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All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe with Easy Special Sauce

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A smoky, juicy BBQ bacon cheeseburger with a tangy special sauce, perfect for quick backyard cookouts and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 soft brioche burger buns
  • For the Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Additional toppings: sliced red onions, dill pickles, fresh lettuce
  • Salt (1 teaspoon / 5 g)
  • Black pepper (½ teaspoon / 2.5 g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Form the Patties: Place ground beef in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently without overworking. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick, making a small dimple in the center.
  3. Cook the Bacon: On grill or pan over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy, about 8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Grill the Patties: Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat. Cook patties about 4 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and close lid to melt cheese.
  5. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast brioche buns cut side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread special sauce on bottom bun. Add lettuce, cheesy patty, 2 slices of bacon, sliced red onions, and pickles. Top with bun crown.
  7. Serve Immediately: Serve warm with preferred sides.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Make a dimple in the patty center to prevent puffing. Cook bacon separately until crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach 160°F (71°C). Let patties rest briefly before assembling. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Special sauce tastes better after resting a few hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ burger, bacon cheeseburger, special sauce, backyard cookout, easy burger recipe, smoky burger, cheddar cheese burger

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/all-american-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-recipe-with-easy-special-sauce/