Bacon Patty Melt

BBQ Bacon Patty Melt

This 4th of July, we are firing up the backyard grill and diving into an all-American classic: the BBQ Bacon…

The post Bacon Patty Melt appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

BBQ Bacon Patty Melt

This 4th of July, we are firing up the backyard grill and diving into an all-American classic: the BBQ Bacon Patty Melt. Get ready, ’cause the fireworks are coming straight to your taste buds. This insanely delicious sandwich features a juicy beef patty, bacon, onions, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, yellow mustard and the best BBQ sauce.

A close up shot of the a single Bacon Patty Melt.
Post sponsored by Qalo.

To honor America and the sacrifices of our soldiers who secure our freedom, I’m sporting my QALO Stars and Stripes ring while I work. It’s frictionless and heat-resistant—basically, perfect for me when I’m grilling up a storm.

Each Qalo ring for men, available in a range of sizes, features premium-quality silicone for frictionless wear and complete comfort. They donate $1 from every purchase to Folds of Honor.

Why You’ll Love the BBQ Bacon Patty Melt

There’s no comfort food that hits the spot quicker than a good patty melt. If you love the Texas bacon patty melt from Waffle House, you’ll want to make this easy recipe because it tastes even better! We combine the best elements of a classic patty melt with the smoky goodness of crispy, smoky bacon.

The upside-down burger buns get crispy, making for a more cheesy, crunchy style of burger. The whole thing, complete with BBQ sauce, jalapeños, and red onions, is mouthwateringly delicious. In fact, so freakin’ delicious my stomach is rumbling just thinking about it! 

For more insanely tasty patty melts, check out Patty Melt with French Onion Au Jus, Chicken Bacon Ranch Patty Melt and the Oklahoma Onion Patty Melt.

Ingredients for the Bacon Melt

  • Beef Patties – Ground beef or ground chuck is simply seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Yellow mustard is drizzled on the patties before flipping them, giving the burgers a tangy twist.
The patty melt is sliced showing off all the layers of flavor.
  • Patty Melt – To round out the recipe, grab some red onions, jalapeños, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and good o’l white bread burger buns. Finally, don’t forget the star ingredient: strips of bacon.

The cook time for these burgers is fast, so make sure your crowd is good and ready to eat before making them! 

How to Make the Bacon Patty Melt on the Grill

Prepping Your New Favorite Burgers

First things first, heat your grill to high heat, around 400 degrees F, for direct cooking. Place a large cast iron skillet or plancha over the flames to get it nice and hot.

Start by adding some sliced bacon to the large skillet. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then pull it off and mop up any excess bacon fat in the skillet, leaving a little behind for the vegetable sautéing. Once the bacon is done, toss in your red onions and jalapeños. Cook onions with the peppers for about 6-8 minutes until they’re softened, then pull them off and keep them warm.

the bacon, onions, and jalapenos are cooked on the cast iron skillet.

Next, grab a handful of ground beef and gently roll into equal portions. Depending on how much meat you have, you’ll want to do this for about 6-8 balls. Get your skillet ripping hot so that it’s gently smoking.

Cooking the Cheesy Patty Melt

Add a burger ball to the skillet, place a piece of parchment paper over it and firmly press with a spatula until the burger is “smashed” on the skillet. Season the thin patties with salt, pepper and garlic. Let them cook for another 1-1.5 minutes.

The thin patties are drizzled with yellow mustard for the perfect tangy twist.

Before flipping the patty, drizzle some yellow mustard on the unflipped side. Carefully flip the burger patty over, season the new side and top it with a slice of cheese. Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, then pull the patty off and let it rest. Then, repeat this process for the rest of your patties.

Building the Ultimate Patty Melts

To build your patty melt, start with an upside-down bottom butter bun. Add a slice of cheese, some BBQ sauce, double patties, onions and jalapeños, more BBQ sauce and crispy bacon. Finish with the top bun also placed upside down.

The patties are covered in cheddar cheese.

Finally, add the patty melts to the skillet and toast the buns until they’re golden brown. Once they’re perfect, serve and enjoy!

Cheers to great food, good people to share it with and safely celebrating our freedom together on Independence Day!

If you’re loving this recipe, you’ve gotta try the BBQ Bacon Burger next!

Why Cooking Burgers at High Temperature is Essential

Cooking burgers at a high temperature, rather than medium heat, helps achieve that perfect balance of a juicy interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. The high heat creates a quick sear, forming a flavorful crust that locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender burger. Additionally, this rapid cooking method reduces the risk of the burger drying out, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first. 

Bacon Patty Melt stacked and ready to eat!

What to Serve with the Bacon Patty Melt

Pair your BBQ Bacon Patty Melt with some classic sides to round out the meal. Think crispy potato wedges, French fries, sweet potato fries or tater tots—any of these will hit the spot. And don’t forget some grilled corn to really set things off. You’ll be good to go!

Leftovers & Reheating

If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or on the grill wrapped in foil to keep them nice and juicy.

More Patty Melts

FAQs for the Bacon Patty Melt

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings, such as pickles or some different cheeses (some melted, gooey American cheese or Swiss cheese sounds good to me!). 

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You could go for a more traditional vibe with rye bread, thick slices of Texas toast, or just slices of bread from a white loaf. 

What does the QALO Folds of Honor Stars and Stripes Modern Ring ring support? 

Since 2007, Folds of Honor has granted thousands of educational scholarships to support spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders. Nearly half of these scholarships have been awarded to minority recipients. For each purchase from this collection, $1 will be donated directly to Folds of Honor to further their mission.

Get The Cookbooks!

Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire

By Derek Wolf

All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.

BBQ Bacon Patty Melt
Print

Bacon Patty Melt

This 4th of July create memories with my BBQ Bacon Patty Melt recipe. It features upside-down buns for a cheesy, crunchy style of BBQ burger.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 1194kcal
Author Derek Wolf

Ingredients

Beef:

  • 1 lbs Ground Beef
  • 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • ¼ cup Yellow Mustard
  • Beef Tallow as needed

Patty Melt:

  • 1 cup Sliced Red Onions
  • 1 cup Sliced Jalapeño
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce
  • 6-8 slices Cheddar Cheese
  • 6-8 Burger Buns
  • 1 lb Bacon

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the special sauce then place in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Heat your grill at high heat (around 400 degrees F) for direct cooking.
  • Add a cast iron skillet or plancha over the flames to heat and add some sliced bacon to the cold skillet. Cook them bacon until crispy, then pull off and mop up any excess bacon fat in the skillet.
  • Once done, add your red onions and jalapenos to saute for 6-8 minutes until softened. I left some of the bacon fat on the skillet for the onions and jalapeños to sautéed in. Then pull off and keep warm.
  • Grab a handful of ground beef and gently roll it into a ball. Repeat this for 6-8 balls or until you’re out of meat.
  • Get your skillet ripping hot (so it's gently smoking). Add a burger ball to the skillet. Place a piece of parchment over one ball and then firmly press with the spatula until the burger is “smashed” on the skillet.
  • Season the patty with salt, pepper and garlic. Let cook for another 1-1.5 minutes.
  • Before flipping, drizzle some yellow mustard on the unflipped patty.
  • Carefully flip the burger patty over and then season the new side.
  • Top with a slice of cheese and let melt for 1-2 minutes. Once melted, pull off and rest.
  • Repeat for the rest of your patties.
  • Build your patty melt with an upside down bottom butter bun, slice of cheese, bbq sauce, double patties, onions & jalapenos, more bbq sauce, bacon and the top bun on upside down.
  • Add the patty melts to the skillet and toast the buns. Once golden brown, serve and enjoy!

Notes

Why Cooking Burgers at High Temperature is Essential
Cooking burgers at a high temperature, rather than medium heat, helps achieve that perfect balance of a juicy interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. The high heat creates a quick sear, forming a flavorful crust that locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender burger. Additionally, this rapid cooking method reduces the risk of the burger drying out, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1194kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 5789mg | Potassium: 875mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 6mg

The post Bacon Patty Melt appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

Cowboy Candy

Cowboy candy on a burger with a side of Bush's Original Baked Beans.

Cowboy candy probably isn’t something you hand out at Halloween — unless your trick-or-treaters are fans of jalapeño peppers! These…

The post Cowboy Candy appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

Cowboy candy on a burger with a side of Bush's Original Baked Beans.

Cowboy candy probably isn’t something you hand out at Halloween — unless your trick-or-treaters are fans of jalapeño peppers! These savory and sweet candied jalapeños are so freakin’ delicious, they just make everything better. It’s more than just a fun name. I’d say they might even top your favorite candy bar as a tasty treat, because you’ll want to put them on everything you grill from now until the end of summer.

I’ve got an easy cowboy candy recipe for you here, and we’re putting them on one of my favorite grill recipes: burgers! We round out the perfect combination of savory and sweet in this recipe with Bush’s Original Baked Beans, which are the perfect side for summer grilling. Nothing says backyard BBQ more than a spicy burger with Bush’s Baked Beans on the side!

Post sponsored by Bush’s Original Baked Beans.
Cowboy candy on a burger with a side of Bush's Original Baked Beans.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy

The texture of cowboy candy is similar to bread and butter pickles, but with extra zip from the spicy pepper. When it comes your burger, cowboy candy is a spicy treat to kick things up a notch. Plus, if you have leftover syrup from making these savory and sweet peppers, one of my favorite ways to use it up is for glazes or on ribs and chicken. This stuff is liquid gold.

If you’re looking for more burger topping ideas, check out my recipes for Oklahoma Onion Burger, BBQ Bacon Burger and Animal Style Burger!

Cowboy Candy Ingredients

  • Cowboy candy: Start with fresh jalapeños, and then we’ll pickle our thin pepper slices in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, granulated white sugar, turmeric, celery seed, granulated garlic and cayenne pepper.
  • Burger: To make the cowboy candy the real star of the show, we’re going with a classic bacon smashburger with cheese. Ground beef, slices of bacon, cheese slices, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and mayo are all we need.
  • Baked beans: Bush’s Original Baked Beans are perfect here! We dress them up a bit with cowboy candy and chopped bacon.
Bush's Original Baked Beans with cowboy candy on top.

How to Cut a Jalapeño

Have you ever sliced spicy jalapeños, forgot and then rubbed your eyes? It’s brutal! The easiest way to prevent this experience is to wear disposable gloves while you slice peppers.

Make sure you wash your hands well afterward, along with your cutting board and the knife you used to cut the spicy pepper. If you do get some capsaicin — the compound in hot peppers like our jalapeños, banana peppers and serrano peppers that gives them that flavorful kick — on your hands and it causes a burning sensation, you can use dish soap, rubbing alcohol or even yogurt to cool things down.

Get stoked for life

This sauce is FYR!

an all-new line created for live fire cooking

Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.

How to Make Cowboy Candy

Cowboy candy in summer > leftover Halloween candy in summer. Let’s put these candied jalapenos on a burger!

Making the Cowboy Candy

First up: those savory, sweet, spicy peppers. Start by thinly slicing 1 pound of fresh jalapeños. You can use your favorite chef’s knife or a mandoline cutter for this part! Put a cast-iron skillet on medium heat, and then add 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 cups of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon of celery seed, 1.5 teaspoons of granulated garlic and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the skillet. Bring the vinegar mixture to a full rolling boil, then add the sliced jalapenos.

Cooking cowboy candy slices in the sugar syrup.

Let those jalapeños cook in the boiling syrup for 2-3 minutes, then take them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside in a mason jar.

Boil the sugar sauce for another five minutes, then remove it from heat and pour the boiling sweet syrup into the mason jar with the jalapeños. Finish up your cowboy candy by placing the jar of jalapeños in the fridge to cool.

Ideally, you’ll want them in there for three or four days, but you’ll get a nice flavor with two or three hours if you’re in a pinch.

Pouring the sugar syrup over the jalapeno slices to create cowboy candy.

Grilling the Burger

Heat your grill to high heat, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for direct cooking. Put a cast-iron skillet on the fire so it can preheat.

Grab a handful of ground beef and then gently roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until you’ve got six total burger balls.

When your skillet is smoking, add that ball of ground beef to the skillet. Place a piece of parchment over the ball, and then firmly press with the spatula until the burger is smashed on the skillet.

Adding cheese to the cowboy candy burger.

Season the patty with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then let it cook for another 1-1.5 minutes. Carefully flip the burger patty over and then season the new side. Top with a slice of cheese and let melt for 1-2 minutes.

Once the cheese has melted, pull the burger off and let it rest. Repeat this process for the rest of your patties.  

Bacon and Beans

Add a cast iron skillet or plancha over the flames to heat, then place some sliced bacon in the cold skillet. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then glaze the slices with a little of the cowboy candy sugar syrup. This is how we’ll incorporate even more of that cowboy candy goodness into our beans! Pull off and keep warm.

Cooking bacon and Bush's Baked Beans.

Add another skillet to the heat with a can of Bush’s Original Baked Beans. Bring the beans to a full simmer, then pull them off and top with chopped bacon and cowboy candy.

Assembling the Cowboy Candy Burger

Serve your burgers on toasted buns with mayonnaise, double stacked patties, candied bacon, cowboy candy and Bush’s Baked Beans on the side. Enjoy!

Assembling the cowboy candy burger.

What to Serve with Cowboy Candy

Like I said, you can put cowboy candy on everything. Hot dogs are another great way to get your cowboy candy fix! The great thing about a hot dog is that Bush’s Baked Beans also pair perfectly with them. You could also add bits of hot dog to the beans for the ultimate meaty bean experience!

For another great beans recipe, check out my Steakhouse Baked Beans! I’ve also made some other fantastic recipes with Bush’s like this Southwest Breakfast Burrito and Smoked Chipotle Steak Chili!

Leftovers and Reheating

You can keep the cowboy candy in that mason jar of sweet brine in the fridge for up to two months. Wrap the cooled-down burger patties tightly in foil and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

For More Jalapeños

FAQs

OK, you got me hooked on cowboy candy. What other ways can I use it?

Awesome! Glad to hear you’re now a seasoned cowboy candy fan. These spicy jalapeno slices are great in so many things. Putting them on top of cocktails, cornbread, guacamole, Hawaiian pizza and eggs are just a few ideas!

Why smash the burger?

When you smash a beef patty, you supercharge the sear on that burger. The extreme heat and pressure seals in the juices and flavor, giving us a crispy crust on top of it all — a perfect landing spot for cowboy candy.

Where can I find Bush’s Original Baked Beans?

People love Bush’s Original Baked Beans so much, they’re everywhere. Check out the company’s store locator to find out which supermarkets carry them near you. While you’re on the website, you can also discover Bush’s other products, bean recipe ideas and more.

Also make sure to check out how I partnered with Bush’s for these Smoked Citrus Chile Chicken Wings and Steakhouse Ribeyes with Horseradish Butter recipes!

Get The Cookbooks!

Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire

By Derek Wolf

All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.

Cowboy candy on a burger with a side of Bush's Original Baked Beans.
Print

Cowboy Candy

Cowboy candy is a freakin' delicious way to turn fresh jalapeño peppers into a savory, sweet treat that is perfect for topping burgers.
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 1319kcal
Author Derek Wolf

Ingredients

Cowboy Candy:

  • 1 lb Jalapeños thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 3 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp Celery Seed
  • 1.5 tsp Granulated Garlic
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Powder

Burger:

  • 1 lbs Ground Beef
  • ½ lb Sliced Bacon
  • 6-8 Sliced Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Salt/Pepper/Garlic
  • Mayonnaise as needed
  • Burger Buns

Baked Beans:

  • 16 oz cans Bush’s Original Baked Beans
  • 1/2 cup Cowboy Candy
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Bacon

Instructions

Cowboy Candy:

  • Add a cast iron skillet to medium heat.
  • Place all the ingredients (outside the jalapenos) to the skillet and bring to a small boil.
  • Add the jalapenos to the rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, then pull off and set aside.
  • Boil the sugar sauce for 5-6 more minutes, then pull off and add everything (boiled sugar sauce and jalapeños) to a mason jar.
  • Place in the fridge to cool for at least 2-3 hours but ideally 3-4 days.

Burger & Baked Beans:

  • Heat your grill at high heat (around 400F) for direct cooking. Add a cast iron to the fire to preheat.
  • Grab a handful of ground beef and gently roll it into a ball. Repeat this for 6-8 balls or until you’re out of meat.
  • Get your skillet ripping hot (so it's gently smoking).
  • Add a burger ball to the skillet. Place a piece of parchment over one ball and then firmly press with the spatula until the burger is “smashed” on the skillet.
  • Season the patty with salt, pepper and garlic. Let cook for another 1-1.5 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the burger patty over and then season the new side.
  • Top with a slice of cheese and let melt for 1-2 minutes. Once melted, pull off and rest.
  • Repeat for the rest of your patties.
  • Add a cast iron skillet or plancha over the flames to heat and add some sliced bacon to the cold skillet.
  • Cook them bacon till crispy, then glaze with a little of the cowboy candy sugar sauce. Pull off and keep warm.
  • Add another skillet with a can of Bush’s Baked Beans. Bring to a full simmer, then pull off and top with chopped bacon and cowboy candy.
  • Serve your burgers on toasted buns with mayonnaise, double stacked patties, candied bacon, cowboy candy and Bush’s Baked Beans on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

How to Cut a Jalapeño
Have you ever sliced spicy jalapeños, forgot and then rubbed your eyes? It’s brutal! The easiest way to prevent this experience is to wear disposable gloves while you slice peppers. Make sure you wash your hands well afterward, along with your cutting board and the knife you used to cut the spicy pepper. If you do get some capsaicin — the compound in hot peppers like our jalapeños, banana peppers and serrano peppers that gives them that flavorful kick — on your hands and it causes a burning sensation, you can use dish soap, rubbing alcohol or even yogurt to cool things down.

Nutrition

Calories: 1319kcal | Carbohydrates: 183g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 8416mg | Potassium: 1201mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 155g | Vitamin A: 1758IU | Vitamin C: 139mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 6mg

The post Cowboy Candy appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

BBQ Bacon Burger

BBQ bacon burgers fully assembled with onion rings.

Nothing says summer like sitting outside during golden hour, the smell of charcoal in the air, a juicy burger in…

The post BBQ Bacon Burger appeared first on Over The Fire Cooking.

BBQ bacon burgers fully assembled with onion rings.

Nothing says summer like sitting outside during golden hour, the smell of charcoal in the air, a juicy burger in your hand and a cold brew to wash it all down. You can picture it, right? Now, get ready to taste it with this recipe for BBQ bacon burgers! It’s a classic smashburger, which we all know is the best burger. It’s a great recipe for summertime (or really any season). Add in crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, melty cheese and Samuel Adams beer-battered onion rings, and you’ll never want to leave that picnic table. 

Post sponsored by Samuel Adams.
BBQ bacon burgers fully assembled with onion rings.

Samuel Adams is an OG when it comes to craft brewing in the U.S. The company is celebrating 40 years in business this year and just rolled out a limited release Beers of Summer variety pack. Summer Ale is one of my favorites, and we’re using it for the crispy beer-battered onion rings that will top our burger, but you could also use it to try my Steak Sliders with Beer Cheese! So freakin’ delicious. Be sure to sample Cherry Wheat, Pool Party and Porch Rocker while you’re at it — they’re all right at home at a backyard barbecue. 

Why You’ll Love BBQ Bacon Burger

I love to grill burgers, and this BBQ burger recipe is off the charts. Because we smash the thick patties in a cast iron skillet, that sears the outside of the meat, locking in all the juiciness and flavor. A smashed burger is a delicious burger. Plus, every barbecue is better with bacon, cheese and onion rings. The Samuel Adams Summer Ale is an American wheat ale with a citrus blend of orange, lemon and lime peel, which complements the rest of our flavors perfectly. 

For more recipes featuring onions, check out Burger-Stuffed Onion Rings, Grilled Steak with Cheese Stuffed Onions, Oklahoma Onion Patty Melt and Steak Onion Skewers.

BBQ Bacon Burger Ingredients

  • Burger Patties: We keep things simple for the base of our barbecue bacon burger with ground meat, kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. 
  • Beer-Battered Onion Rings: These onion rings make the dish more than your average BBQ bacon burger recipe. To make the beer-battered onion rings, we’ll use yellow onions, Sam Summer, flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and frying oil. 
  • Toppings: Slices of cheese, strips of bacon, tangy BBQ sauce and your favorite hamburger buns finish this recipe out strong. 
BBQ bacon burgers with onion rings and Samuel Adams Summer Ale.

Quick Homemade Barbecue Sauce

There’s no shortage of delicious BBQ sauces at your local grocery store, but if I have time, I’m always extra stoked when I make my own. You can check out my recipe for Guinness BBQ sauce or follow this simple method.

Combine 1.5 cups ketchup, 1.5 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in your food processor or blender. Then, add 2 tablespoons mustard powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper and a couple dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Blend until smooth.

Finally, put the sauce in a medium saucepan on the stove, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about five minutes. Serve with burgers, hot dogs, fries and more! 

Get stoked for life

This sauce is FYR!

an all-new line created for live fire cooking

Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Burger

Ready for the best burgers of your life? Let’s get cooking!

Making the Onion Rings

First, take the stems off your onions and peel the skin. Then, slice the onions into 1.5” thick rings, making sure to separate them into individual onion rings. As a final step, soak them in ice water, which will remove some of the onion pungency and soften the flavor.

Onions sliced and soaked in ice water.

Preheat your outdoor grill fire to a medium-high heat (around 375-400 degrees F). Then, place a deep dish cast iron skillet or large Dutch oven over the fire with at least 2-3” of frying oil in the cast iron. Bring the oil up to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl, add 1.5 cups of flour, along with the 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of cayenne. Slowly pour in 12 ounces of Sam Summer, beer, while also mixing, until you have a smooth batter with the consistency of pancake batter. Finally, add the remaining 1/2 cup flour to a separate bowl. 

Making the beer batter for onion rings.

Pull the onion slices out of the fridge. Begin by adding one onion ring to the 1/2 cup of flour and coat it evenly. Next, add that floured onion to the beer batter and coat evenly. Take the battered onion ring and add it directly to the frying oil to cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Frying beer-battered onion rings in a cast iron skillet.

Repeat this process until all the onion rings are battered and fried. You can cook 3-5 onion rings at a time, but try not to overcrowd the skillet. Once the onion rings are done, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet with paper towels on it.

Grilling the Burgers

Reheat your fire to medium-high heat (around 375-400 degrees F). Place a cast iron skillet or flat skillet oven over the fire.

First for these BBQ bacon burgers, add your 8-10 strips of bacon to the skillet. Cook until they are done to your liking. Once done, pull the bacon strips off and set aside. 

Smashing ground meat to make smashburgers.

Form your ground beef into loose 2-ounce balls. Then, place the balls in the fridge to set until ready to use.

Next, add your burger balls to the skillet and season with kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Let those burger balls crisp up for 30 seconds. Then, place the parchment over one ball and firmly press it with the spatula until the burger is “smashed” on the skillet.

Repeat this for each burger and let cook for another 1-2 minutes. Carefully flip each burger over and then season the new side with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Top each burger with a slice of cheese and let melt for the last minute of cooking. Once melted, pull each burger off the grill and let them rest.

Topping the smashburgers with slices of cheese.

I love a smash burger. Whether it’s a classic Cheesy Onion Smash Burger, Animal Style Burger or beer cheese burger; I am in… Always! I’ve even given the good old peanut butter and jelly smash burger a go! For another walk on the wild side, check out the Elvis Smash Burger or the Flying Dutchman Smashburger!

Building the BBQ Bacon Burger

Finally, let’s start building this mighty bacon cheeseburger. Add some mayonnaise to the bottom bun and then add a single or double patty on top. Next, add the bacon slices, beer-battered onion rings, a drizzle of BBQ sauce and the top bun to finish. Serve and enjoy!

Assembling the BBQ bacon burgers.

What to Serve with BBQ Bacon Burger

This burger has it all, so you can go easy with the sides. Some optional toppings include tomato slices, a lettuce leaf and pickles. A broccoli or cabbage slaw or simple green salad on the side would be a great addition to this summer BBQ spread. 

Leftovers and Reheating

To store leftover onion rings, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350-degree oven for 5-7 minutes. You can use the oven method to reheat your bacon strips too. 

Store any leftover burgers in aluminum foil or an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat the burgers by putting them in a cast iron skillet on the stove top at medium heat for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

For More Burgers

FAQs 

What’s the advantage of smashing the burgers? 

When you smash a beef patty, you supercharge the sear on that burger. The extreme heat and pressure seals in the juices and flavor, giving us a crispy crust on top of it all.

What’s your favorite cheese for BBQ bacon burgers?

I love slices of American cheese here for their superb melting properties. You can’t go wrong with melty cheddar cheese or slices of pepper jack either!

What should I use for burger buns? 

Potato buns are classic here, but go for a brioche bun if you’re feeling fancy. 

If you’re not a fan of buns, you could swap them for Texas toast and make a patty melt! Give my Animal Style Patty Melt, Oklahoma Onion Patty Melt and Chicken Bacon Ranch Patty Melt a try!

Where can I find Samuel Adams Beer?

Samuel Adams is based in Boston but sells its delicious beers nationwide. Check out the Find a Sam locator for a store that sells it near you!

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By Derek Wolf

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BBQ bacon burgers fully assembled with onion rings.
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BBQ Bacon Burger

This BBQ bacon burger recipe takes the dish to new levels with Sam Adams beer-battered onion rings, making for a delicious summertime dinner.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 945kcal
Author Derek Wolf

Ingredients

Beef:

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
  • 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp Garlic Powder

Beer Battered Onion Rings:

  • 2 whole Yellow Onions sliced into rings
  • 12 oz Sam Adams Summer Ale
  • 2 cups White Flour
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Cayenne
  • Frying Oil

Burgers:

  • 6-8 Sliced Cheese
  • 8-10 Bacon Slices
  • Favorite BBQ Sauce
  • Burger Buns toasted

Instructions

Onion Rings:

  • Take the stems off your onions and peel the skin. Slice into 1.5” thick rings making sure to separate them into individual onion rings. Put the rings in ice water to soak.
  • Preheat your fire to a medium high temperature (around 375-400F). Add a deep dish cast iron skillet or dutch oven over the fire with at least 2-3” of frying oil in the cast iron. Bring the oil up to 375F.
  • In a bowl, add 1.5 cups of your flour along with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic and cayenne. Slowly add in your beer, while also mixing, until you have a smooth batter with the consistency like pancake batter. Add the rest of your flour to another separate bowl.
  • Pull the onion rings out from the fridge. Drain the water and gently pat the onion rings dry.
  • Begin by adding one onion ring to the flour and coat evenly. Next, add it to the beer batter and coat evenly.
  • Take the battered onion ring and add it directly to the frying oil to cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat this process until all the onion rings are battered and fried.
    You can cook 3-5 onion rings at a time, but try not to overcrowd the skillet. Once the onion rings are done, place on a wire baking sheet with paper towels underneath.

Burger:

  • Reheat your fire to a medium high temperature (around 375-400F). Add a cast iron skillet or flat skillet oven over the fire.
  • First, add your bacon to the skillet and cook until they are done to your liking. Once done, pull them off and set aside.
  • Form your ground beef into loose 2 oz balls and place in the fridge to set until ready to use.
  • Next, add your burger balls to the skillet, season with SPG and let crisp up for 30 seconds.
  • Next, place the parchment over one ball and then firmly press with the spatula until the burger is “smashed” on the skillet. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Carefully flip each burger over and then season the new side with salt, pepper and garlic. Top each burger with a slice of cheese and let melt for 1-2 minutes. Once melted, stack one burger on top of another to create a double patty. Then pull each double patty off the grill to rest.
  • Now let’s start building the burger. Add some mayonnaise to the base burger bun and then add double patty burger on top.
  • Next, add the bacon slices, beer battered onion rings, drizzle of bbq sauce and then the top bun. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce
There’s no shortage of delicious BBQ sauces at your local grocery store, but if I have time, I’m always extra stoked when I make my own. You can check out my recipe for Guinness BBQ sauce or follow this simple method. Combine 1.5 cups ketchup, 1.5 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in your food processor or blender. Then, add 2 tablespoons mustard powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper and a couple dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Blend until smooth. Finally, put the sauce in a medium saucepan on the stove, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about five minutes. Serve with burgers, hot dogs, fries and more! 

Nutrition

Calories: 945kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 4786mg | Potassium: 853mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 573IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 7mg

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