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Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burger

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Looking for a delicious and unique burger recipe? Add some sweet and spicy bacon deliciousness to your next cookout!

This burger is packed with flavour; it is absolutely loaded with bacon then topped with gooey cheese. What puts it over the top is the addition of caramelized onions with sweet and spicy peppers, that gets covered in our tasty sweet n spicy BBQ sauce.

This recipe is perfect for impressing your friends and family with your cooking skills, while keeping them all fed and happy. The combination of flavors in this burger is sure to please even the pickiest palate.

So good, no one will be able to resist!

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.
This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Why You Will LOVE These Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burgers

  • Inspired by Whataburgers famous sweet n spicy burger
  • A touch of heat paired perfectly with a sweet maple based bbq sauce
  • Loaded with Bacon!
  • Gourmet burger experience at home
  • Easy to make on a grill or stove
  • Juicy tender burger
  • Loads of flavour
This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

What are the Best Side Dishes for Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burgers?

Hamburgers are traditionally served with french fries, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes. Some of our other favourite options include:

– Potato salad

– Macaroni salad (Try our Mexican Macaroni Salad)

– Fresh green salad

Grilled Corn Salad

5 Bean Salad

– Coleslaw

– Baked beans

– Corn on the cob

– Roasted vegetables

– Fruit salad (Our Honey Lime Fruit Salad is a great pairing!)

No matter what side dishes you choose, they should be able to stand up to the rich and flavourful burgers. You don’t want anything that will get lost in the mix or be too delicate.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburgers

Should I add breadcrumbs or an egg?

Adding breadcrumbs or an egg to the hamburger mixture is not necessary, but it can help to bind the ingredients together. If you find that your burgers are falling apart, you can try adding a little bit of breadcrumb or egg to the mix. Just be careful not to add too much, or the burgers will be dense and tough.

Can you put raw bacon in the burger?

Raw bacon can be added to the burger mixture if you prefer to skip cooking it ahead of time. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly. You will need to make sure you cook the burgers through thoroughly should you do this.

Do I need to use a grill or can I cook my burgers in a pan?

You can cook your burgers on a grill or in a pan. If you’re using a pan, be sure to use one that’s large enough so that the burgers have plenty of room to cook evenly. Cast iron pans work well for this if you don’t have a grill pan.

Should I use ground beef or ground chuck for my burgers?

Ground chuck is a good choice for burgers because it has a nice fat content that will make the burgers juicy and flavourful. Ground beef can also be used, but go for medium ground versus ground beef that’s too lean.

Can I make the burgers ahead of time?

You can make the burgers ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Be sure to shape the patties and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap so they don’t dry out.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

What Type of Bun is Best for Hamburgers?

When it comes to hamburger buns, there are endless options. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing a bun for your burger. It all comes down to personal preference.

Some of the best choices include:

  • Potato Buns. Soft and fluffy, these buns are perfect for soaking up all the juicy goodness of a burger.
  • Kaiser Rolls. These slightly chewy rolls have a nice crust that’s perfect for holding everything together.
  • Brioche Buns. Rich and buttery, brioche buns are a delicious option for burgers. Just be sure not to overdo it on the toppings, or they might overwhelm the bun.
  • Pretzel Buns. Pretzel buns are a great option if you’re looking for something a little different. The slightly salty flavor pairs well with burgers.
  • Sesame Seed Buns. These buns are a burger classic for a reason. They’re sturdy enough to hold everything together, and they have a nice flavor that pairs well with burgers.

No matter which type of bun you choose, be sure to toast it before adding your burger. This will help the bun hold up to all the juicy goodness and prevent it from getting soggy.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Variations on the Bacon Cheeseburger

  • Want to skip the cheese? A grilled pineapple ring adds a sweet bite, which perfectly compliments the salty strips of bacon, and spicy toppings.
  • Double Cheeseburger! Make a double cheese burger by stacking a patty with pepperjack cheese and one with cheddar cheese. (As shown in the photos.)
This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Tips for Making the BEST Burgers

Here are a few tips to help you make the best burgers ever:

Start with high-quality meat. If you want delicious burgers, you need to start with good quality meat. Look for ground beef that’s 80/20 ground chuck. This is the perfect blend of lean and fat, which will result in juicy, flavorful burgers.

Use room temperature meat. For even cooking, start with room temperature meat. Simply pull your beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you prepare the burgers.

Don’t over mix the meat. When you’re mixing the ground beef with your other ingredients, be careful not to over mix. Over mixing can result in tough, dense burgers. You should handle the meat as little as possible for a tender burger.

Use a light hand when forming the patties. Again, you don’t want to overwork the meat when you’re forming the patties. Just gently press the mixture into shape. If you make them too dense, they’ll be tough when cooked.

Make a thumbprint in the centre of each patty. This may seem like a silly step, but it really does make a difference. Making a thumbprint in the centre of each patty helps them cook evenly and prevents them from shrinking too much as they cook.

Season generously. Don’t be afraid to season your burgers generously with salt and pepper. This is the time to really flavour the meat, so don’t hold back.

Cook over medium-high heat. You want to cook your burgers over medium-high heat so they get a nice sear on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.

Don’t press down on the burgers while they’re cooking. This is a common mistake that people make when cooking burgers. Pressing down on the burgers squeezes out all of the juices, making them dry and tough.

Let the burgers rest. Once you’ve taken the burgers off the grill or out of the pan, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a juicier, more flavourful burger.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

How to Store Hamburgers

Hamburgers are one of the most popular American foods and there are endless ways to enjoy them. While you can find plenty of pre-made burger options at the grocery store, sometimes it’s just more fun (and delicious) to make your own. If you’re planning on making burgers at home, it’s important to know how to store them properly so they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

If you’re not going to cook your burgers right away, the best way to store them is in the fridge. Place your uncooked patties on a plate or tray and cover with cling wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the burgers are well-sealed so they don’t dry out. You can store your burgers in the fridge for up to two days.

If you need to store your burgers for longer than that, you can freeze them. Wrap each burger individually in cling wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen burgers will keep for up to three months.

When you’re ready to cook your burgers, you can cook them from frozen. If you’re cooking frozen burgers, be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Hamburgers are best cooked fresh, but properly stored leftovers can make a delicious meal, too.

If you have cooked hamburgers that you need to store, the best way to do it is in the fridge. Place the burgers on a plate or tray and cover with cling wrap or aluminum foil. Once again, make sure they’re well-sealed so they don’t dry out. Cooked hamburgers will keep in the fridge for up to four days.

You can also freeze cooked hamburgers. Wrap each burger individually in cling wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen hamburgers will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat frozen burgers in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove.

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About the Equipment Needed to Make Burgers

Grill – Use a grill pan to make these burgers indoors any time of the year – or, prepare on a grill outdoors.

Burger pressBurger presses help make uniform patties that cook evenly. Many home cooks use the palm of their hands to get reasonably even patties. I’ve shared another method in the recipe that requires only a measuring cup to get good results.

Ingredients for sweet n spicy bacon burger

About the Ingredients for Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burgers

Ground Beef – Regular ground beef or ground chuck are both great choices for making burgers. Do not go with lean ground beef as the lack of fat results in a less tasty burger.

Bacon – You can use packaged bacon for the bacon bits and bacon slices. You can also pre-cook diced bacon and sliced bacon instead for better flavour and texture. Use precooked bacon to save time when preparing this meal. If you decide to skip on the bacon bits in the burger, substitute with a tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce to get a level of depth and richness that will take your burger over the top.

Cheese – Use deli style sliced cheese for the best melty texture and flavour. Pepper jack and American cheese (what the rest of us know as processed cheese) are used here, but feel free to use what you like best. Add 2 slices of cheese to each patty for an extra cheesy burger.

Buns – Toast the burger buns if desired by placing under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Oil – For cooking the caramelized onion and peppers use a neutral flavoured oil or butter.

Brown sugar – The brown sugar aids in caramelizing the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño and gives a sweet flavor to tone down the spice of the jalapeños.

Onion – Use a sweet onion for the best flavour. Yellow or white onions are a good substitute, but you could even go with a red onion.

Jalapeño Pepper – You may seed the jalapeños for less heat- however we recommend keeping the seeds.

Bell Pepper – Try using multiple colours of bell pepper.

BBQ sauce – Use your favourite barbecue sauce here.

Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup here, not table syrup. They aren’t the same.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Looking for More Ground Beef Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite recipes made with ground beef!

This easy Mexican ground beef casserole recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal! It’s a hearty, comforting, and delicious casserole.

This John Wayne Casserole recipe is easy to make and results in a hearty, comforting casserole dish with loads of south-west flavour!

The BEST Homemade Cowboy baked beans recipe with step by step instructions for baking in the oven, in your crock pot, or over the campfire.

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

How to Make Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burgers

Yields: 8 Burgers | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 Tablespoons bacon bits
  • 4 Pepper Jack cheese slices
  • 4 American Cheese slices
  • 8 slices pre-cooked Bacon
  • Burger buns

For the Caramelized Onions and Peppers

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño Pepper, diced
  • 3 bell peppers, diced (any colour)

For the Sweet n Spicy Bbq Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup bbq sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

First, prepare the sweet n spicy bbq sauce. Combine bbq sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup in a bowl and whisk well.

Sweet n spicy bbq sauce mixture in a saucepan.

Pour into a saucepan and cook covered over medium/low heat for 10 minutes.

Prepare the caramelized onions and peppers. Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat.

Onion and pepper mixture in a glass bowl.

Dice the onion, jalapeno, and bell peppers and toss with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

onion and pepper mixture in a pan.

Add to the pan and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often.

Next, prepare the burgers. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat (or fire up your grill to medium-high).

Ground beef and seasonings in a bowl.

Combine ground beef, bacon bits, and 3 tbsp of the sweet n spicy bbq sauce in a bowl. Thoroughly mix.

8 meat balls on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to separate meat into 8 uniform sized sections.

Meat balls flattened into 1/2 inch thick patties.

Roll each ¼ cup into a ball, then gently press down to flatten into a ½” thick patty.

Cooked burger patties in a grill pan.

Lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add burger patties and cook for 4 minutes per side.

Check the internal temperature of the burgers before removing. Cooking times may vary, the burgers should be cooked between 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add a slice of cheese to the patty and cook until melted.

Arrange burgers. Add burger patty onto a bun. Top with caramelized onions and peppers and a slice of bacon. Drizzle with sweet n spicy bbq sauce. Enjoy!

Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burger
Yield: 8 Burgers

Sweet n Spicy Bacon Burger

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 Tablespoons bacon bits
  • 4 Pepper Jack cheese slices
  • 4 American Cheese slices
  • 8 slices pre-cooked Bacon
  • Burger buns

For the Caramelized Onions and Peppers

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño Pepper, diced
  • 3 bell peppers, diced (any colour)

For the Sweet n Spicy Bbq Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup bbq sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

First, prepare the sweet n spicy bbq sauce. Combine bbq sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup in a bowl and whisk well. Pour into a saucepan and cook covered over medium/low heat for 10 minutes.

Prepare the caramelized onions and peppers. Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Dice the onion, jalapeno, and bell peppers and toss with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add to the pan and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often.

Next, prepare the burgers. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat (or fire up your grill to medium-high). Combine ground beef, bacon bits, and 3 tbsp of the sweet n spicy bbq sauce in a bowl. Thoroughly mix.

Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to separate meat into 8 uniform sized sections. Roll each ¼ cup into a ball, then gently press down to flatten into a ½” thick patty.

Lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add burger patties and cook for 4 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature of the burgers before removing. Cooking times may vary, the burgers should be cooked between 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add a slice of cheese to the patty and cook until melted.

Arrange burgers. Add burger patty onto a bun. Top with caramelized onions and peppers and a slice of bacon. Drizzle with sweet n spicy bbq sauce. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 Burger

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 561Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 765mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 42g

This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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This sweet n spicy bacon burger recipe is easy to make and features caramelized onions and peppers with an amazing sweet n spicy bbq sauce.

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