BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese

The BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese is the ultimate indulgence — a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors stacked between two toasted buns. Imagine a juicy beef patty, seared to perfection, topped with melted sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce.

This burger is more than just a meal — it’s a full-on flavor experience. The smoky bacon adds crunch, the BBQ sauce adds sweetness and zest, and the cheddar melts into the beef for that creamy richness we all crave.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this burger because it’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures — juicy beef, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy-sweet BBQ sauce. Every bite has a satisfying balance: smoky, cheesy, savory, and just a little messy (in the best way possible). It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard cookouts, game-day gatherings, or a weekend treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Comfort: A timeless combination of beef, bacon, and cheddar.
• Smoky & Savory: BBQ sauce and bacon give irresistible flavor depth.
• Cheesy Perfection: Melted cheddar ties everything together.
• Restaurant-Style Quality: Juicy, thick patty cooked to perfection.
• Customizable: Add toppings or switch sauces to make it your own.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories per Serving: ~680 kcal

(Calories vary depending on bacon, bun, and cheese used.)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner / Grill

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for flavor)

For the Toppings:

• 8 slices bacon
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or smoked)
• 1 small onion, sliced and caramelized or grilled
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose smoky or sweet style)
• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Optional Add-ons:

• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Jalapeños (for a spicy twist)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Form and season burger patties.
2. Cook bacon until crispy.
3. Grill or pan-sear patties until browned and juicy.
4. Top with cheddar cheese and let it melt.
5. Toast buns with butter.
6. Assemble burgers with BBQ sauce, bacon, onions, and toppings.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook bacon until crisp, about 5–6 minutes per side.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Gently form into 4 equal patties, about ¾ inch thick.
   • Press a small dent in the center with your thumb — this helps them cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

1. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Place patties on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
3. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese.
4. Cover briefly to melt the cheese perfectly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the burger buns.
2. Toast them on the grill or pan until golden brown, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun.
2. Add the cheddar-topped beef patty.
3. Layer with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and any extra toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.).
4. Add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and top with the upper bun.

How to Serve

• Serve the burgers hot and freshly assembled with fries, onion rings, or a coleslaw side.
• Add extra BBQ sauce or aioli dip on the side for dipping.
• Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual dinner nights.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always rest cooked patties for 2–3 minutes before assembling to retain juices.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more crunch and flavor.
• Choose brioche buns or pretzel buns for a gourmet touch.
• Homemade BBQ sauce makes a big difference — smoky or honey-based ones are great!
• Don’t press down on the patties while cooking — it releases juices and dries them out.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Burger: Add jalapeños and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce.
2. Double Bacon Burger: Use two patties and double the bacon for indulgence.
3. Turkey or Chicken Version: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
4. Vegetarian BBQ Burger: Use a grilled portobello mushroom or plant-based patty.
5. Hawaiian BBQ Burger: Add grilled pineapple slices for a sweet-tangy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store cooked patties separately (not assembled) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:
  Freeze uncooked patties (with parchment between each) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Reheating:
  Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm. Avoid microwaving fully assembled burgers — it makes them soggy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or large skillet (cast iron preferred)
• Tongs or spatula
• Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)
• Paper towels for draining bacon

Conclusion

The BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese is the ultimate comfort food classic — smoky, juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It captures the essence of summer grilling and backyard gatherings but is simple enough to make year-round in your own kitchen.

Each bite bursts with the rich savoriness of beef, the salty crunch of bacon, and the sweet tang of BBQ sauce — a combination that never fails to satisfy. Whether for a family dinner, cookout, or indulgent weekend treat, this burger is guaranteed to impress.

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BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 680 kcal

Description

The BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese is the ultimate indulgence — a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors stacked between two toasted buns. Imagine a juicy beef patty, seared to perfection, topped with melted sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Burger Patties:

• 1 lb (450g)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for flavor)

For the Toppings:

• 8 slices bacon
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or smoked)
• 1 small onion, sliced and caramelized or grilled
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose smoky or sweet style)
• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Optional Add-ons:

• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Jalapeños (for a spicy twist)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Bacon : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crisp, about 5–6 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Make the Burger Patties : In a bowl, mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently form into 4 equal patties, about ¾ inch thick. Press a small dent in the center with your thumb — this helps them cook evenly.
3. Step 3: Cook the Burgers : Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Place patties on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover briefly to melt the cheese perfectly.
4. Step 4: Toast the Buns : Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the burger buns. Toast them on the grill or pan until golden brown, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Burgers : Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Add the cheddar-topped beef patty. Layer with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and any extra toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.). Add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and top with the upper bun.

Keywords: BBQ Bacon Burger with Cheddar Cheese