The Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger from Hard Rock Cafe features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a savory and satisfying burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Sauce brush
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Frying pan or bacon press (for bacon)
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- Salt
- Black pepper
Use high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio to ensure a juicy patty. Choose smoky barbecue sauce with rich, authentic flavors to replicate the signature taste of the burger. Opt for thick-cut bacon to achieve crispy texture without burning. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomato should be well-washed and sliced just before assembling to keep the burger crisp. When preparing the Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger from Hard Rock Cafe copycat menu, your ingredient selection will make a significant difference in recreating the bold, savory flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Place one slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during last minute of grilling; let melt.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or on grill until crispy; set aside.
- Toast burger buns on toaster or grill until golden.
- Brush top of each patty with smoky barbecue sauce.
- Place lettuce leaves and tomato slices on bottom half of each bun.
- Add grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top of lettuce and tomato.
- Top each patty with crispy bacon.
- Cover with top half of bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger copycat recipe from Hard Rock Cafe brings the same bold flavors and satisfying textures to your kitchen. If you don't have access to smoky barbecue sauce, try mixing regular barbecue sauce with a touch of liquid smoke to replicate the flavor. When crispy bacon isn't available, substitute with turkey bacon or grilled pancetta for a similar smoky crunch. Using a griddle is ideal for even cooking, but a frying pan can work as an alternative if you don't have one. Toast your buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess, enhancing your burger experience.
Tips
Make sure to keep your grill or griddle at medium-high heat to achieve the perfect sear on your beef patties without drying them out. Use a sauce brush to evenly coat each patty with smoky barbecue sauce, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the meat. When cooking bacon, a frying pan or bacon press will help you get that crispy texture essential for the burger's crunch. You'll find that toasting the buns just before assembly prevents sogginess and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Nutritions
The Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger provides a rich source of protein from the 1 lb of ground beef and crispy bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while fresh lettuce and ripe tomato contribute fiber and antioxidants crucial for digestion and immune function. The smoky barbecue sauce and sesame seed buns add flavor and carbs for energy, though the burger is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is key. Your meal choice here balances indulgence with important nutrients, perfect for a satisfying occasional treat.
Storage
Store your Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the bun from becoming soggy. For best taste, reheat the burger in an oven or toaster oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to preserve the melted cheese and crispy bacon texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bun chewy and the bacon lose its crispiness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still pairs well with smoky barbecue sauce. Experiment with smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a different depth of flavor and a slight kick. For extra crispiness, try cooking the bacon in a bacon press or oven instead of a frying pan, ensuring even cooking and less grease. Consider adding caramelized onions or pickles to enhance texture and balance the savory bacon and barbecue notes.
Allergies
The Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese, gluten from sesame seed buns, and potential soy or sulfites in the barbecue sauce. Sesame seeds on the bun may also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Ensure to check ingredient labels carefully and inform your server about any allergies to avoid cross-contamination or adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Smokehouse Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger at Hard Rock Cafe is renowned for its perfectly grilled beef patty topped with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables on a toasted brioche bun. This flavorful combination delivers a rich, smoky taste that satisfies both barbecue lovers and cheeseburger enthusiasts. Creating your own copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic menu item with the convenience of customizing ingredients to match your taste preferences. You will appreciate the balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors that make this burger a standout choice.