BBQ Bacon Smash Burger: Your New Favorite Backyard BBQ Star!

Oh, hello there, burger lovers! Are you ready to elevate your summer grilling game to legendary status? Forget everything you thought you knew about homemade burgers because today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, crispy-edged, unbelievably juicy world of the BBQ Bacon Smash Burger! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a symphony of smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, perfectly caramelized beef, and melty cheese, all hugged by a soft, toasted bun. Get ready for that satisfying crunch, that burst of flavor, and that undeniable feeling of pure, unadulterated burger bliss. Trust me, once you master the incredible smash burger technique, there’s no going back!

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📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon Smash Burger

There are burgers, and then there are BBQ Bacon Smash Burgers. Here’s why this recipe is about to become your family’s most requested meal:

Unrivaled Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, and deeply savory beef creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Irresistible Texture: The magic of the smash burger means incredibly crispy, lacy edges that contrast perfectly with the juicy interior. Plus, that perfectly cooked bacon adds another layer of crunch!
Quick & Easy: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you – these burgers come together surprisingly fast, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu backyard gatherings.
Customizable: While the core recipe is divine, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your favorite toppings and cheeses.

What You’ll Need

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground beef (for optimal flavor and juiciness!)
8 slices thick-cut bacon
4 brioche or potato burger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite meltable cheese)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (or caramelized for extra sweetness)
4 lettuce leaves (Romaine or butter lettuce work great)
4 slices ripe tomato
4 dill pickle spears or slices
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for buns)
Optional: Jalapeño slices, crispy fried onions, mayo

How to Make BBQ Bacon Smash Burger

Let’s get smashing! This is where the magic happens for our incredible BBQ Bacon Smash Burger.

1. Prepare Your Bacon: In a large skillet or on a griddle, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and set aside. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and gently roll them into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat! Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Toast the Buns: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of your burger buns. In a separate dry skillet or on the cooler part of your griddle, toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Get Ready to Smash: Heat your skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add a drizzle of reserved bacon fat (or a high-smoke point oil like canola).
5. Smash ‘Em! Place two beef balls onto the hot surface, spaced apart. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper or a square of foil over each ball and, using a sturdy metal spatula, firmly press down on each beef ball, smashing it into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. You want to hear that sizzle!
6. Cook & Flip: Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and deeply browned. Using your spatula, scrape underneath the patty to release it, then flip.
7. Cheese Please: Immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. Repeat with the remaining beef balls. This smash burger technique is key!
8. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Spread BBQ sauce on both halves of your toasted buns. On the bottom bun, layer lettuce, tomato, a burger patty with melted cheese, 2 slices of crispy bacon, another burger patty, sliced red onion, and pickles. Top with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve Hot: Devour immediately and enjoy the glorious mess!

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Bacon Smash Burger

Hot, Hot, Hot: The key to a great smash burger is an extremely hot cooking surface. This creates that incredible crust quickly.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Keep the ground beef balls loosely packed. Overworking makes tough burgers.
Smash Once: Smash the burger firmly once and then leave it alone until it’s time to flip. Resist the urge to press it again!
Good Scrape: Use a sturdy, thin-edged metal spatula to scrape the burger off the griddle. This ensures those crispy bits stay attached!
Best Beef: 80/20 ground chuck is ideal for its fat content, which leads to juicy, flavorful burgers.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Feeling creative? Here are some ideas to make your BBQ Bacon Smash Burger even more epic:

Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack for a kick, or even blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
Sauce It Up: Mix in some chipotle mayo, a drizzle of ranch, or homemade secret sauce.
Caramelized Onions: Swap raw red onion for slow-cooked caramelized onions for an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
Fried Egg: Top your burger with a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg – pure decadence!
Jalapeño Popper Burger: Add cream cheese and pickled or fresh jalapeños for a spicy, creamy element.
Sides Galore: Serve with classic crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a hearty potato salad.

BBQ Bacon Smash Burger Reviews

“This BBQ Bacon Smash Burger recipe is an absolute game-changer! I’ve made smash burgers before, but the addition of BBQ sauce and crispy bacon just takes it to another level. My husband said it was the best burger he’s ever had at home. So easy to follow, too!” – Sarah K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Wow! I hosted a backyard BBQ and decided to try this recipe. It was a massive hit! The smash burger technique really delivers on those crispy edges, and the bacon was perfectly cooked. The instructions were clear, and the burgers turned out restaurant-quality. A new family favorite for sure!” – Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’m usually intimidated by making burgers from scratch, but this recipe made it so simple and rewarding. The flavors were incredible – smoky, savory, and perfectly balanced. I added some extra pickles, and it was pure bliss. Highly recommend giving this a try!” – Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the best type of ground beef for smash burgers?
A: We highly recommend using 80/20 ground chuck. The fat content is crucial for both flavor and creating those delicious crispy edges without the burger drying out.

Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce, or should I make my own?
A: Absolutely, your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly! If you have a go-to homemade recipe, that’s fantastic too. Use what you love!

Q: What’s the best way to “smash” the burger if I don’t have a special tool?
A: A sturdy metal spatula combined with another heavy, flat object (like the bottom of a small saucepan or a heavy cast-iron press) works wonderfully. Just make sure to use parchment paper or foil between the burger and your smashing tool to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I prepare any ingredients ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can pre-slice your red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce. You can also cook the bacon ahead of time and gently reheat it, or crisp it up right before assembling the burgers. This makes assembly even quicker!

Recipe Note

Embrace the glorious mess that is the BBQ Bacon Smash Burger! These are meant to be juicy, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to get a little saucy; it’s all part of the fun. Happy smashing!