Description
Cheesy-rrrific BBQ Bacon Burger: A mouthwatering delight featuring smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, creamy American cheese béchamel sauce, tangy pickled cucumbers, sliced onions, jalapeños, ripe avocado, and a zesty horseradish mustard aioli, all layered on a toasted onion bun. This burger is the ultimate blend of smoky, cheesy, tangy, and zesty flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 slices American cheese, torn into pieces
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Quick Pickles:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 jalapeños, thinly sliced
For the Toppings and Assembly:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Quick Pickling
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumber, onion, and jalapeños. Place them in a clean glass jar or container.
- In a small saucepan, combine water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds (if using), and garlic. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt.
- Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are submerged. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for optimal flavor).
Step 2: Make the Burger Patties
- Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Divide into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than your buns. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Brush patties with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the torn American cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun.
- Layer the ingredients: place a cooked burger patty on the bun, followed by crispy bacon, sliced avocado, and a mix of pickled cucumbers, onions, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle the warm béchamel sauce generously over the toppings. Add the top bun and press gently.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers with crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or grilled corn. Pair them with a refreshing lemonade or an ice-cold beer for the ultimate BBQ experience!