BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger: Flavorful and Fun
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m so excited to dive into today’s culinary adventure with you. Are you ready to take your burger game to the next level? Well, I can’t wait to share my recipe for BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burgers! These juicy, flavor-packed creations are perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or whenever you just want something downright delicious.
Now, while we often think of burgers as a classic staple, I promise you this twist will ignite your taste buds like never before! Picture this: crispy bacon, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, perfectly melted cheese, and a seasoned smashed beef patty – all nestled in a toasty, buttery bun. It’s a family favorite that always brings smiles to the dinner table. Let’s raise the bar together and enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering burger!
A Personal Tale of Flavor
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let me take you back to a delightful summer I spent at my grandparents’ house in Southern Alabama. My grandfather was a master on the grill, and every Saturday we’d gather outside, where the aroma of grilling meats would waft through the air. One day, he decided to throw some bacon on the grill alongside his perfectly seasoned burgers. Little did I know that those crispy, smoky bites of bacon would change my perception of burgers forever.
Burgers were always a staple in our household, but the addition of that smoky bacon and some tangy BBQ sauce transformed it into an experience. My cousins and I would race each other to see who could assemble the biggest burger creation, always with a hearty topping of BBQ sauce. Those sunny afternoons spent under the shade of the big oak tree, laughing and sharing stories, made me realize how food brings us together in the most beautiful ways. Today’s BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger is inspired by those beautiful memories—just as unforgettable, and just as full of flavor.
Ingredients
For this amazing BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef (80/20): This fat percentage yields juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but they may be drier.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a meaty crunch. If you prefer a turkey or veggie alternative, consider using smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
- Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia work wonders, but you can also use yellow or red onions. For a twist, caramelize them beforehand for added sweetness.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some heat or a sharp blue cheese for a bold flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand will do, but homemade sauce is a great option if you want to impress. Substitute with a mustard-based sauce for a tangy kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance flavors. Try adding smoked paprika or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Burger Buns: Brioche buns are perfectly buttery and soft, but whole grain or gluten-free options are available if needed.
These ingredients create the ultimate flavor explosion, and the best part is you can always tailor them to your personal taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create mouthwatering BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burgers.
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Prep Your Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon. Spread it evenly across a skillet or, if you’re lucky enough to have a Blackstone griddle, preload it there! Cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until it’s crispy. Remove and let it drain on paper towels. Pro tip: use the leftover bacon fat in your burgers for an extra boost of flavor!
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Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add diced onions (about ½ cup) in the bacon grease. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and slightly golden, around 5-7 minutes. The flavors mingle perfectly here—trust me!
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Form the Burgers: Grab your ground beef and divide it into equal portions (4-6 oz is standard). Form them loosely into balls (don’t overwork the meat for a tender patty), then use your palm to smash them directly onto the hot cooking surface. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle!
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Season the Patties: Sprinkle some salt and pepper over each smashed burger generously. Here’s a chef hack: press a small indentation in the center of the patty before flipping. This helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up!
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Flip and Add Cheese: After 3-4 minutes, when the edges of the burger patty turn a gorgeous golden brown, it’s time to flip. Immediately place your slice of cheese on top and let it melt for another minute or two. A cover over the patties will help melt the cheese faster.
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Assemble Your Burgers: Toast your buns on the griddle until golden brown. Now, it’s time to layer up! Start with the bottom bun, place your cheese-covered burger patty, pile on the crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and drizzle BBQ sauce generously. Tuck in some pickles if you like a tangy crunch! Cap it off with the top bun.
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Dig In: Serve immediately with your favorite sides—think fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Plating is key to elevating your food experience! For these BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burgers, I recommend serving them on a nice wooden board, surrounded by a colorful medley of sides. If you’re feeling fancy, consider stacking the components high and securing them with a skewer for visual appeal.
Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on the board and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for that extra pop of color. Oh, and don’t forget the napkins! These burgers can get delightfully messy, and we love that.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of a BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger is that you can get creative! Here are a few flavor-packed variations you can try:
- Spicy BBQ Bacon Burger: Mix in jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the heat.
- Mushroom & Swiss Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap the cheddar for Swiss cheese for an earthy flavor profile.
- Mediterranean Burger: Use feta instead of cheddar, add roasted red peppers, and top with a tzatziki sauce for a fresh twist.
- BBQ Pineapple Burger: Top your burger with grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
- Vegan Version: Substitute ground beef for black bean burger patties and use vegan bacon and cheese for a meatless version.
Chef’s Notes
I can’t stress enough how much fun it is to experiment in the kitchen! This BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger started as a simple dinner idea when I noticed I had some leftover bacon in the fridge. Over time, it has transformed into my go-to burger for family gatherings and potlucks.
The laughter and conversations around the grill take me back to those summer afternoons at my grandparents’ house. I always keep an eye out for that perfect burger presentation—for me, the fun is in the process and the moments shared around good food.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Q: Why do my burgers fall apart on the grill?
A: Make sure not to overwork the meat when forming patties. Keep them loosely packed, and use a hot surface to sear them quickly.
Q: Can I use lean ground beef?
A: While it’s possible, leaner beef may yield drier burgers. Adding a bit of bacon or oil can help maintain juiciness.
Q: What if I can’t find BBQ sauce?
A: No problem! You can use ketchup mixed with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika for a quick homemade version.
Q: How do I know when my burgers are done?
A: An internal temperature of 160°F is safe for ground beef. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
Nutritional Info (per burger)
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on exact ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it—a gourmet BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger that’s sure to impress family and friends! Cooking should be a joyous, flavorful journey, and I hope this recipe takes you on a delicious ride straight to burger perfection.
Whether you opt for the classic flavors or branch out with the variations, remember that the heart of cooking lies in sharing it with love and laughter. So, roll up those sleeves, invite some friends over, and let’s turn your kitchen into an epic culinary playground. Can’t wait to hear how your burgers turn out! Until next time, happy cooking!
Print
BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burger
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
Juicy and flavorful BBQ Bacon Blackstone Smash Burgers packed with crispy bacon, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
- 8 slices Bacon (thick-cut)
- ½ cup Onions (diced)
- 4 slices Cheese (Cheddar or preferred)
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 Burger Buns (brioche or preferred)
Instructions
- Prep your bacon: Cook the bacon evenly on a skillet until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté the onions in the leftover bacon grease until soft and golden, around 5-7 minutes.
- Form the burgers by dividing ground beef into equal portions and smashing them onto the hot cooking surface.
- Season the patties with salt and pepper, pressing an indentation in the center.
- Flip the patties when golden brown and place cheese on top to melt.
- Assemble the burgers with the bottom bun, cheese-covered patties, bacon, sautéed onions, BBQ sauce, and top bun.
- Dig in and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in jalapeños or using other types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ Burger, Bacon Burger, Summer Grilling, Smash Burger, Comfort Food
