The BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger from Smashburger features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon strips, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled within a toasted, buttery bun for a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and rich flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Bacon cooker (skillet, oven, or microwave tray)
- Bun toaster or skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce
Using an 80/20 ground beef blend ensures your patty retains juiciness and flavor, which is crucial for an authentic BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger experience. Crisp bacon slices cooked to perfection add a smoky crunch that complements the melted sharp cheddar cheese. Toasting the brioche buns with unsalted butter enhances the bun's richness and prevents sogginess from the BBQ sauce. Seasoning the beef with just salt and black pepper allows the smoky BBQ sauce to shine without overpowering the burger's natural flavors. Your homemade BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger from Smashburger will deliver the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and rich tastes just like the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties; season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook bacon in a skillet, oven, or microwave until crispy; set aside on paper towels.
- Place burger patties on the grill; cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side.
- Flip patties using a spatula; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Top each patty with 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese; cover to melt cheese.
- Brush or spoon smoky BBQ sauce over the cheese-topped patties.
- Toast buns with butter on a skillet or bun toaster until golden.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, cheesy BBQ beef patty, 2 bacon strips, top bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate or tray.
Substitution
The BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger copycat recipe captures the essence of Smashburger's signature flavors with a juicy beef patty, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese on a buttery toasted bun. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based patties if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option without losing the smoky and savory profile. Instead of brioche buns, try whole wheat or pretzel buns for a different texture and added flavor. Cooking bacon in the oven helps achieve consistent crispiness while minimizing mess, especially if you don't have a dedicated bacon cooker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked patties, aiming for an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC).
Tips
Your ground beef should be an 80/20 blend to ensure juiciness and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check that patties reach an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) for safety. When cooking bacon, remove excess grease by placing it on paper towels to keep the burger from becoming soggy. Butter your buns before toasting to achieve a golden, crispy texture that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Nutritions
Your BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger delivers approximately 700-800 calories per serving, with protein content around 45 grams, primarily from the ground beef and bacon. The sharp cheddar cheese and bacon contribute saturated fats, totaling about 30 grams, while the burger's sodium level can reach 1200 mg due to seasoning, cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce. The brioche bun adds carbohydrates close to 30 grams and small amounts of dietary fiber. Including this burger in your diet offers a rich source of protein but requires mindful balance with other nutrient-rich foods due to its high fat and sodium content.
Storage
Store any leftover BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Reheat the burgers gently on a grill or skillet to preserve the smoky flavors and melted cheddar texture. Your burgers should be consumed within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and food safety.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick that complements the smoky BBQ sauce. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option while maintaining juiciness by adding a bit of olive oil to the patties. Instead of cooking bacon in a skillet, try oven-baking it on a wire rack for extra crispiness and less grease. You can also mix some caramelized onions into the beef patties before grilling for enhanced sweetness and flavor depth in your burger.
Allergies
The BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and butter, and gluten from the brioche or hamburger buns. The bacon and BBQ sauce may also contain preservatives or additives that can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety if you have allergies to any of these components.
Why this recipe?
The BBQ, Bacon & Cheddar Burger from Smashburger combines smoky BBQ sauce with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, creating a rich and savory flavor fusion that satisfies diverse taste preferences. The burger's juicy, smashed beef patty enhances texture and intensifies the beefy flavor, making each bite indulgent and memorable. You will appreciate the balance of bold seasonings and high-quality ingredients which elevate the overall eating experience. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this distinctive taste at home, offering both enjoyment and the satisfaction of mastering a popular gourmet burger.