Bacon Cheddar Smokehouse Burgers

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns add fiber.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup

Homemade sauce can be healthier with less sugar.

Slice up 1/2 pound of bacon and place it in a frying pan on medium heat.

Slice up another 1/2 pound of bacon into smaller bits and add it to a mixing bowl.

Add 1 1/2 pounds of 90/10 ground sirloin to the mixing bowl with the bacon bits.

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl.

Divide the mixture into four half-pound patties.

Use a burger press to shape the patties (optional).

Make a dimple in the top of each patty.

Season the patties with barbecue rub or your favorite seasonings.

Load the patties into the smoker set at 150°F with mesquite pellets.

After about 10 minutes, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels.

Add 1 thinly sliced onion to the bacon grease in the pan (drain grease if desired) and cook for about 12 minutes until golden.

Remove the onions and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Add the cooked bacon and onions back to the pan, then add barbecue sauce and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.

Spread the bacon onion cheddar barbecue sauce mixture onto the bottom bun of each burger.

Smoke the patties for about 2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F.

Cover the patties with tinfoil and switch the smoker to grill mode at 450°F.

Grill the patties for about 4 minutes with the lid open, then rotate for grill marks.

Close the lid and cook for another 4 minutes, checking the internal temperature aiming for 165°F.

Add sharp cheddar cheese on top of the patties when they are close to the target temperature.

Toast the buns on the grill (optional to butter them beforehand).

Once the cheese is melted, remove the patties and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the burgers with the bacon onion cheddar spread, the bacon burger patty, and top with additional bacon, tomato, and lettuce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens