When you're gearing up for a summer cookout, you probably want to impress your guests with some standout BBQ burgers. You might think of the classic options, but there are plenty of creative recipes that can enhance your grilling game. Consider the balance of flavors and textures in a Classic BBQ Bacon Burger or the unexpected kick of a Spicy Chipotle BBQ Burger. Each recipe offers something unique, ensuring you'll cater to diverse tastes. Curious about which burger will become your new favorite? Let's investigate these mouthwatering options together.
Classic BBQ Bacon Burger

The Classic BBQ Bacon Burger is a mouthwatering twist on the traditional burger, combining the rich flavors of smoky bacon with a tangy barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy weeknight dinner.
With juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and your favorite burger toppings, this burger is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fire up the grill and satisfy your cravings with this delectable BBQ bacon burger recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Sliced pickles (optional)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and mix until just combined.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
Once the grill is hot, place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, adding a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking. Brush the cooked patties with BBQ sauce before removing them from the grill.
Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns, layering with bacon, and adding your choice of lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful burger, consider marinating the beef patties in BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling. If you prefer a smoky flavor, use a smoker or add wood chips to your grill.
Make sure not to overwork the beef when shaping the patties to keep them tender and juicy. You can also customize your toppings with other favorites like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or avocado for an extra kick.
Enjoy your BBQ bacon burger with a side of fries or coleslaw for a complete meal!
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Burger

The Spicy Chipotle BBQ Burger is a mouthwatering twist on the classic burger that combines the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers with a rich BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a little heat in their meals.
The combination of spices, juicy beef, and tangy toppings makes this burger a standout at any summer cookout or weeknight dinner. Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your family and friends with this flavorful creation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Additional BBQ sauce for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with chopped chipotle peppers, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty to melt. Remove the burgers from the grill and assemble them on the hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two before assembling your burgers.
If you want to kick up the spiciness even more, add some sliced jalapeños or a spicy sriracha mayo as a condiment.
This burger pairs wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw. Don't forget to adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo to suit your heat preference!
Southwest BBQ Burger

The Southwest BBQ Burger is a flavorful twist on the classic burger that brings a taste of the Southwest right to your grill. With a spicy kick from jalapeños, a smoky BBQ sauce, and topped with pepper jack cheese, this burger is certain to satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal with a bit of heat.
Perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and certain to impress your guests with its bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for toppings
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped jalapeño, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the mixture into four equally sized patties. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
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 cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1 minute until golden brown. Assemble your burgers by placing the patty on the bun and adding your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, and extra BBQ sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an even more intense flavor, consider mixing in some chopped cilantro or lime juice into the burger mixture.
If you prefer a milder burger, you can deseed the jalapeños before chopping them. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauces to find your perfect match!
Always let your burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to guarantee they remain juicy when you bite into them.
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Burger

If you're looking to boost your BBQ burger game, the Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Burger is a delicious and tropical twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
This burger combines the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the sweet and juicy essence of grilled pineapple, creating a mouthwatering experience that's perfect for summer cookouts or any casual gathering.
The blend of flavors in this burger is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a favorite at any BBQ.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of fresh pineapple
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of tomato
- Additional teriyaki sauce for drizzling
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, teriyaki sauce, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined and form into four patties.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
In the last few minutes of cooking, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized.
Assemble your burger by placing a patty on a bun, topping it with grilled pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of additional teriyaki sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the burger patties in teriyaki sauce for a few hours before grilling.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sriracha to your burger.
When grilling pineapple, make sure that your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
You can also toast the hamburger buns on the grill for a crispy texture.
Enjoy experimenting with toppings like avocado or grilled onions for a personalized touch!
Blue Cheese BBQ Burger

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of a Blue Cheese BBQ Burger, the perfect combination of smoky barbecue goodness and creamy blue cheese. This mouthwatering burger is ideal for summer cookouts or a cozy dinner at home.
With a juicy beef patty topped with melted blue cheese and slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, this burger will surely impress your family and friends. Let's get started on this delicious culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Lettuce and tomato (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled blue cheese, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
During the last minute of cooking, brush each patty with BBQ sauce and allow it to caramelize slightly. Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a slice of crispy bacon on top of your Blue Cheese BBQ Burger.
You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to substitute it with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
Finally, to enhance your burger even further, toast the hamburger buns on the grill for a few minutes before assembling your burger. Enjoy your delicious creation!