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Savory BBQ Bacon Burgers with Cheddar and Crispy Onions

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These savory BBQ bacon burgers combine smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and crispy onions for a perfect summer meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • ยฝ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • โ…“ cup (80ml) BBQ sauce
  • 4 hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • ยผ cup (60ml) mayonnaise (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crispy onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and separate into rings. Toss the rings lightly in all-purpose flour until coated.
  2. Heat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350ยฐF / 175ยฐC). Fry the onion rings in batches for 2โ€“3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
  4. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crisp but not burnt, about 5โ€“7 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cool, roughly chop or leave whole depending on preference.
  6. Form the burger patties: In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with about 1 tsp salt and ยฝ tsp pepper. Divide into four equal portions and shape each into a ยพ inch (2 cm) thick patty, making a slight indentation in the center.
  7. Cook the burgers: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties in the pan and cook for about 3โ€“4 minutes per side for medium doneness (160ยฐF / 71ยฐC internal temperature).
  8. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt.
  9. Toast the buns: While burgers cook, slice hamburger buns and lightly toast them in a separate pan or on a grill until golden and slightly crisp.
  10. Assemble the burgers: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun (optional), place the cheesy burger patty on top, add 2 slices of crispy bacon, a generous handful of crispy onions, and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
  11. Cap with the top bun and press gently.
  12. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like coleslaw or crispy fries.

Notes

Do not overmix the beef to keep burgers tender. Rest cooked patties for 5 minutes before assembling to retain juices. Fry onions in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ bacon burgers, cheddar cheese burgers, crispy onions, summer burgers, backyard BBQ, easy burger recipe