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Close-up of BBQ bacon cheddar smash burger with crispy-edged beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce.

Irresistible BBQ Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers (Juicy Crispy-Edged Burgers Ready in 30 Minutes)

Samantha
These BBQ Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers feature juicy beef patties with crispy caramelized edges, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce layered on toasted brioche buns. Ready in just 30 minutes, they're a crowd-pleasing burger recipe perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, game-day gatherings, and summer entertaining.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burgers

  • 2 pounds 900g ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Toppings

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Dill pickle slices

Optional Burger Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice

UK Measurement Notes

  • 2 pounds ground beef = approximately 900g
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce = approximately 120ml
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise = approximately 60ml

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve a small amount of bacon drippings if you'd like extra flavor for the burgers.
  • Prepare the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 8 loosely packed balls, about 4 ounces (115g) each. Avoid compacting the meat too much, as loose beef helps create tender patties with crispy edges.
  • Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, and pickle juice until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a cast iron skillet, flat-top griddle, or griddle pan over high heat until very hot. A properly heated surface is essential for achieving the signature smash burger crust.
  • Smash the Burgers: Place the beef balls onto the hot surface and immediately press them into thin patties about ¼ inch thick using a burger press or sturdy spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Flip and Add Cheese: Once the edges are deeply browned and crispy, flip the patties and top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until the cheese is melted.
  • Toast the Buns: While the burgers finish cooking, lightly toast the brioche buns until golden brown. This helps add texture and prevents sogginess.
  • Assemble the Burgers: Spread the burger sauce onto the toasted buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, two cheesy patties, crispy bacon, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce if desired.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and fresh. You'll be rewarded with juicy smash burgers loaded with crispy edges, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and bold barbecue flavor in every bite.

Notes

Chef's Quick Notes

1. Start with Hot Equipment

A blazing hot griddle or cast iron skillet is the secret to achieving those crispy burger edges. If the cooking surface isn't fully heated, you won't get the signature crust that makes smash burgers so irresistible.

2. Choose the Right Beef

For the juiciest BBQ Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers, stick with 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat helps create better caramelization while keeping the patties tender and flavorful.

3. Smash Fast and Leave It Alone

Once the beef hits the hot surface, smash it immediately and resist the urge to press it again. This simple technique helps lock in juices while creating a restaurant-style crust.

4. Toast Those Buns

A lightly toasted brioche bun adds texture and helps prevent sogginess from juicy burger patties and barbecue sauce. It's a small step that makes a noticeable difference.

5. Crispy Bacon Wins Every Time

Cook the bacon until properly crisp. The crunchy texture balances the juicy beef and melted cheddar cheese, creating a better overall burger experience.

6. Don't Overload the Toppings

One of the secrets to a great backyard burger is balance. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles add crunch and freshness without overpowering the smoky barbecue flavor.

7. Double the Batch for Meal Prep

These high-protein burgers are excellent for meal prep. Extra patties can be used throughout the week in wraps, burger bowls, salads, and quick lunch recipes.

8. Let the Crust Do the Talking

The beauty of BBQ Bacon Cheddar Smash Burgers comes from simple ingredients cooked properly. Focus on creating a deep crust, using quality cheddar cheese, and letting the beef flavor shine instead of relying on excessive toppings or sauces.
Keyword backyard grilling comfort food, BBQ Cookout Favorite, Comfort Food Classic, family friendly meal, Game Day Food, high-protein dinner, quick 30-minute dinner, Summer Entertaining