Bbq Bacon Cheddar Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the meat. Gently mix until combined, being careful not to overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook the patties 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip. After flipping, brush the top with a little barbecue sauce (about 1/2 tbsp per patty) and place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove patties and rest for 2–3 minutes.

Cook bacon

While patties are cooking, heat a skillet over medium and add bacon slices. Cook 3–5 minutes per side until crisp (or to desired doneness). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm. Option: bake bacon on a sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes for even crisping.

Prepare onion rings

Cook frozen onion rings according to package instructions (deep-fry, air-fry, or oven-bake). For oven: preheat to 425°F (220°C), arrange rings on a sheet, lightly brush with vegetable oil, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden, flipping once. For air-fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway. Keep warm until assembly.

Toast buns

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on cut sides of the burger buns. Toast buttered sides 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively, toast in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce on the bottom bun. Place lettuce and tomato slices (if using) on the bun, then add the cheddar-topped beef patty. Top the patty with 1–2 slices of cooked bacon (depending on preference) and 2 cooked onion rings. Drizzle an additional 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce over the onion rings, add pickles if desired, and finish with the top bun.

Serve the BBQ Bacon Cheddar immediately with fries or a side salad. Provide extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Leftovers: refrigerate patties and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.