Unofficially recognized as the greatest burgers in America, beer can burgers wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese are a sight to behold. For most, it's true love at first sight with this latest grilling phenomenon. Grilled vegetables and melted cheese are nestled in a bacon-wrapped, ground beef nest. Then, for an hour, these towers of beef rest on a barbecue as they transform into the pinnacle of American grilling potential.
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The very best part of these beer can bacon burgers though is not shaping them, which is still half the fun, but getting to mix and match toppings to stuff inside. Grill up some peppers and onions. Or make a mushroom sauce and combine it with a few chunks of cheese. No matter your mood, there are no restrictions. If you can dream it up, you can use it in your bacon beer can burger.
The question remains though, how do you create these beefy nests for your toppings? Are you ready to learn how to construct these glorious centerpieces for your next barbecue?
Well, it may take a bit of practice to get the exact right size and shape for your tastes, but here is the basic approach brought to you by the BBQ Pit Boys. Get your camera ready for these Instagram worthy burgers this grilling season.
Step One: Form Your Patties
To start forming your burgers you're going to need:
- Ground beef chuck - 4-5 pounds 80/20
- Bacon - 2 pounds regular cut (Pork Belly)
- Beer can - 1 unopened, plus more beer cans for drinking
- Hamburger buns - 6
If you want to add some flavor to your burger patties, now's the time to add some ground black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and whatever you'd like in your burgers. Your classic hamburger recipe will come in handy here.
Might we suggest some diced red bell pepper or green bell pepper?
Step Two: Wrap your patties in bacon
Shape your patties around a beer can, only building them about half way up the side.
Once they're nice and compact, wrap them with two strips of bacon, making sure to keep the beef well insulated by the pork fat.
Step Three: Fill the patties with toppings
There is a wide variety of toppings you can choose from. Don't let us limit your imagination and tell us what you can and cannot use! However, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cheese - chunked/shredded (your favorite will do)
- Mushrooms
- Beef hash
- Grilled onions
- Bell peppers
- Tomato
- Bacon
- Roast beef
- Canned chili
- Barbecue sauce
One of our favorite combinations is a mixed shredded cheese (pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese, please!) with jalapeños and green peppers. This is one of many globally inspired variations with a Tex-Mex twist.
Step Four: Grill the burgers
When you place the burgers on the grill, make sure that they are opposite the coals on indirect heat for optimal results. Additionally, if you're using a gas grill, set them on the opposite side of the flame.
Let them hang out for an hour on medium heat before you come back to check them. Now's the time to prep your favorite topping or two and crack one of those unopened beer cans reserved for drinking.
Step Five: Check for doneness
The bacon should be crispy and the cheese should be bubbling.
Give the burgers a poke to check them for doneness and remove them from the fire. How easy is this burger recipe?
Step Six: Enjoy!
Now it's time to enjoy the product of your hard work. Place the burger on a bun and add your favorite condiments, maybe an extra slice or two of sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese because why not!
Maybe accompany these behemoth burgers with some fries, chips, coleslaw, or potato salad. There really is no wrong way to enjoy this all-American creation, so have at it.
What's your favorite grillable in the summertime? If you have a twist on burgers, let us know on Facebook!
