The Ultimate Southern Burger Recipe

Grilled burgers are synonymous with outdoor barbecues, but this Ultimate Southern Burger stands out from the rest. Melted American cheese, crispy bacon dusted with brown sugar, and tangy, crunchy pickles give this burger a distinctive Southern flavor.

Learn how to make the ultimate Southern burger, served with creamy coleslaw or your favorite Southern potato salad.

What is the main ingredient in a Southern Burger?

To make this burger from basic to ultimate you will need: The remaining ingredients list amounts are as follows:

• bacon: It’s smoky and meaty, with a traditional Southern flavor.
• Light brown sugar: It adds sweetness and caramel to the bacon and balances the spices.
• Chili powder and black pepper: These add spice and heat to the bacon and sauce.
• mayonnaise: It provides a tangy, creamy base for the burger sauce.
• Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce: It adds sweetness and umami flavor. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead.
• Pickle Chips and Pickle Brine: The tangy vinegar flavor complements the sweet and smoky flavors of the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
• Kosher salt: Season the meat just before cooking.
• Ground beef: Get a good quality ground beef. I recommend beef that is lean, but not so lean that excess fat drips onto the grill and makes your grill flare up every now and then. 85/15 beef is best for making juicy, flavorful burgers.
• American Cheese: It melts perfectly onto your burger patty and is delicious with your favorite sliced ​​cheese.
• Hamburger Buns: A burger isn’t a burger without a burger bun, but you can substitute any sandwich bun, such as a gluten-free bun or a brioche bun.
• Romaine lettuce, beefsteak tomato, onion: Serve on top of burgers to add a fresh crunch.

How to Season Hamburger Patties

You don’t have to worry about the burger patty. In fact, simple is best.

For this burger recipe, you first chill the patties and then season the meat with salt and pepper just before grilling. This helps flavor the meat and retains moisture within the burger patties without overcooking them.

How to grill a hamburger

This recipe requires a few more steps than simply tossing a seasoned patty onto a hot grill. The full recipe is below, but we’ll outline the most important steps for grilling the ultimate Southern-style burger.

• Step 1. Prepare the bacon and sauce. Sprinkle the bacon slices with brown sugar, some of the chili powder, and some black pepper and bake in a preheated oven until the sugar is melted and golden brown. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and pickle brine with salt, some of the pepper, and the remaining chili powder to make a delicious seasoning sauce that can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Step 2. Make and grill the burgers: Divide the beef into 8 equal portions and form into patties. Cover and place in the refrigerator and preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat. Remove the patties from the refrigerator and grill on a greased grill until cooked through, then add the cheese slices and grill for about 1 minute, until melted. Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
• Step 3. Assemble the burgers. While the burgers are resting, spread the sauce mix on both sides of the cut ends of the burger buns. Add the burger patties, then arrange the pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Top with the bacon and cover with the bun top. Serve.

How long does it take to cook a burger?

The time it takes to cook burgers depends on how cooked you want your meat. Like steaks, burgers can be cooked to your desired doneness. On average, burgers should be cooked for about 8 to 15 minutes total, flipping the patties halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

The best way to know if your burgers are at the desired temperature is to use a probe thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty.

• rare (Red): 125°F to 130°F
• Medium rare (Pink): 130°F to 135°F
• Moderate (Light Pink): 135°F to 140°F
• Medium Well: 140°F to 150°F
• well done: Over 155°F

Tips for grilling the best burgers

The basic burger is, well, basic; Ultimate Making the burger requires a few extra steps. Southern Living According to the Test Kitchen, here are some things to keep in mind to make the best burger:

1. Patty Perfection: Refrigerating the patties before grilling helps ensure the outside is nicely cooked without overcooking the inside. For perfect medium-rare burgers, refrigerate the patties, covered, at least 30 minutes before grilling.
2. Press: Press each burger patty with your thumb to make a tiny indentation before placing it on the grill. This helps keep the burgers from expanding while they cook and helps them cook more evenly.
3. Grease up: Always oil your grill grates before grilling to help prevent sticking and also help get those nice classic grill marks.
4. Resist the urge: Let the burgers sit for at least a few minutes, flipping them once to get a nice browning, but don’t flip them too often.
5. Check the temperature: Use a thermometer to check that the burgers are cooked to your liking: an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the burger should register about 130°F for medium rare and about 135°F for rare.
6. Quit: After grilling, just like with steaks or any fine meat, let your burgers rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to distribute, set, and blend properly, resulting in a flavorful, juicy burger overall.

Editorial Support Katherine Jessie.