Bbq Bacon Burger Recipe

Cook bacon

Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet without overlapping. Cook over medium heat until edges crisp and fat renders, 8–12 minutes, flipping as needed. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. When cool enough, cut each strip in half (or leave whole if preferred) so there are 3 pieces per burger.

While bacon cooks, thinly slice red onion into rings and separate lettuce leaves. Measure out BBQ sauce and set aside.

Form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over meat. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form into slightly wider-than-bun patties about 3/4-inch thick, pressing a gentle dimple in the center of each to reduce puffing during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or grill to medium-high. If using a skillet, add a light brush of neutral oil. Place patties on the hot surface and cook 3–4 minutes without moving, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Brush the top of the patties with about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce each, then place a slice of cheddar on one patty and 3 pieces of cooked bacon on the other patty (or arrange bacon on top of cheese as you prefer). Cook 1–2 minutes more, until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done (or 155°F/68°C for medium-well).

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns. In a clean skillet or on the grill, toast the buns cut-side down over medium heat until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce on each bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf on the sauced bottom bun, then set the bacon+cheese-topped patty (or cheese+bacon-topped single patty) on the lettuce. Add pickle slices (2 per burger) and a few red onion rings. Drizzle an additional 1/2 tablespoon BBQ sauce over the top if desired. Cap with the toasted top bun.

Serve the BBQ Bacon Burger immediately while hot. Offer extra BBQ sauce and hot sauce at the table. Leftovers: store patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.