Smoky Bacon Burgers: A Backyard BBQ Staple

The aroma of smoky bacon sizzling over a charcoal grill… it instantly transports me back to summer evenings at my grandfather’s house. He was the king of the grill, and his bacon-wrapped burgers were legendary. There was something magical about that combination of seasoned beef, smoky bacon, and a perfectly toasted bun that created pure joy. Every bite was a celebration of flavor, a reminder of good times and great company. It’s a tradition I’ve happily carried on, and I’m excited to share my version of this classic with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: Varies depending on desired doneness
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling)
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Dietary Type: Not specified. Can be adapted.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup onion, very finely chopped
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (mesquite preferred)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 large hamburger buns, lightly toasted
• 4 slices tomatoes
• 4 leaves lettuce
• 4 slices Kraft Singles cheese (optional)
• Grilled onion (optional)
• Jalapeño (optional)
• A.1. Original Sauce (optional)
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Any other favorite toppings or condiments (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Grill
• Broiler (optional for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke.
2. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients. The mixture should be soft enough to handle, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
3. If the mixture is too loose and won’t come together, you can add up to ½ cup of bread crumbs. Add a little at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. Mix the ingredients with your hands to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
5. This is the stage where you can add any other seasonings you think would complement the flavor profile. Mince garlic, seasoned salt, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an extra layer of depth and complexity.
6. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions.
7. Form each portion into a patty that is roughly the same diameter as your hamburger buns. Aim for fairly thin and large patties.
8. Wrap a slice of bacon around the center of each patty, securing it in place with toothpicks. Ensure the bacon is snugly wrapped around the circumference of the patty.
9. Place the patties in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours. This chilling period allows the patties to firm up, making them easier to handle on the grill.
10. Before grilling, remove the patties from the refrigerator and allow them to come up to room temperature. This will help them cook more evenly.
11. Prepare a hot fire in your grill. For optimal smoky flavor, throw on a few water-logged mesquite wood chunks to create a smoky environment.
12. Place the patties on the hot grill. Make sure to remove the toothpicks before turning them over. Grill the burgers to your desired level of doneness.
13. While the burgers are grilling, lightly toast the buns under the broiler or on the grill. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
14. Place the cooked hamburger patties, toasted buns, tomato slices, lettuce leaves, and any other desired toppings on individual plates.
15. Allow each person to build their own burger according to their preferences.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the burger mixture.
• If you don’t have mesquite wood chunks, hickory or applewood chips also work well for adding smoky flavor.
• To prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before placing the patties on them.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave enough space between the patties to allow for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• For a juicier burger, avoid overcooking.
• Instead of Kraft Singles, try using a sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack cheese.
• To quickly toast buns, place them cut-side down on the grill for about 30-60 seconds.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these smoky bacon burgers immediately after grilling. They pair perfectly with classic barbecue sides such as potato chips, macaroni salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob. They’re also fantastic with a cold soda or beer.

Leftover cooked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet, microwave, or oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked patties for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional toppings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	426.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	212 g	50%
Total Fat	23.6 g	36%
Saturated Fat	8.7 g	43%
Cholesterol	124 mg	41%
Sodium	1515.3 mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	24.6 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	4.1 g	N/A
Protein	27.2 g	54%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the burger mixture. Top with sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
• BBQ Burger: Mix barbecue sauce into the burger mixture or use it as a topping. Add crispy fried onions or coleslaw for extra flavor.
• Mushroom & Swiss Burger: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic and top the burger with Swiss cheese.
• Turkey Burger: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Add bread crumbs to help bind the mixture.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegan bacon.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the patties and wrap them in bacon up to 8 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the burgers from drying out on the grill?
A: Avoid overcooking the burgers. Cook them to your desired level of doneness, but don’t let them sit on the grill for too long. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!

Q: Can I cook these burgers in a skillet instead of on a grill?
A: Absolutely! Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Q: What kind of bacon works best for this recipe?
A: Thick-cut bacon is highly recommended, as it will hold its shape better during grilling. Smoky bacon adds an extra layer of flavor, but you can use any type of bacon you prefer.

Q: Can I add cheese to the burgers while they’re grilling?
A: Yes! Add the cheese during the last minute or two of grilling, allowing it to melt slightly before removing the burgers from the grill.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re armed with this delicious recipe, it’s time to fire up the grill and create your own smoky bacon burger masterpiece! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize the burgers to your liking. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! These burgers are the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering. Pair them with your favorite sides and a refreshing beverage for a truly unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!