BBQ Bacon Burger

This is the burger version of a backyard barbecue plate. A little smoked paprika in the beef sets up the flavor, and brushing barbecue sauce on the patties during the last minutes of grilling caramelizes it into a sticky glaze without burning.

Sharp cheddar, thick bacon and a pile of crispy fried onions bring salt and crunch to balance the sweet sauce. Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce or a homemade one; a tangy, not-too-sweet sauce works best because the bacon and cheese are already rich.

1. Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, or on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
2. Heat the grill. Preheat a grill to medium-high (about 400 to 450°F) and oil the grates. A cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat also works.
3. Shape the patties. Divide the beef into 4 portions (6 oz / 170 g each) and form patties about ¾ inch thick with a slight dimple in the center.
4. Season. Mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder, and sprinkle it over both sides of the patties.
5. Grill. Grill the patties 4 to 5 minutes, then flip. Cook 3 minutes more.
6. Glaze and melt. Brush the tops with barbecue sauce, add the cheddar and close the lid for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce turns sticky.
7. Check the temperature. Make sure the burgers reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
8. Assemble. Spread a little barbecue sauce on the bottom buns, add pickles, the patties, 2 slices of bacon each and a handful of crispy onions. Close and serve.

• Sauce at the end. Most barbecue sauces are high in sugar and scorch quickly over direct heat, so glaze only in the final minutes.
• Warm the crispy onions. A few minutes in a 350°F oven makes store-bought fried onions taste fresh and extra crunchy.
• Try smoked cheddar or pepper jack for a different take.
• Grilling tips. Our guide to how long to grill burgers covers timing for different thicknesses.

Approximately 840 calories per serving. This is an estimate.