Okay, so let’s talk about the absolute king of comfort food, the undisputed champion of backyard parties, the one and only All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger! Seriously, is there anything better than that first juicy bite? You’ve got the perfectly grilled beef, that salty crunch of bacon, and cheese melting into everything… it’s just pure happiness on a bun.
For me, these burgers bring back so many memories of summer cookouts at my grandparents’ house. The smell of the grill, the sound of laughter, and always a plate piled high with these beauties. I’ve spent years trying to nail that perfect combination – tweaking things here and there, figuring out the best way to get that bacon just right and the cheese perfectly gooey. And let me tell you, I’ve finally cracked the code. Get ready for the best All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger you’ve ever made!
Why You’ll Love These All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Trust me, these aren’t just any burgers. You’re going to fall in love with them because:
- They’re seriously fast! Perfect for a weeknight or last-minute get-together.
- So easy to make, even for grilling beginners.
- The flavor combination is just *chef’s kiss* – classic and utterly delicious.
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser; everyone loves a good bacon cheeseburger!
Equipment for Making All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Alright, let’s get our gear ready! You don’t need anything fancy for these beauties, just the basics for grilling up some magic. You’ll definitely need your trusty grill, of course. A good spatula is a must for flipping those patties and getting them off the heat. And don’t forget a skillet for crisping up that bacon!
Ingredients for All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Okay, here’s what you’ll need to gather from the grocery store or pull out of your pantry to make these amazing All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers. It’s a pretty standard list, but getting the right stuff makes all the difference!
- 2 pounds ground beef (aim for something around 80/20 for juicy patties)
- 8 slices bacon (use your favorite kind, we’ll crisp it up!)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or whatever melty cheese makes you happy)
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted is key!)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Now, about those ingredients! For the ground beef, that 80/20 blend gives you flavor without being too greasy. If you like it leaner, go for 85/15, but maybe add a tiny pat of butter to the center of the patty before grilling! Bacon-wise, thick-cut is fantastic for that extra crunch, but regular works just fine. And cheese? Cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap in provolone, American, or even pepper jack if you like a little heat!
How to Prepare All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making these burgers! Don’t be intimidated, it’s really straightforward. Just follow these steps and you’ll be biting into burger heaven in no time.
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill. Get it going to medium-high heat. That way, it’s nice and hot when those patties hit the grates, giving you a great sear.
While the grill is heating up, grab that ground beef. Gently divide it into four equal portions. Now, form each portion into a patty. Try not to overwork the meat here – just gently shape them. Make them slightly larger than your buns because they’ll shrink a bit as they cook. Push a small little dimple in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Next up, the bacon! Cook your bacon in a skillet until it’s perfectly crispy. I like mine extra crunchy for burgers. Once it’s done, take it out and let it drain on some paper towels to get rid of the excess grease.
Now for the main event! Carefully place your seasoned patties on the hot grill. For a juicy medium burger, grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. If you like them more done, give them a little longer. Less done? Shorter time! Just keep an eye on them.
During the very last minute of grilling, pop a slice of that delicious cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you chose!) on top of each patty. Close the grill lid for just a moment to help it melt into gooey perfection.
While the cheese is melting, quickly toast those hamburger buns on the grill. Just a minute or two on the cut sides is usually enough to get a nice golden color and a little crispness. This makes a huge difference, trust me!
Okay, assembly time! Place a cheesy patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Pile on that crispy bacon, then layer on your lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Squirt on some ketchup and mustard if that’s your jam (and really, why wouldn’t it be?). Top it off with the other half of the bun, and BAM! You’ve got a masterpiece.
Serve them up right away while they’re hot and glorious!
Tips for Perfect All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Want to make these even better? Don’t skimp on the seasoning – salt and pepper are your friends! Make sure your grill is properly heated before adding the patties; this helps prevent sticking. And keep an eye on those grill temperatures; too hot and you’ll burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Aim for that medium-high sweet spot!
Serving Suggestions for Your All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Okay, you’ve got these incredible burgers ready to go! Now, what do you serve alongside them? You can’t go wrong with classic BBQ sides. Think crispy french fries (of course!), a big bowl of potato salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some grilled corn on the cob. Keep it simple and let the burger be the star, but these sides just complete the whole patio party vibe!
Storing and Reheating All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store these All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or pop them into an airtight container. Keep the components separate if you can – like the patty and bun – it helps keep the bun from getting soggy. They’ll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is usually gently in a skillet or even back on a low grill to warm the patty through without drying it out. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Toast the bun fresh if you can!
Frequently Asked Questions About All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Okay, so you might have a few questions as you’re whipping up these fantastic All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers. Totally normal! Here are some common ones I get asked:
Q: How do I know when my burger is done?
A: The best way to check doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and medium-well is 150-155°F. Remember they’ll cook a little more after you take them off the grill!
Q: My cheese isn’t melting well on my grilled burger. What gives?
A: Make sure you’re adding the cheese during the last minute of grilling. Closing the grill lid for that minute really helps trap the heat and melt it beautifully. You can also add a tiny splash of water next to the patty on the grill and quickly close the lid – the steam helps melt the cheese fast!
Q: Can I add other toppings besides the classics?
A: Absolutely! That’s the beauty of a homemade grilled burger. Grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, a fried egg, avocado slices, different sauces… go wild and make it your own ultimate bacon cheeseburger!
Q: What kind of bacon is best for these burgers?
A: Honestly, use your favorite! Regular slice bacon gets nice and crispy. Thick-cut bacon gives you more chew. Just make sure you cook it until it’s really done and drain off the grease so it stays crispy on the burger.
Q: Can I cook these on a stovetop instead of a grill?
A: Yep! You can cook the patties in a hot skillet on the stovetop. You won’t get that smoky BBQ flavor, but they’ll still be delicious bacon cheeseburgers!
Nutritional Information
Just so you have an idea, here’s a rough breakdown of what you’re getting with one of these All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers. Keep in mind, these are estimates! How much fat is in your ground beef, the type of cheese you use, and how much ketchup and mustard you slather on will totally change these numbers. Think of it as a ballpark figure!
Print
Amazing All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy beef patties topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, a classic American BBQ delight.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Form the ground beef into four equally sized patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or to your desired level.
- During the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheese.
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
- Assemble the burgers: place a patty on the bottom bun, top with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust grilling time based on your preferred level of doneness.
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- Add other toppings like grilled onions or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: BBQ, bacon, cheeseburger, grilled, beef, American