Dinner

Irresistible Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers with Spicy Crack Sauce Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Nothing beats a classic grilled burger, especially when made with savory bacon, melty cheese, and a flavorful homemade sauce. This recipe delivers juicy patties with a smoky crunch that satisfies every time. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout.

A close-up view of a cheeseburger with three visible layers: a shiny, golden-brown toasted bun on top with a soft texture and slight crisp edges, a thick, juicy beef patty grilled with dark char marks, covered with melted, bright orange cheddar cheese dripping down the sides, and a bottom toasted bun with pickles peeking out between the patty and the bun. The cheeseburger is on a wooden surface with two similar burgers blurred in the background, all set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices American cheese
8 slices cooked crispy bacon
Dill pickles (sliced)
Toasted burger buns
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers.
Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side.
Step 4: Flip the patties and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes. During the last minute, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt.
Step 5: While the burgers finish, toast the buns on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers by spreading the prepared sauce on the bottom bun, layering with sliced pickles, placing the cheesy burger patty on top, adding 2 slices of crispy bacon, and finishing with the top bun.
Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For juicier burgers, handle the meat gently and avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling.
Try swapping American cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Add caramelized onions or fresh lettuce and tomato for extra texture and freshness.
If you prefer, cook the bacon in the oven ahead of time to save grill space.

Storage

Store leftover cooked patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble burgers fresh to maintain bun texture and sauce flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up of a cheeseburger showing three main layers inside a shiny golden brown bun: the top bun is smooth and glossy, followed by a thick layer of melted orange cheese dripping slightly over the edges of a juicy, dark brown grilled beef patty, which sits on top of a layer of green pickles and a bottom bun that is toasted and slightly crispy. The burger is placed on a wooden surface with two similar burgers blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for these burgers?

While leaner beef can be used, the 80/20 blend is recommended to keep the burgers juicy and flavorful. Leaner meat tends to dry out more quickly on the grill.

How can I make these burgers without a grill?

You can cook the patties in a hot cast-iron skillet or on a stovetop griddle over medium-high heat, following the same timing and adding cheese during the last minute of cooking.