Let’s just say it: Barbecue bacon burgers are spectacular. When a juicy beef burger is covered in melted spicy cheese, slathered with barbecue sauce, topped with strips of crunchy bacon and stacked high with onion rings, what’s not to love? If you are as obsessed with cheeseburger-inspired recipes as we are, then this dish is for you.
Ingredients for Barbecue Bacon Burgers
- Ground beef: Sticking to an 80/20 ratio of lean meat to fat is one of the best tips for choosing the best ground beef for burgers.
- Seasonings: These burgers are seasoned simply with garlic salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you could add in your favorite steak seasoning.
- Cheese: Nothing tops a burger better than melty cheese. This recipe uses slices of pepper jack, but you can use your favorite sliced cheese.
- Hamburger buns: Use a sturdy bun for this hearty barbecue bacon burger. Brioche, whole wheat or pretzel buns would be great options. For extra bonus points, bake the hamburger buns from scratch.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your choice of the best barbecue sauce brand. Or, if you’re an overachiever, try our recipe for homemade barbecue sauce.
- Bacon strips: Bacon adds a salty and savory crunch to the burgers. If you don’t have some stocked in the freezer, pick up one of the best bacon brands next time you’re at the store. When it comes to cooking the bacon, you’ve got plenty of options, but we recommend baking bacon for perfectly crisp strips every time.
- Onion rings: Onion rings take these barbecue bacon cheeseburgers over the top. Pick up a bag of frozen onion rings from your local grocery store, or make fried onion rings in your own kitchen.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the onion rings
Bake the onion rings according to the package directions.
Step 2: Make the burger patties
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the beef, garlic salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 3/4-inch-thick patties.
Step 3: Cook the burgers
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the burgers over medium heat for five to seven minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°F. Add the cheese slices during the last minute of cooking.
Editor’s Tip: Would you rather cook your burgers on the grill or in the oven? No problem! Follow these fool-proof tips for making hamburgers, whichever way you want to cook them.
Step 4: Top and serve the burgers
Serve the burgers on buns with barbecue sauce, bacon, onion rings and other toppings as desired.
Barbecue Bacon Burger Variations
- Change the onion rings to onion strings: Instead of onion rings, top the burgers with crispy fried onion strings or shoestring fries.
- Flavor the patties: For additional umami flavor, stir 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce into the burger patty mixture.
- Pile on the toppings: When a barbecue bacon cheeseburger is stacked this high, why not add a couple more items to the mix? Classic burger toppings such as lettuce, tomato and refrigerator pickles are always an amazing idea. Sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole are other tasty options.
How to Store Barbecue Bacon Burgers
Leftover burgers can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container. To prevent mushy buns, store them separately from the burgers. Reheat the patties in a 350° oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the center of the burger reaches 160°. Flip the burgers once midway through the cooking period.
Can you make barbecue bacon burgers ahead of time?
Burger patties can be made up to two days in advance. Cover them tightly in storage wrap and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to make the bacon and onion rings right before using them as toppings for the burgers.
Barbecue Bacon Burger Tips
What can you serve with barbecue bacon burgers?
When it comes to side dishes for barbecue bacon cheeseburgers, think of picnic foods such as potato salad, cowboy caviar, pasta salad or sweet corn on the cob. Lighter side dishes to consider include a fresh green salad or fruit salad.
What’s the secret to juicy burgers?
Avoid pressing down on the burgers as they cook since this will squeeze out the delicious juices. Also, be sure to let the burgers rest for five minutes after they have cooked. Doing so lets the juices redistribute so they don’t all drip out after your first bite.
