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Best Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger – A Classic Big Daddy Burger

Get ready for the ultimate burger experience with this Best Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger recipe. It is the perfect burger to make when you are craving a hearty and delicious cheeseburger or to serve when celebrating something special, like Father’s Day!

The combination of a thick beef patty, strips of bacon, two different varieties of cheese and flavorful sauces creates a taste that’s simply irresistible. Not to mention that it is served on brioche buns which not only is the perfect platform to hold the ingredients, it also adds a touch of elegance to the burger.

However the secret to this burger’s success is in its seasoning, which ensures every bite is packed with mouthwatering flavors. A dash of Worcestershire sauce and a few simple spices takes the ground beef to a whole new level of savory and delicious.

barbecue bacon cheeseburger

Then add two varieties of sliced cheese and you will have created the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors which also compliment the other ingredients perfectly. As you can see this burger is a definite crowd-pleaser that will impress you and your loved one.

If that wasn’t good enough crispy onion straws are added on top of the cheese for an amazing and unexpected crunch. And to pull it all together barbecue sauce is drizzled over top.

The result is a cheeseburger that will have everyone’s taste buds bursting with delight. However, before you fire up the grill here are a few key tips to make sure that the burgers turn out perfect each and every time.

What Type of Beef Makes The Best Burger

Just like when making Peanut Butter Bacon Burgers, or any homemade hamburger it all starts with choosing the right type of beef. For a tender, juicy, and flavorful patties, choose 80/20 ground beef, containing 80% lean meat and 20% fat.

This ratio ensures that the burger will have great flavor, but also turn out to be moist and succulent. The higher fat content actually enhances the taste and texture, making it the ideal choice for this barbecue bacon cheeseburger recipe.

What Cut of Bacon To Use

Because this is a burger that is designed to impress, it is best to use thick cut bacon for its meaty texture and flavor. When compared to regular slices of bacon, thick cut bacon will be more than noticeable as one of the main ingredients when you assemble the burger.

As for the flavor of the bacon, it is best to choose hickory or apple wood smoked bacon whenever it is available. The taste of the hickory smoke pairs perfectly with the beef and barbecue sauce.

However, if you have center cut, thin, cut or standard bacon, you can still make this delicious recipe.

thick cut bacon on burger
Thick cut bacon is the ideal variety of bacon to use in this recipe.

Best Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Seasoning

Although you can find a variety of grilling and smoking spice rubs at most grocery or hardware stores, sometimes a simple homemade seasoning is the best. And that is definitely the case when preparing these barbecue bacon burgers.

To flavor the patties it only takes a little Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. These basic ingredients create a delicious, balanced flavor profile that highlights the beef’s natural taste.

Although you could add a store-bought beef rub to the mix, I find that the simple seasonings included in this recipe makes for a more flavorful burger. Dry rubs often over power the meat and you miss out on the flavor of the actual burger.

Best Type of Bun For Burgers

When making barbecue bacon cheeseburgers the best type of bun to use is one that is sturdy to hold the ingredients, yet still be soft. Unfortunately, standard hamburger buns are often too soft and too small.

Brioche buns are the ideal choice when serving burgers. Not only are they a little larger than standard buns, they also have a buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor, which compliments the savory components of the burger.

Other types of bun that you can use include classic sesame seed buns or potato rolls. They both are sturdy enough to hold the burger and the other ingredients.

Brioche bun
A brioche bun that is toasted is the perfect medium to hold this Big Daddy Burger.

What Type of Cheese To Use

When it comes to deciding the best cheese to use when making a barbecue bacon cheeseburger, you can’t go wrong with classic American cheese. Not only does the cheese have good flavor, it melts perfectly over top of the burger.

However, to make this earn the title of the best barbecue cheeseburger, a second variety of cheese is added as well. A slice of Monterey Jack cheese is also added to the burger.

The creamier and mild taste of the cheese provides a nice balance to the other strong flavors of the burger. And it also is a good melting cheese that is perfect to use when grilling.

Fried Onion Straws

Fried onion straws adds a crispy texture to the burger. While homemade onion straws are an option, store-bought varieties are a convenient time-saver.

The crunchy and flavorful onion straws are used as a topping, rather than being served as a side dish. With just one bite you will understand how the little strands add an extra depth of texture and flavor to the overall experience of the burger.

Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Condiments

Mayonnaise and barbecue sauce are the only condiments needed for this burger. The creamy mayonnaise and sweet, smoky barbecue sauce provide a unique flavor combination that pairs perfectly with the bacon, cheese, and onion straws.

The absence of standard condiments like ketchup and mustard allows the flavors of the barbecue sauce and mayonnaise to take really take center stage. And there is no need for lettuce, tomato or pickles, the burger is delicious without those extra toppings.

grilled burger
A grilled burger that is ready to be loaded onto the bun with the other ingredients.

What To Serve With A Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger

Serve your burger with classic sides like French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or potato salad for a traditional barbecue meal. Or opt for a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or baked beans for something different.

There you have it, the ultimate guide to creating the best barbecue bacon cheeseburger. With the right type of beef, bacon, seasonings, and toppings, this mouthwatering burger will surely impress family and friends alike. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a special burger that is guaranteed to be a hit!

The Best Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 slices thick cut bacon
  • 2/3 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 slices yellow American cheese
  • 1/2 cup French fried onions
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons Barbecue Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making a barbecue bacon cheeseburger is to cook the bacon. You can cook the bacon using your desired method (I prefer to cook my bacon in the air fryer) until browned to desired doneness. Remove and set the bacon on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef. Sprinkle the meat with the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. However, be careful not to over mix the meat as it will make the burgers dense.

Divide the beef and form into two patties. Be sure to indent the center of the burger with your thumb. This will help prevent the burger from becoming a dome when grilled. Set aside.

fried onions on a bacon cheeseburger
Place the fried onions on top of the cheese and then drizzle barbecue sauce over top.

Brush the insides of brioche buns with the melted butter. Brown the buns on the grill placed over medium-high heat to desired doneness.

While the buns are on the grill, add the patties. Grill the burgers on one side for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom surface is browned and has good grill marks.

Then carefully flip each burger. Cook until the burger has reached an internal temperature of 155°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer.

Place one slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of each burger. Then add one slice of American cheese to the burgers and turn off the grill heat. Close the grill and let the cheese melt.

How To Assemble A Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger

To assemble the burgers spread the bottom toasted bun with mayonnaise. Then add two slices of bacon on top of the mayo.

Place the burger patty on top of the bacon. Then top the burger with a pile of crispy onion straws.

Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the onions and add the top bun.

Enjoy! Mary

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barbecue bacon cheeseburger

Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger

Ingredients

  • 4 slices thick cut bacon
  • 2/3 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 slices yellow American cheese
  • 1/2 cup freezer onion straws, cooked
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until browned to desired doneness. Remove and set the bacon on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add the beef. Sprinkle evenly with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are just combined.
  3. Divide the beef into two patties, being sure to indent the center of the burger with your thumb. Set aside.
  4. Brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with the melted butter. Brown the buns on the grill placed over medium-high heat to desired doneness.
  5. Grill the burger patties on one side for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom surface is browned with good grill marks. Flip the burgers and cook until the burger has reached an internal temperature of 155°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer.
  6. Place one slice Monterey Jack and one slice of American cheese to the top of each burger and turn off the grill heat. Close the grill and let the cheese melt.
  7. To assemble the burgers spread the bottom bun with mayonnaise. Then add two slices of bacon to the bottom of the bun. Place the burger patty on top of the bacon. Then top the burger with a pile of crispy onion straws.
  8. Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the onions and add the top bun.
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