1. Cook the Bacon:
- Start by cooking your bacon slices until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. Once cooked, set the bacon aside to cool and crumble. This will add the perfect salty crunch to your cheeseburger dogs.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Divide the beef into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin rectangle that will wrap around the hot dog.
3. Assemble the Cheeseburger Dogs:
- Take each hot dog and wrap it in the seasoned ground beef, forming a thin layer of beef around the dog. Press gently to ensure the beef sticks to the hot dog. These will cook up like mini cheeseburgers wrapped around your hot dogs!
4. Grill the Cheeseburger Dogs:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the beef-wrapped hot dogs on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are browned and the beef is cooked through. Look for a nice char on the beef for that classic grilled flavor.
- During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on top of each cheeseburger dog and allow it to melt. You can close the grill lid for this step to help the cheese melt more evenly.
5. Toast the Buns:
- While the cheeseburger dogs are grilling, lightly toast your hot dog buns on the grill until golden and slightly crisp. This adds a perfect crunch to the overall bite.
6. Assemble the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dogs:
- Place each cheeseburger dog into a toasted bun. Drizzle generously with BBQ sauce, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, and add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if you prefer a more classic cheeseburger vibe.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dogs hot off the grill with a side of fries, coleslaw, or grilled corn for the ultimate BBQ experience. These mashups are perfect for a backyard cookout, game day feast, or any time you’re craving something over-the-top delicious.
Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dogs
- Choose the Right Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want leaner meat, make sure not to overcook it, as lean beef can dry out faster.
- Crisp the Bacon: Make sure the bacon is nice and crispy so it adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Add Extra Toppings: Want even more flavor? Try topping these cheeseburger dogs with caramelized onions, jalapeños, or an extra drizzle of ranch dressing for a unique twist.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy BBQ Dogs: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Veggie Option: Substitute the beef with a plant-based alternative, and use veggie dogs for a meatless version.
- Cheese Variety: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese for a bold flavor twist.
Conclusion
These Double BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Dogs are the ultimate indulgence, combining the best of cheeseburgers and hot dogs in one delicious package. With smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or simply craving a unique twist on classic favorites, these cheeseburger dogs are sure to impress!