Indulge in the Ultimate BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger on Homemade Pretzel Buns
Sometimes, a regular burger just won’t cut it. You crave something truly extraordinary, a burger that pushes the boundaries of flavor and texture. When that craving strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a decadent BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger, especially when it’s crowned with a freshly baked, homemade pretzel bun. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of savory, smoky, and salty notes that will leave you utterly delighted.
Forget mediocre fast-food offerings. This recipe guides you through creating a masterpiece, from perfectly seasoned beef patties to crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a slather of your favorite BBQ sauce, all nestled within a soft yet sturdy pretzel bun. The combination of flavors and the satisfaction of biting into something you’ve crafted with care makes this burger truly “obnoxiously good.”
BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburgers on Homemade Pretzel Buns
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Ingredients
- 1 batch Pretzel Bread prepared to make 4 buns
- 1 red onion sliced (don’t separate the rings until after grilling)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ t kosher salt
- ¼ t fresh cracked pepper
- 1 t McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic and Herb seasoning
- 1 t McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak seasoning
- couple sprinkles Worcestershire sauce
- 1 T half and half *see Note
- 8 slices bacon cooked
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- purchased BBQ sauce I use Jack Daniels brand
Instructions
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Heat grill to high heat. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect sear marks.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic and Herb seasoning, McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak seasoning, a few sprinkles of Worcestershire sauce, and the half and half. Use your fingers to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into large, flat patties, slightly wider than your pretzel buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
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Lightly spray both sides of the burger patties and the sliced red onion (keeping the rings together) with cooking spray. Place the burgers and onion slices on the hot grill. Grill the burgers to your desired doneness. For a medium-rare burger, typically 3 minutes per side on a hot grill is sufficient. Adjust cooking time for medium, medium-well, or well-done. Grill the onions simultaneously until they are softened and lightly charred, developing a sweet, smoky flavor.
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To assemble these magnificent burgers, start by placing the bottom half of a homemade pretzel bun on your plate. Layer one slice of sharp cheddar cheese directly onto the bun. Next, add a perfectly grilled burger patty, followed by two crispy slices of cooked bacon. Place a second slice of cheddar cheese on top of the bacon and patty. Add a fresh slice of tomato, and then generously drizzle with your preferred BBQ sauce. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the pretzel bun. If you desire extra melty cheese, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will do the trick. Serve immediately and enjoy! This recipe yields 4 satisfying burgers.
Notes
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Why Homemade Pretzel Buns Make All the Difference
While a store-bought bun might suffice for a regular burger, these epic BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburgers deserve something truly special: homemade pretzel buns. The unique preparation of pretzel bread, involving a quick dip in a lye (or baking soda) solution before baking, creates a distinctively chewy crust and a soft, airy interior. This contrasts beautifully with the juicy burger patties and crispy bacon, offering a textural depth that elevates the entire experience.
Beyond texture, the slight tang and malty flavor of a pretzel bun perfectly complements the smoky BBQ sauce and rich cheddar cheese. It’s a subtle yet significant detail that transforms a good burger into a gourmet delight. Making them from scratch might seem like an extra step, but the reward is immense, delivering a freshness and quality unmatched by any store-bought alternative. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is an added bonus!
Crafting the Perfect Burger Patty
The foundation of any great burger is the patty. For these BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburgers, we opt for lean ground beef, but with a clever trick to maintain moisture. As noted in the recipe, a tablespoon of half-and-half (or even milk or cream) can significantly improve the juiciness of leaner cuts. If you’re using ground chuck or a higher fat content beef (like 80/20), you can skip this step entirely, as the fat will naturally keep the burger moist.
Seasoning is key. The combination of kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic and Herb, and Montreal Steak seasoning provides a robust flavor profile that stands up to the bold toppings. Remember to mix the ingredients gently and quickly with your fingers to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough patties. Form them slightly larger than your buns, creating a small indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up into a ball during grilling.
Grilling Techniques for Maximum Flavor
Grilling isn’t just about cooking; it’s about infusing flavor. High heat is essential for developing a beautiful crust and char on both the burgers and the onions. Always ensure your grill grates are clean and brushed with oil before placing any food on them to prevent sticking. For medium-rare perfection, a few minutes per side on a screaming hot grill is usually all it takes. For those who prefer their burgers more done, adjust the cooking time accordingly, being careful not to overcook and dry out the patties.
Don’t forget the red onions! Grilling them softens their sharp edge and brings out a natural sweetness, adding another layer of complex flavor to your burger. Keeping the onion rings intact until after grilling helps them stay together and cook more evenly. The smoky char from the grill adds a depth of flavor that raw onions simply can’t achieve.
The Art of Assembling Your Double Cheeseburger Masterpiece
Assembling these BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburgers is an art form, ensuring every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sequence of ingredients is crucial for both taste and structural integrity. Start with the bottom pretzel bun, followed by a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese will melt slightly from the warmth of the bun, creating a gooey base.
Next, place your first juicy burger patty, then two slices of crispy bacon, followed by a second slice of sharp cheddar. This double layer of cheese and bacon ensures a generous amount of these irresistible toppings. A fresh slice of tomato adds a burst of acidity and freshness, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. Finally, a liberal slathering of your favorite BBQ sauce – the suggested Jack Daniel’s brand offers a sweet and smoky profile that perfectly ties everything together – before capping it all with the top pretzel bun. For an extra melty experience, a quick microwave zap is a game-changer.
Ingredient Deep Dive and Customization Ideas
Each ingredient in this BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger plays a vital role in its overall deliciousness:
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable. Whether you cook it in the oven, pan-fry it, or use an air fryer, ensure it’s perfectly crisp to provide that satisfying crunch.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The bold, tangy flavor of sharp cheddar is ideal for balancing the richness of the beef and bacon. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: The choice of BBQ sauce can significantly alter the burger’s profile. A sweet and smoky sauce like Jack Daniel’s is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to use a spicier, tangier, or mustard-based BBQ sauce if that’s your preference.
- Red Onion: Grilling red onions transforms them into sweet, savory elements. If you prefer a raw onion crunch, thinly sliced red onion rings or even pickled red onions would be excellent additions.
- Tomato: A ripe, juicy tomato slice adds essential freshness and acidity. For an extra touch, consider grilling the tomato slices briefly to caramelize them slightly.
Beyond the core ingredients, feel free to customize your burger. Add a layer of crisp lettuce for freshness, crunchy dill pickles for tang, or creamy avocado slices. A fried egg can turn this into an even more indulgent brunch burger. Experiment with different burger sauces, such as a homemade aioli, a spicy mayonnaise, or a specialized burger spread.
Tips for Burger Success and Serving Suggestions
- Don’t Press the Patties: Once your burgers are on the grill, resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula. This squeezes out valuable juices and fat, leading to a dry burger.
- Rest the Meat: While not explicitly stated for burgers, allowing the cooked patties to rest for a minute or two off the grill can help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the inside of your pretzel buns on the grill or in a pan adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the burger juices and sauces.
- Prep Ahead: Cook your bacon and prepare your pretzel buns in advance to streamline assembly on burger night. You can even form the patties a few hours before grilling.
These BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburgers are incredibly hearty and satisfying on their own, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides. Think crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, baked beans, or even a simple green salad. For a beverage pairing, a cold craft beer, especially an amber ale or a smoky porter, would complement the rich flavors beautifully. A refreshing lemonade or iced tea also makes for a great accompaniment.
Conclusion
Creating an “obnoxiously good” burger isn’t just about piling on ingredients; it’s about thoughtful combinations, quality components, and a touch of homemade goodness. This BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger on Homemade Pretzel Buns delivers on all fronts, offering a truly gourmet experience that’s perfect for special occasions, weekend cookouts, or simply when you’re craving the best burger imaginable. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a burger that redefines deliciousness!