Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese

Craving a burger that’s a cut above the rest? Look no further than these mouthwatering BBQ Burgers! Picture this: layers of crispy beef, caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all dripping with tangy BBQ sauce and sandwiched between a soft pretzel bun. These BBQ smash burgers are not your average backyard fare – they’re a flavor-packed experience that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

My journey with BBQ Burgers started after a revelatory encounter at a local burger joint, and since then, these beauties have become a staple at my grill gatherings. The secret? Smashing the beef patties super thin on a hot flat-top grill to achieve those irresistible crispy edges while locking in all the juicy goodness. The result is a burger that’s been hailed by even the toughest of critics as “burger perfection.” So, fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create burger magic with these BBQ Burgers that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Intense flavor profile: Layers of crispy beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce create a flavorful explosion in every bite.
• Perfect texture balance: Smashing the meat balls super thin creates crispy, lacy edges that contrast perfectly with the juicy interior, providing a satisfying texture experience.
• Crowd-pleaser: These BBQ smash burgers have consistently won over even the most discerning burger enthusiasts, making them a hit at backyard barbecues, game day parties, and family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese Recipe

• Ultimate Grilling Obsession: If you love burgers that taste like they came from a legendary burger joint but made at home, these BBQ smash burgers will become your ultimate grilling obsession.
• Perfect Meat-to-Bun Ratio: The technique of stacking two thin, crispy, lacy-edged patties per burger creates a perfect meat-to-bun ratio in every bite.
• Mouthwatering Layers of Flavor: These burgers feature layers of crispy beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and smoky bacon all dripping with BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors that meld together into burger perfection.
• Rave Reviews: Even burger connoisseurs will be impressed; these burgers have been rated in the top five by a self-proclaimed burger expert, who now requests these burgers at every family gathering instead of dining out at famous burger spots.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, game day party, or casual family dinner, these BBQ smash burgers never fail to be the star of the meal, with everyone raving about the crispy-edged smashed beef, melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce.
• Signature Dish: Once you master the technique of smashing the patties thin and achieving those crispy edges, these BBQ smash burgers will become your signature dish that friends and family specifically request whenever you’re grilling.
• Irresistible Texture and Flavor: The smashing technique creates a texture and flavor that regular thick burgers simply cannot match, making these burgers a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their burger game.

Ingredients for Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese

Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Burgers and Toppings

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
• 4 pretzel buns or buns of choice
• 4 small onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 24 ounces ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 strips bacon

How to Make Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese

Step 1: Make seasoning mix

Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Step 2: Portion the beef

Separate the ground beef into 3-ounce portions and shape each into a ball to make 8 balls in total.

Step 3: Cook the bacon

Preheat a flat-top grill to medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Caramelize the onions

Melt butter on the grill, add sliced onions to coat in butter, season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture, cook for 8-10 minutes tossing frequently until wilted and starting to brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Prep for smashing

Increase heat to high and grease the flat-top with oil. Season the top of each meatball with the seasoning mixture.

Step 6: Smash and cook

Place seasoned-side down on the grill. Flatten each ball thinly using parchment paper and a weight, concentrating on the edges. Season the top side and cook for approximately 2 minutes until the meat is slightly holey and browned on the edges.

Step 7: Flip and top

Flip each patty using a scraper. Brush cooked side with BBQ sauce and place a slice of cheese on top. Cook until the cheese melts, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 8: Assemble the burgers

Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of each bun. Place two burger patties on top, followed by caramelized onions and bacon. Add more BBQ sauce to taste.

Storage Tips

To store the finished BBQ burgers, let them cool to room temperature first. You can then wrap each burger individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator. These wrapped burgers can be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags to keep them fresh. When properly stored, the BBQ burgers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

If you have leftover components of the BBQ burgers such as caramelized onions, cooked bacon, or cheese slices, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. These components can be used to quickly assemble fresh burgers when you’re ready to enjoy them again. When reheating the burgers, consider briefly toasting the buns before assembling to maintain their texture. Reheat the burgers in the oven or microwave until they are heated through, and enjoy them with additional BBQ sauce or toppings of your choice for a delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make some substitutions for this BBQ burger recipe, there are a few options to consider. For the ground beef, you can try using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that these meats may not get as crispy as beef when smashed, but they can still be delicious. Another option is to use vegetarian alternatives such as black bean patties or Beyond Meat for a plant-based version of the burger.

In terms of the cheese, if you prefer a different type, you can swap the cheddar cheese for Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese to change up the flavor profile. Additionally, if you don’t have pretzel buns, you can use regular burger buns, brioche buns, or even sandwich bread for a more accessible option. These substitutions can help cater to different dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen without compromising on the overall deliciousness of the BBQ burgers.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and delicious twist on serving these BBQ smash burgers, consider setting up a DIY burger bar at your next gathering. Arrange all the toppings like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese slices, and extra BBQ sauce in separate bowls so guests can customize their burgers to their liking. Serve the burgers on a large platter alongside a variety of buns, including pretzel buns, brioche buns, and even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Let everyone build their ultimate BBQ burger creation for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Another creative way to serve these BBQ smash burgers is to turn them into sliders for a bite-sized appetizer or party snack. Instead of making full-size patties, divide the ground beef into smaller portions and smash them thin for mini burgers. Top each slider with a piece of crispy bacon, a dollop of BBQ sauce, and a small slice of cheddar cheese before sandwiching them between mini pretzel buns or slider rolls. Arrange the sliders on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and watch as your guests devour these adorable and delicious BBQ burger bites.

FAQs for Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese

Can I use a regular grill instead of a flat-top grill for making these BBQ smash burgers?

Yes, you can use a regular grill to make these burgers. A large cast-iron griddle or skillet works well too. Just make sure to heat it over high heat until it’s smoking hot before adding the burgers for that crispy crust.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar for these BBQ smash burgers?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese of your choice for these burgers. Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese can be great alternatives to cheddar.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance to save time when making these BBQ smash burgers?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance to save time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before assembling your burgers.

What is the significance of smashing the meat balls super thin when making these BBQ smash burgers?

Smashing the meat balls super thin is crucial for creating those crispy, lacy edges on the patties. This technique helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor that sets these burgers apart from traditional thick burgers.

Conclusion

As you embark on your BBQ burger grilling journey, remember that practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless – the key is to keep experimenting and adjusting until you find the technique that works best for you. Embrace the process, have fun with it, and enjoy the delicious results that come from your efforts.

So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create memories around a table filled with mouthwatering BBQ burgers. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, these BBQ burgers are sure to steal the show and leave everyone craving more. The joy of grilling and sharing delicious food is unmatched, and BBQ burgers have a special way of bringing people together over a shared love for good food. So go ahead, savor every bite of those crispy-edged patties, gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and smoky bacon drenched in tangy BBQ sauce. Let the magic of BBQ burgers elevate your grilling game and create unforgettable moments with those you hold dear. Happy grilling!

Delicious BBQ Burgers with Grilled Onions and Cheese

“Unleash the ultimate grilling sensation with BBQ Smash Burgers – crispy beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and smoky bacon drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce on pretzel buns!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time24 Minutes

Total Time44 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 double-patty burgers)

Ingredients

Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Burgers and Toppings

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
• 4 pretzel buns or buns of choice
• 4 small onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 24 ounces ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 strips bacon

Instructions

1. Make seasoning mix: Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
2. Portion the beef: Separate the ground beef into 3-ounce portions and shape each into a ball to make 8 balls in total.
3. Cook the bacon: Preheat a flat-top grill to medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Caramelize the onions: Melt butter on the grill, add sliced onions to coat in butter, season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture, cook for 8-10 minutes tossing frequently until wilted and starting to brown. Remove and set aside.
5. Prep for smashing: Increase heat to high and grease the flat-top with oil. Season the top of each meatball with the seasoning mixture.
6. Smash and cook: Place seasoned-side down on the grill. Flatten each ball thinly using parchment paper and a weight, concentrating on the edges. Season the top side and cook for approximately 2 minutes until the meat is slightly holey and browned on the edges.
7. Flip and top: Flip each patty using a scraper. Brush cooked side with BBQ sauce and place a slice of cheese on top. Cook until the cheese melts, approximately 2 minutes.
8. Assemble the burgers: Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of each bun. Place two burger patties on top, followed by caramelized onions and bacon. Add more BBQ sauce to taste.