Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger with Crispy Bacon and Melted Cheddar
This Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger is the ultimate juicy grilled burger recipe loaded with crispy bacon, sharp melted cheddar cheese, and rich barbecue sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Made with flavorful 80/20 ground beef and simple seasonings, this easy homemade bacon cheddar burger is perfect for summer cookouts, backyard grilling, or weeknight burger nights. If you’re looking for the best BBQ bacon burger recipe with bold smoky flavor and restaurant-quality results, this one delivers every time.
Servings 4 large burgers
Calories 800kcal
Cost $18 for entire recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cast iron skillet or outdoor grill
- Spatula
- Tongs (for bacon)
- meat thermometer
- Small skillet (for toasting buns, if not using grill)
- paper towels
- Plate or tray for resting burgers
Ingredients
For the patties
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 for best juiciness
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Toppings
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup thick barbecue sauce your favorite smoky style
- 4 brioche or sesame seed burger buns
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1–2 tbsp butter for toasting buns
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Form the Patties
- Divide beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each). Gently shape into patties slightly wider than the buns. Press a small indent into the center of each to prevent puffing.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook the Burgers
- Heat grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high.
- Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust for preferred doneness).
- During the last minute of cooking, brush each patty with barbecue sauce and top with cheddar cheese. Cover briefly to melt.
Toast the Buns
- Spread butter on cut sides of buns and toast in a skillet or on the grill until golden.
Assemble
- Bottom bun → lettuce → cheesy BBQ patty → 2 slices bacon → red onion → extra drizzle of BBQ sauce → top bun.
- Serve immediately while melty and juicy.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest BBQ bacon cheddar burger. The higher fat content keeps the burger moist and flavorful during grilling.
- Do not overwork the beef mixture. Gently form patties to keep your homemade cheeseburgers tender instead of dense.
- Make a thumbprint indent in the center of each patty before cooking. This prevents shrinking and helps create perfectly even grilled burgers.
- For the best smoky flavor, use a thick, bold barbecue sauce and brush it onto the burger during the last minute of cooking to avoid burning.
- Melt the cheddar by covering the pan or grill briefly. This creates that classic restaurant-style melted cheddar cheeseburger finish.
- Toasting brioche buns in butter adds structure and prevents soggy buns when layering BBQ sauce and juicy beef patties.
- For extra flavor, add crispy onion rings, pickled jalapeños, or a chipotle mayo spread for a spicy BBQ burger variation.
- These bacon cheddar burgers can also be cooked in a cast-iron skillet if you don’t have a grill, making this an easy weeknight dinner recipe year-round.
- Internal temperature guide: Cook to 160°F for fully cooked beef burgers for food safety.