This juicy, flavorful, and totally addictive grilled BBQ bacon burger is the over-the-top, gourmet burger recipe you’ve been waiting for. Pile your burger patty, bacon, and favorite toppings on a golden, toasted bun slathered with BBQ sauce for the ultimate comfort food!
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My son absolutely loves hamburgers. And when we want to celebrate his wins after soccer practice, we’ll take the once-in-a-blue-moon trip through the drive-thru for his favorite burgers and fries.
However, the drive-thru isn’t going to get it at our family cookouts. Besides, homemade is ALWAYS better. And after several attempts at Immafying it, I can proudly say I’ve nailed it.
The Secret to Juicy Hamburgers
As much as fat has been demonized, we have to admit that it’s what makes meat tasty and juicy. Ground beef with a meat-to-fat ratio of 80% meat to 20% fat is the minimum. Feel free to go with a higher fat ratio, but for juicy burgers, we don’t want to go lower.
Another key to juicy burgers is not to overcook them. An instant-read meat thermometer will let you know when the burgers reach 160℉ (70℃). If you feel the need to go higher, just know that you’ll end up with drier burgers.
How to Grill BBQ Bacon Burgers
- Mix the fillers, add the beef, mix gently but thoroughly, then form your patties.
- Grill them until they reach your desired doneness, and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- Blend a can of chipotle peppers in adobo and add it to the BBQ sauce for a spicier, smokier experience.
- Feel free to make these burgers with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Recent data has revealed that gently flipping your burgers every 15-20 seconds results in faster and more even cooking. Who knew!
- Assembling a burger bar for your next cookout will make it easier for your guests to customize their burgers. Set up your selected toppings and sauces, with the toasted buns first and the grilled burgers and bacon last, and let everyone make their burger the way they like.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
Make the patties ahead of time, and keep them, uncooked, in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To make them even further ahead, layer the patties between doubled pieces of parchment paper (that makes them easier to pop apart), stack them, wrap them in heavy foil, and store them in a large freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pop out as many as you want, and thaw them overnight in the fridge. Pull them out of the fridge around 30 minutes before grilling, then grill away.
I love making extra burgers for the following week’s meal prep. Crumble them over salad bowls, into mac and cheese, and add to soups for a protein boost.
What to Pair With BBQ Bacon Burgers
Classic sides for backyard burgers are fries, coleslaw, potato salad, deviled eggs, and Southern sweet tea. I’m sure your family will love finishing these off with lemon bars for an easy picnic dessert.
More Fantastic Main Dishes to Grill
By Imma