Gather ’round the table, my friends, for an epic culinary adventure that’s sure to have your tastebuds dancing with delight! Today, we’re diving into the ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melt, a dish that marries the comfort of a classic cheeseburger with the smoky, saucy goodness of BBQ. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts with Crispy Onions
Imagine biting into a juicy, melty cheeseburger, the savory flavors of the beef mingling with the tangy, sweet BBQ sauce, and the crispy bacon adding a delightful crunch. Now, picture that same burger, nestled between slices of golden, toasted bread, with a generous helping of gooey, melted cheese and a crown of crispy onion strings. This dish is the stuff of comfort food dreams, a perfect blend of classic and modern flavors that will have your family and friends swooning with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melt is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, bread, and onions for the crispy onion strings. The beef should be high-quality and well-seasoned, while the bacon should be thick-cut and cooked to perfection. A tangy, flavorful BBQ sauce and sharp cheddar cheese will provide the perfect contrast to the rich, juicy burger patty. And let’s not forget the crispy onion strings – a crunchy, flavorful topping that will take this dish to new heights.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – BBQ sauce
- 8 slices – Bread (such as sourdough or brioche)
- 1 medium – Yellow onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Pepper jack or Gouda cheese can be used instead of cheddar.
- Protein: For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based burger patty or a grilled portobello mushroom cap.
How to Make Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts with Crispy Onions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the onions into thin rings and set them aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the onions into thin rings and set them aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, each about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Heat the reserved bacon fat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and reach your desired level of doneness.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a separate bowl, toss the onion rings with a bit of all-purpose flour, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain the onion rings on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Lay the cooked burger patties on a baking sheet and top each one with a generous helping of BBQ sauce and a slice of cheddar cheese. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce or top the burgers with sliced jalapeños.
- Onion String Seasoning: Customize the onion strings by adding a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Bread Swap: Serve the Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts on freshly baked brioche buns or thick-cut slices of sourdough bread.
- Extra Toppings: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the burger for an extra layer of comfort and depth.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the melts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead: The burger patties can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
These Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts are a hearty, indulgent meal that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings. The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and flavorful BBQ sauce provides a satisfying and filling eating experience.
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the crispy onion strings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crispy onion strings in advance. Simply fry them as directed, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, you can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses, to suit your personal preferences.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef patty with a plant-based burger or a grilled portobello mushroom cap. For a vegan version, use a vegan cheese and a plant-based meat alternative, such as a soy-based burger or a lentil-based patty.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger patties in advance. Simply shape the patties, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them until ready to cook. When you’re ready to assemble the melts, follow the remaining steps as directed.
What should I serve with the Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts?
These melts pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve them with baked beans, roasted vegetables, or a creamy macaroni and cheese for a truly indulgent and satisfying meal.
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Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts with Crispy Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the taste of summer with these Ultimate BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Melts topped with crispy onions. Perfect for grilling season!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 cup BBQ sauce
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 burger buns
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup crispy fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lettuce, tomato, pickles for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip.
4. Brush BBQ sauce on the grilled side and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty.
5. Continue grilling for another 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Toast burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Assemble the burgers: place the beef patty on the bottom bun, top with chopped bacon, crispy onions, and any additional toppings you desire.
8. Finish with the top bun and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the patties in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
Feel free to customize toppings based on personal preferences.
These melts can also be made in a skillet if grilling isn’t an option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ, Bacon, Cheeseburger, Grilling, Summer