Sweet Heat Bbq Bacon Burger Recipe
Make Sweet Heat Bbq Bacon Burger Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce
Bacon & Topping
Buns & Finish
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
Form and season patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming. Sprinkle both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Let the seasoned patties rest at room temperature while you prepare other components — about 10 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce
Make the sauce
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chopped chipotle, hot honey, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce is warmed through. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness (add more chipotle for heat, more honey for sweetness). Remove from heat and set aside.
Bacon & Topping
Cook the bacon
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack if available. Bake 12–18 minutes depending on thickness until crispy but still slightly pliable for layering on burgers. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain.
Thinly slice red onion if not already sliced. Prepare pickle slices and wash lettuce leaves. Keep toppings ready to assemble.
Buns & Finish
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or grill over medium-high heat and oil lightly or add a small pat of butter. Place patties on the hot surface and cook without moving 3–4 minutes to form a crust. Flip and immediately brush the cooked side with a generous spoonful of the Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce. Lay a slice of cheddar on each patty, cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time to desired doneness). During the last 30–60 seconds, brush the other side with sauce as well so both sides have glaze.
If using an instant-read thermometer, target internal temperature: 160°F (71°C) for well-done, 145–150°F for medium-rare to medium (adjust per local guidelines).
Assemble burgers
Spread mayonnaise (optional) on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the glazed cheddar-topped patty, two slices of bacon (overlapping), 2 pickle slices, and a few rings of red onion. Spoon an additional 1–2 teaspoons of Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce on top of the bacon if desired. Cap with the toasted top bun.