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Did you know that 75% of Americans say they prefer grilling over other cooking methods during summer? It's no surprise, considering the rich flavors that BBQ brings to your meals. If you're looking to impress your guests at your next cookout, you'll want to explore these six smoky and saucy BBQ burger recipes. Each one offers a unique twist that could turn your barbecue into an unforgettable experience.
Key Takeaways
- Explore classic smoky BBQ burger recipes with ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and BBQ sauce for a rich flavor profile.
- Try unique variations such as the Spicy Chipotle Bacon Burger or Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Burger for an exciting twist on traditional flavors.
- Use marinated brisket or ground chicken for alternative protein options, enhancing your BBQ lineup with diverse tastes.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces and toppings like jalapeños, crispy bacon, or fresh vegetables to personalize your burgers.
- Remember to let burgers rest after grilling to ensure optimal juiciness and serve them with delicious sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables.
Classic Smoky BBQ Burger
To elevate your BBQ experience, serve these smoky burgers with your favorite toppings and sides. From fresh lettuce and tomatoes to creamy coleslaw and crispy fries, the options are endless.
Let's get started on crafting the perfect Classic Smoky BBQ Burger that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and BBQ sauce.
Mix the ingredients gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side.
Flip the burgers and add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired doneness.
Toast the burger buns on the grill for the last minute of cooking. Assemble your burgers with additional BBQ sauce and your choice of toppings.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let your ground beef sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
This helps guarantee even cooking throughout the patties.
Additionally, consider experimenting with different types of BBQ sauce to find your perfect match.
A smoky chipotle or tangy mustard-based sauce can add unique depth to your burgers.
Don't forget to let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every bite is deliciously juicy!
Spicy Chipotle Bacon Burger
Summer grilling is the perfect time to elevate your burger game, and a Spicy Chipotle Bacon Burger is just the ticket. This deliciously smoky and spicy burger combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, zesty chipotle peppers, and juicy beef to create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Pair it with your favorite toppings and a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete outdoor feast. To get started, gather your ingredients and fire up the grill. The combination of chipotle and bacon not only adds heat but also a depth of flavor that raises a simple burger to gourmet status.
Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, this burger is sure to impress your guests and become a summertime staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for topping
Cooking Instructions:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper, mixing gently to avoid overworking the meat. Form the mixture into four equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing while grilling.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip them and add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
While the burgers are grilling, mix the mayonnaise with lime juice and set it aside. Once cooked, assemble the burgers by spreading the chipotle mayo on the buns, adding the burger patty, crispy bacon, and your favorite toppings.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your burger. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also smoke the patties on the grill for a few minutes before finishing them over direct heat.
Remember to let the patties rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to guarantee they stay juicy. Enjoy your Spicy Chipotle Bacon Burger with a revitalizing drink and soak in the summer vibes!
Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Burger
To create the perfect Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Burger, you'll need some key ingredients that will elevate your grilling game. From juicy beef patties to fresh pineapple slices, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and condiments for an unforgettable summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for grilling)
- 4 slices fresh pineapple
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomatoes
- Optional: cheese slices (Swiss or cheddar)
Cooking Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form into four patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to guarantee even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, brush the pineapple slices with a little teriyaki sauce. Once the grill is ready, cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
During the last few minutes of cooking, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Extra Tips:
For an added burst of flavor, consider marinating the beef patties in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before grilling. This will infuse the meat with even more savory goodness.
Additionally, toasting the burger buns on the grill for a minute or two will add a delightful crunch that complements the juicy patties and sweet pineapple. Enjoy your Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Burger with a side of grilled vegetables or coleslaw for a complete summer feast!
Smoky BBQ Mushroom Swiss Burger
When it comes to summer grilling, nothing quite matches the smoky flavor of a BBQ Mushroom Swiss Burger. This delicious twist on the classic burger combines the rich umami of sautéed mushrooms with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Swiss cheese. The addition of BBQ sauce elevates the flavor profile, making each bite an explosion of taste that will delight your family and friends.
Perfect for backyard cookouts, this burger is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
To make your Smoky BBQ Mushroom Swiss Burger, you'll need a few simple ingredients that come together harmoniously. This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to customize the toppings and sauces according to your preferences. Grab your grill and get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that's ideal for satisfying those summer cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or portobello)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for garnishing (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're tender and golden brown. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
Remove from heat and mix in 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Set aside.
2. While the mushrooms are cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the remaining BBQ sauce, and form it into four equal patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of grilling, place a generous portion of sautéed mushrooms on top of each patty and add a slice of Swiss cheese. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
3. Once cooked, remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Assemble your burgers by placing each patty on a bun and adding any additional toppings you desire, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you like, and serve immediately.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in your favorite BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling. This will infuse the meat with a delicious smokiness.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms or cheeses to create your signature burger. If you want to make this dish even more hearty, consider adding crispy bacon or fried onions as toppings.
Enjoy your smoky BBQ Mushroom Swiss Burger with a side of grilled vegetables or potato salad for the ultimate summer meal!
Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Burger
The Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Burger is a delightful twist on the classic summer grilling staple. This recipe combines the smoky richness of barbecued chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard, creating a mouthwatering experience that will impress family and friends at your next cookout. Each bite is juicy and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their grilling game this summer.
To make this burger even more enticing, consider adding fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Serve it on a toasted bun for that perfect crunch, and don't forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw or grilled vegetables. With easy preparation and grilling instructions, this Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Burger will quickly become a favorite in your summer recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional for toppings)
Cooking Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
During the last minute of cooking, you can add a slice of cheese on top of each patty if desired. Toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Assemble the burgers by placing the chicken patties on the buns and adding your choice of toppings.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, marinate the ground chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours before grilling.
You can also experiment with different types of mustard or add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. If you want to make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain buns or serving the patties over a bed of greens instead of in a bun.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Burgers this summer!
Bourbon BBQ Brisket Burger
To create the perfect Bourbon BBQ Brisket Burger, you'll want to start with high-quality brisket. Slow-cooking the brisket with bourbon adds depth and complexity to the flavor, while the BBQ sauce brings a tangy sweetness that complements the meat beautifully.
Whether you choose to grill or smoke your burgers, the result will be a juicy, flavorful bite that guests will rave about long after the grill is put away.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds brisket
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably homemade or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños, and cheese
Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by seasoning the brisket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large bowl, mix together the bourbon, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.
Marinate the brisket in this mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Once marinated, preheat your grill or smoker to a medium-low heat. Remove the brisket from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
Grill the brisket for about 3 to 4 hours, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the meat is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F.
Once cooked, allow the brisket to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it into thick pieces.
3. To assemble your burgers, place a generous portion of sliced brisket on the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and add your desired toppings before placing the top bun on.
Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky goodness.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the burger buns on the grill for a minute or two before assembling the burgers. This will provide a delightful crunch and help hold up against the juicy brisket.
Additionally, experimenting with different BBQ sauces or homemade versions can personalize the taste to your liking.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a slice of crispy bacon or a fried onion ring for an extra indulgent touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Buns Pair Well With BBQ Burgers?
Soft brioche buns cradle your juicy BBQ burger, while crusty ciabatta adds texture. You'll love how toasted pretzel buns enhance the flavor, contrasting the smoky richness. Choose wisely, as the bun can elevate your meal!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks?
To achieve perfect grill marks, preheat your grill, place the food at a 45-degree angle, and don't move it for a few minutes. Flip it at a right angle for that signature crisscross pattern.
What Side Dishes Complement BBQ Burgers?
To complement BBQ burgers, try coleslaw for crunch, baked beans for sweetness, or corn on the cob for a classic touch. Don't forget crispy potato wedges or a fresh salad to balance the meal!
Can I Make BBQ Burgers in the Oven?
You'd be surprised how easy it is! Yes, you can make BBQ burgers in the oven. Just shape your patties, season them, and bake at a high temperature for juicy, flavorful results. Enjoy the convenience!
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Burgers?
To store leftover BBQ burgers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll last about three to four days, perfect for quick meals later!
