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All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe with Easy Special Sauce

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A flavorful All-American BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger featuring smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy special sauce that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Leafy lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • Pickles (dill or bread and butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper if using. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Lay bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet or skillet. Cook over medium heat until crispy but still slightly chewy (about 5-7 minutes per side in a skillet or 12-15 minutes in the oven at 400°F). Drain on paper towels.
  3. Mix and Shape Burger Patties: Combine ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and divide into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties about ¾ inch thick with a slight indentation in the center.
  4. Cook the Burgers: Heat cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties about 4 minutes on first side, flip, add cheese slices, and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temp ~160°F).
  5. Toast the Buns: Split buns and toast lightly on skillet or grill until golden brown.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread special sauce on top and bottom buns. Layer lettuce, burger patty with melted cheese, bacon slices, red onion, and pickles. Cap with top bun.
  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy while warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Indent patties to prevent puffing. Let special sauce rest at least 20 minutes for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Rest patties after cooking to retain juices. Bacon can be cooked in oven or skillet. Toast buns to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ burger, bacon cheeseburger, special sauce, easy burger recipe, American burger, quick dinner, backyard barbecue

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