a beautiful golden-brown hue. This step adds incredible sweetness and depth to your BBQ Bacon Burgers.
- Grill the Burgers: Carefully place the seasoned burger patties on the preheated grill, ensuring the indent side is facing up. Cook for approximately 5 minutes to achieve a nice sear and medium doneness. Flip the burgers over and continue grilling for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust cooking times based on your preferred level of doneness (e.g., less for rare, more for well-done).
- Melt the Cheese: A couple of minutes before the burgers are finished cooking and ready to be removed from the grill, place a slice of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of each patty. Close the grill lid briefly to allow the cheese to perfectly melt into a gooey, delicious layer, adding an irresistible creaminess to your juicy burgers.
- Toast the Buns: Once the burgers are done and removed from the grill, it’s time to toast the buns. Lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns and place them face down on the warm grill grates. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and lightly crispy. This crucial step prevents sogginess and adds a wonderful texture and buttery flavor to your BBQ Bacon Burgers.
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: Finally, it’s time to build your perfect BBQ Bacon Burgers! Start with your toasted bun, add a generous layer of your favorite barbecue sauce, then the cheesy burger patty, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and any other desired condiments and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade burger!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Burgers
While BBQ Bacon Burgers are truly at their best when enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can certainly store leftovers for later enjoyment. To ensure the best quality and prevent sogginess, it’s crucial to store the cooked burger patties separately from the buns and any other moisture-containing burger toppings (like lettuce or tomato, though melted cheese on the patty is perfectly fine). Place the cooled patties in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the patties in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can lead to a rubbery texture. Once reheated, assemble your burgers with fresh, toasted buns and your favorite toppings for a near-fresh, delicious experience.
Absolutely! While grilling offers that fantastic smoky char, you can easily adapt this BBQ Bacon Burger recipe for indoor cooking. Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) or a flat-top grill plate. Ensure your skillet is hot with a little oil before adding the patties to achieve a good sear. You’ll still follow the same cooking times, adjusting as needed for your desired doneness. The liquid smoke incorporated into the patty mixture helps to impart that desired BBQ flavor, even without a direct flame, ensuring your homemade burgers are still packed with taste.
Several factors contribute to a sturdy burger patty that holds its shape beautifully on the grill. First, ensure you’re using ground beef with adequate fat content (85/15 or 80/20 is ideal) as fat acts as a natural binder. Second, while you don’t want to overmix the meat (which can make it tough), ensure the seasonings are evenly incorporated by gently combining them. Third, when forming patties, press them firmly enough so they hold together, but don’t compact them too tightly, as this can result in a dense burger. Making the indent in the center, as suggested in the recipe, also helps them maintain their shape and prevents puffing. Finally, avoid flipping the burgers too frequently; let them cook undisturbed for the recommended time on each side to develop a good, solid crust.
For perfectly crispy bacon, slow and steady wins the race. Cook your bacon over medium heat in a skillet or on a flat-top grill. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, resulting in uniformly crisp strips without burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the bacon in batches if necessary to ensure it crisps up properly. Flip the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once golden and crisp, immediately transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease; this helps it stay wonderfully crisp as it cools, making it the perfect addition to your flavorful patties.
Yes, definitely! Preparing components in advance is a fantastic way to streamline your cooking process and make assembling your BBQ Bacon Burgers quick and easy. You can form the burger patties up to a day in advance and keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready for grilling. The bacon can also be cooked and crisped ahead of time and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few hours, or refrigerated for a day (you can re-crisp it briefly in a hot pan or oven before serving if needed). The red onions can be caramelized a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Having these components prepped will significantly speed up assembly time when you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade burgers!
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Bacon Burgers
These magnificent BBQ Bacon Burgers are undeniably the star of any meal, bursting with flavors that can easily stand on their own. The combination of melty cheddar cheese, sweet and tender caramelized red onion, the freshest tomato slices, and that irresistible tangy BBQ sauce creates a truly satisfying experience. However, part of the joy of a great burger is the freedom to customize and pair it with an array of delectable sides and additional burger toppings.
As we mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to get creative with your burger construction! Beyond the recommended staples, adding a layer of crispy fried onions or even a generous helping of golden air-fryer onion rings directly onto your burger can provide an incredible textural contrast and another dimension of savory-sweetness. Think of it as building your ultimate burger masterpiece, making each bite an adventure of flavors and textures!
When it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are vast and varied, allowing you to tailor your meal to any craving or occasion. Classic pairings that complement these juicy burgers include golden, crispy french fries, indulgent sweet potato fries, or nostalgic tater tots. For those who enjoy a little heat and creaminess, jalapeno poppers make an excellent accompaniment. And, of course, a pile of those crunchy onion rings is always a welcome sight!
If you’re looking for lighter or more traditional barbecue-style sides, consider serving your BBQ Bacon Burgers with a vibrant, refreshing coleslaw, a creamy potato salad, or hearty, sweet baked beans. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors of the burger. For a true crowd-pleaser, you could even offer a variety of sides, allowing everyone to build their perfect plate. The goal is to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates the incredible flavors of your homemade BBQ Bacon Burgers, making every gathering a memorable feast.
Discover More Delicious Burger & Sandwich Recipes
If you loved crafting these BBQ Bacon Burgers, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is filled with more mouth-watering burger and sandwich creations that are just as flavorful and satisfying. Explore these related recipes to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new favorites:
- Classic Patty Melt
- Perfect Smash Burger
- Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
- Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs (A Fun Twist!)
- Spicy Buffalo Burger
- Unique Taco Burger
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BBQ Bacon Burgers
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke
- 12 ounces bacon
- Montreal steak seasoning to taste
- ½ red onion sliced into rings
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- bottled barbecue sauce to taste
Optional Toppings
- tomato sliced
- pickles
- lettuce
Things You’ll Need
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Grill
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Large skillet or flat top grill plate
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Mixing bowls
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- The nutrition facts listed below does not include barbecue sauce. Refer to the back of the individual bottle you choose for serving size and nutrition.
- We are using a grill, however your burgers can be cooked in a skillet or on an indoor grill.
- If the flame on your grill flares up, you can mist it lightly with a spray bottle of water.
- We prefer to use 85/15 ground beef for our burger patties, though you can also use 80/20. Relying on a little bit of fat percentage is what helps the burgers stay juicy and tender when cooked. You can use ground sirloin instead of ground beef, but it’s typically leaner and therefore drier when cooked.
- The toppings all come down to preference, but we would suggest red onion, tomato, cheddar cheese, and of course, barbecue sauce. Other great options include lettuce, pickles, crispy fried onions, or onion rings. You can substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack, American, or Monterey jack cheese if desired. If preferred, you can leave the red onion raw instead of sauteeing them in the bacon grease.
Instructions
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Preheat grill to 400 F.
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Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
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In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Using gloved hands, combine these ingredients with your fingers. Add seasoning to the ground beef.
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Add liquid smoke and hot sauce to the ground beef. Use gloved hands to combine everything together. Divide meat into 4 equal pieces and form into patties. Use your finger to create an indent in the center of each patty.*
TIP – Creating an indent in the center of each hamburger patty keeps the burger from puffing up in the center.
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Season bacon with Montreal steak seasoning and cook in a skillet or flat top grill until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
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Cook red onion rings in bacon grease until tender.
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Place burgers on preheated grill, indent side up. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip over and cook an additional 5 minutes.
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Add cheese slices a couple minutes before burgers are ready to be removed from the grill.
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Toast buns on the grill after removing the burgers.
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Assemble sandwiches with your favorite condiments and toppings. Don’t forget the barbecue sauce!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.