BBQ Ranch Burgers Cheddar Bacon

These BBQ Ranch Burgers bring out everything I crave in a summer cookout burger Richly flavored beef is grilled to juicy perfection basted with sweet tangy BBQ sauce then layered with creamy cheddar and a crunchy BBQ ranch coleslaw Tucked inside a baconfat toasted brioche bun with a special burger sauce and plenty of crispy bacon this burger always gets rave reviews from everyone at my table

I first made these burgers for my family’s fourth of July party and the combination of BBQ ranch and crisped bacon has made them the most requested burger every grill season

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Quality grassfed 80/20 beef provides the best juiciness Look for beef that is bright red with minimal gristle or visible fillers
• Ranch seasoning: Blends herbs and spices for a punch of flavor Make your own or pick a brand with real ingredients
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning use coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for best results
• Coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and freshness Look for a raw shredded mix that feels crisp or shred your own cabbage
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy burger sauce and coleslaw dressing Choose a mayo with minimal additives for a richer taste
• BBQ sauce: Locks in flavor as a basting glaze and sauce topper Use your favorite style smoky spicy or sweet
• White vinegar: Lifts and brightens the slaw A good apple cider vinegar works too for a subtle sweetness
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and crunch Select thickcut bacon without many additives It will crisp well and add more bacon drippings for toasting the buns
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for classic cheeseburger flair Go for a sharp cheddar block you can slice yourself for extra melt and taste
• Brioche buns: Buttery and light these buns hold up to all the toppings Toast in bacon fat for more indulgence
• Red onion slices: Optional for a bit of bite and color Use firm onions with shiny skins
• Pickle slices: Optional for tang and texture Choose cold crisp pickles for best crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Take the Beef Out:

Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before grilling This allows the meat to relax and cook evenly for juicy burgers

Prep Ingredients:

While the beef warms get your toppings ready Slice the onions prep your pickles and set out cheese buns and your favorite BBQ sauce

Mix and Form Patties:

Just before grilling season the ground beef with ranch seasoning salt and pepper Gently mix with your hands until just combined Form into balls then flatten into even patties Press a small indent in the center of each to help them keep their shape while cooking

Make Coleslaw Topping:

Mix coleslaw blend with mayonnaise white vinegar salt pepper and a drizzle of BBQ sauce Toss until cabbage is well coated and set aside to chill for best crunch

Prepare Burger Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise with ketchup and dried herbs Stir until smooth and creamy The color should be light orange pink Set aside for topping

Cook Bacon:

Fry bacon strips in a skillet until crispy Place cooked strips on a paper towel lined plate to drain Save the bacon grease for toasting your burger buns

Preheat Grill:

Heat your grill on mediumhigh for at least five to ten minutes before cooking This step makes sure you get a good char

Grill and Baste Patties:

Place seasoned patties on the hot grill Cook on the first side without moving until a crust forms Baste with BBQ sauce and flip Cook to your preferred doneness then top with cheddar cheese in the final minutes Close the grill lid to melt the cheese

Rest and Toast Buns:

Remove cooked burgers and let rest five minutes Toast brioche buns in bacon grease in a skillet until golden Skip this step and go for regular toasting if you prefer less richness

Assemble the Burgers:

Spread burger sauce on both sides of each bun Layer with your BBQ ranch burger patty crispy bacon coleslaw red onions and pickles Finish with the top bun Press lightly cut in half and dig in

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My favorite part of this burger has to be the way the sharp cheddar melts into the spicysweet BBQ glazed beef My kids still talk about the first bite every summer cookout especially when they get to pile on their own toppings This recipe always brings us all together around the grill

Storage Tips

Leftover cooked patties can be cooled then wrapped tightly and chilled for up to three days For longer storage freeze uncooked formed patties with parchment between each one and keep airtight Coleslaw is best eaten fresh but leftovers keep covered in the fridge for a day or two If assembling ahead store all toppings and buns separately then build your burger just before serving to keep everything crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have brioche buns use a potato bun or classic sesame seed bun You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice For a lighter version try ground turkey seasoned the same way For ranch flavor without a seasoning packet blend dried parsley dill dehydrated onion powder garlic powder and a bit of dried chives with salt

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burgers with light sides like a cucumber salad or fresh fruit for a bright contrast French fries tater tots or onion rings are classic options For a real summer meal try baked mac and cheese and grilled corn The burgers are also great served bunless over a bed of slaw for a lowercarb barbecue plate

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Cultural and Historical Context

Burgers are the heart of American cookouts but this BBQ Ranch twist nods to Southern barbecue and the popularity of ranch everything in backyard cooking People have been reinventing burgers with sauces and toppings since the fifties but the BBQ ranch combo brings together two favorites in one memorable bite The bacon grease toasted bun is a Southern trick that adds another level of craveworthy richness

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of ground beef works best?

Opt for 80/20 organic, grass-fed ground beef. This ratio offers a juicy, flavorful burger with the right amount of richness.

→ How do you keep burgers from drying out on the grill?

Let the meat come to room temperature, avoid overworking it, and season just before grilling. Always let the burgers rest after cooking.

→ What's the secret to extra flavor in these burgers?

Infusing the beef with ranch seasoning and basting with BBQ sauce while grilling layers in bold, zesty flavors.

→ Can I prepare the burger toppings in advance?

Yes! Prepare the BBQ ranch coleslaw and burger sauce ahead of time and store them chilled until assembling.

→ What is a good substitute for brioche buns?

Regular burger buns work well, but toasting them in bacon grease gives added flavor and texture.

→ Do I have to use bacon?

No, but bacon adds a smoky crunch and the rendered fat enhances the toasted buns. Omit or swap as desired.