Bbq Bacon Cheddar Burger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow thumb indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent doming during cook.

Preheat and cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat. When the pan is shimmering (about 3–4 minutes), add the patties. Cook without moving 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium, or longer to desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with two slices of cheddar cheese and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.

While the patties come to room temperature, cook the bacon. Preheat a separate skillet over medium heat or use the oven (400°F/200°C on a baking sheet). Cook bacon until crisp, turning as needed — about 6–8 minutes in a skillet or 12–15 minutes in oven. Transfer to paper towels to drain and keep warm. Reserve a little bacon fat in the pan if desired for toasting buns.

Split the buns and spread softened butter on cut sides. Toast buttered sides in the bacon skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Assemble toppings: thinly slice the red onion into rings, wash and dry lettuce leaves, and have pickle slices ready.

Make the BBQ mayo: in a small bowl combine barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust to taste (more mayo for creaminess, more BBQ for tang/sweet).

Build each burger: spread a tablespoon of BBQ mayo on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then set the cheese-topped patty on the lettuce. Layer three slices of crispy bacon across the patty, add 4 pickle slices and a few red onion rings. Spoon a little more BBQ mayo on the top bun and place it over the burger. Serve immediately.

If serving with sides, allow burgers to rest 1 minute and then serve warm.