BBQ Burgers Bacon Cheddar Onions

These BBQ burgers pack bold smoky flavor with every bite thanks to perfectly seasoned patties, melty cheese, onions caramelized in butter, and plenty of sweet tangy barbecue sauce. The double patty stack makes every burger extra hearty and satisfying, while crispy bacon and a pretzel bun bring the whole experience together.

When I first tried these stacked BBQ burgers with my friends one summer, everyone went back for seconds. Now they are my go to for any family get-together or casual dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80 percent lean 20 percent fat gives the best balance of juiciness and flavor look for freshly ground if possible
• Salt and black pepper: foundational for seasoning always use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if you can
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth check freshness for the best punch
• Onion powder: boosts the natural sweetness and flavor of the patties
• Smoked paprika: infuses a subtle smoky essence Spanish smoked paprika adds even more richness
• Bacon: brings crunch and a salty smoky taste choose thick cut for more bite
• Butter: essential for caramelizing the onions richens the burger’s flavor
• Onions: thinly sliced so they cook down sweet or yellow onions are great choices
• Vegetable oil: helps prevent sticking to the grill or griddle use a neutral oil
• BBQ sauce: ties all the smoky tangy notes together use your favorite homemade or store bought
• Cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and offers sharp flavor aged cheddar takes these up a notch
• Pretzel buns: add a chewy salted finish but any sturdy bun will work

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the seasoning mix:

In a small bowl mix together salt black pepper garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika until evenly combined

Shape the burger patties:

Portion the ground beef into even three ounce balls Roll them in your palms until smooth and round You should have eight balls in total

Cook the bacon:

Preheat your grill or griddle to medium heat Lay out the bacon strips Cook them five to eight minutes until crispy turning as needed Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate

Caramelize the onions:

Add butter to the hot grill and let it melt Scatter the onions into the butter and toss to coat Sprinkle about a quarter of your seasoning mix over the onions Stir frequently The onions should soften and begin to brown after about eight to ten minutes Remove them from the grill and set aside

Prepare the grill and season the meat:

Raise the heat to high and drizzle the grill with vegetable oil Take your formed beef balls and season one side with a bit of the spice mix

Smash and cook the patties:

Place each ball on the hot grill seasoned side down With a square of parchment paper and a burger press or sturdy spatula flatten each ball as thin as you can especially at the edges Season the top side now Cook for about two minutes until the patties become lacy around the edges

Flip and sauce:

Use a metal scraper quickly slide under each patty and flip Brush the tops with BBQ sauce right away and lay one slice of cheddar on each Continue cooking until the cheese melts about two more minutes

Assemble the burgers:

Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of your bun Stack two cheesy patties on each sandwich then top with caramelized onions bacon strips and extra sauce if you like Finish with the top bun and serve steaming hot

Save

If you ask my family what makes this burger unforgettable they will say it is the smoky paprika mingling with the thick slabs of bacon I remember my daughter helping me caramelize onions for the first time and her surprise at how sweet they smelled

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let burgers cool completely then wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container Store in the refrigerator up to three days To reheat warm patties covered in a low oven or in a skillet to recapture that melty cheese and crispy edge If freezing separate patties and wrap well then store in freezer bags for up to one month Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

No pretzel buns available Substitute with brioche buns or hearty potato rolls for a soft yet sturdy hold Try different cheeses like Swiss pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors Turkey bacon or plant based bacon chips also work deliciously For a twist use chipotle barbecue sauce to dial up the heat

Save

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ burgers shine with thick cut fries coleslaw or crisp pickles alongside For a party cut sliders from full size burgers and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side Top with fresh jalapeño slices for a spicy kick or a handful of green leaf lettuce for crunch

History and Culture

Barbecue burgers combine classic American grilling traditions with bold southern ingredients like smoky spices BBQ sauce and bacon They represent that blend of cookout comfort and hearty homestyle flair This recipe is a nod to backyard gatherings where everyone crowds around the sizzling grill waiting for their perfect bite

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the patties crispy?

Smash the beef balls flat on a hot griddle, allowing them to cook undisturbed for a crispy outer layer before flipping.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile on your burgers.

→ What buns work best with these burgers?

Pretzel buns are recommended for their texture, but brioche, potato, or classic hamburger buns also work well.

→ How do I make the onions sweet and caramelized?

Cook sliced onions slowly in butter, stirring often until they become soft and golden, bringing out their natural sweetness.

→ Can I grill the burgers instead of using a griddle?

Yes, you can use an outdoor grill, cast iron skillet, or flat griddle to cook the patties to your desired doneness.

→ Are the burgers freezer-friendly?

Cooked patties can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat before assembling with other ingredients.