Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Toppings | Arteflame Recipe

Introduction

The bacon cheeseburger takes the classic burger to a whole new level, combining juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Grilling it on the Arteflame grill adds a smoky flavor and ensures the perfect sear. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, and you can customize it with all your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
• 8 slices of bacon
• 8 slices of cheddar or American cheese
• 8 burger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 8 lettuce leaves
• Pickles, sliced
• Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling toppings)

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by lighting the Arteflame grill with three vegetable-oil-soaked napkins placed under the firewood. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up. The center grate will be ideal for searing the patties, while the flat cooktop is perfect for grilling bacon and toasting the buns.

2. Grill the Bacon

Place the bacon slices on the outer flat cooktop, cooking for about 3-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Once done, move the bacon to a cooler part of the grill to keep warm.

3. Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick, and press a small indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up while grilling.

4. Grill the Burger Patties

Place the patties on the center grill grate over high heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once. During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt. Cook until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F for medium.

5. Toast the Buns

Butter the burger buns and place them cut-side down on the outer flat top. Toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Assemble the Bacon Cheeseburgers

Once the burgers are cooked and the cheese is melted, place each patty on a toasted bun. Add crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and your favorite condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

7. Serve

Serve the burgers hot, with extra bacon and toppings on the side for your guests to enjoy. Pair with fries or grilled veggies for the perfect BBQ meal.

Tips

• Bacon Choices: For extra smoky flavor, use thick-cut bacon or even peppered bacon.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can use Swiss, American, or pepper jack cheese for added variety.
• Grill the Onions: Caramelize onions on the flat top to add a sweet, rich flavor to your burger.

Variations

1. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger: Add BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions, and pepper jack cheese for a tangy twist.
2. Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger: Top with slices of fresh avocado, bacon, and spicy mayo for a creamy, flavorful burger.
3. Mushroom Bacon Swiss Burger: Add grilled mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory upgrade.
4. Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Burger: Include grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
5. Blue Cheese Bacon Burger: Swap out cheddar for blue cheese crumbles and add caramelized onions for a bold, tangy flavor.

Best Pairings

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn with butter and lime
• Fresh coleslaw or potato salad
• A cold beer or iced tea
• Grilled pineapple or watermelon for dessert

Conclusion

Grilling bacon cheeseburgers on the Arteflame ensures a smoky, charred flavor with perfectly crispy bacon and melted cheese. This burger is ideal for any BBQ gathering and can be customized with all your favorite toppings!