The Ultimate Western Burgers: A Flavorful Journey with Crispy Onion Strings and Zesty BBQ Mayo
Indulge in the culinary delight of Western Burgers – a robust blend of thick, juicy patties, perfectly cooked crispy bacon, a generous heap of homemade onion strings, and a vibrant, tangy BBQ Mayo. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the spirit of classic American grilling. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or simply love a good burger, these Western-style beauties promise to deliver an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to saddle up for a sensational feast!
As we usher in the warmer months, often marked by lively gatherings and the irresistible aroma of the grill, there’s no better time to celebrate the king of backyard cookouts: the burger. May, notably recognized as National Burger Month, and holidays like Memorial Day, naturally beckon us to fire up the barbecue and craft something truly spectacular. And spectacular is precisely what these Western Burgers offer. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked patty, layered with textures and flavors that sing together in harmony – a symphony of savory beef, smoky bacon, crunchy onion strings, and zesty BBQ mayo. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a testament to the joy of homemade goodness and the simple pleasure of a well-made meal that brings people together.
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Western Burgers
Every truly great recipe often begins with a spark of inspiration, and these Western Burgers are no exception. The idea for this incredible combination came from exploring the delightful culinary creations shared by fellow food enthusiasts. I was particularly captivated by Rebekah Rose’s blog, Making Miracles, known for her easy and family-friendly approach to cooking. While initially drawn to her diverse collection of salads – and indeed, I’ve saved some gems like her Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad and Loaded Baked Potato Salad for future culinary adventures – my attention was quickly stolen by her impressive array of burger recipes. With twelve intriguing options, the choice was tough, but one truly stood out: her Western Bacon Burgers with Crispy Onion Strings and BBQ Mayo. The mere mention of those crispy onion strings and that distinctive BBQ Mayo was enough to seal the deal. It promised a unique twist on a classic, and I knew instantly that this was the recipe I had to try and share with all of you.
Crafting the Perfect Western Burger: The Star Components
What truly elevates a good burger to a great Western Burger? It’s all about the interplay of textures and flavors from each thoughtfully chosen component. This isn’t just a haphazard assembly; it’s a carefully balanced combination designed to delight your taste buds. Let’s break down the stars of this culinary masterpiece:
1. The Juicy, Flavorful Beef Patty
The foundation of any exceptional burger is a well-seasoned, perfectly cooked beef patty. For our Western Burgers, we highly recommend using 85% lean ground beef. This specific ratio provides an ideal balance of fat, ensuring the patty remains incredibly moist and flavorful without becoming overly greasy. To help bind the patty and contribute to a wonderfully tender interior, we incorporate an egg into the ground beef mixture. This prevents the burger from crumbling, whether you’re grilling it outdoors or pan-frying it indoors. When forming your patties, aim for a consistent thickness, around 3/4 to 1 inch, and create a small dimple in the center. This clever trick helps prevent the burger from puffing up in the middle during cooking, guaranteeing an even cook and a flat surface for your toppings. Season generously on both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and consider adding a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to enhance that distinctive “Western” flavor profile.
2. Crispy, Golden Homemade Onion Strings
These aren’t just any ordinary onion rings; these are delicate, super crispy, and intensely flavorful onion strings that add an irresistible crunch and a sweet, savory bite that sets these burgers apart. They are, without a doubt, a game-changer for this Western Burger. Their thinly sliced, wispy texture means they fry up quickly to a beautiful golden brown, offering a delightful contrast to the richness of the beef patty and the softness of the bun. The process of making them from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding, far surpassing any store-bought alternative. They’re so good, in fact, that you might find yourself needing to make a double batch, as they have a tendency to disappear before they even make it to the burgers! For a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to achieve these perfect golden threads, make sure to check out our dedicated recipe for Homemade Onion Strings.
3. Smoky, Thick-Cut Bacon
Is there anything thick-cut bacon doesn’t make better? In the Western Burger, it plays a crucial role, providing a much-needed salty, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the rich beef and plays beautifully with the sweet and savory onion strings. Cooking bacon until it’s perfectly crisp – whether you prefer it in a skillet, baked in the oven, or even air-fried – is absolutely key to its success in this burger. We recommend two generous slices per burger to ensure every bite delivers that satisfying, unmistakable bacon flavor. It’s an ingredient so universally loved that you might find yourself playfully guarding it from eager hands before the final assembly!
4. Zesty and Tangy BBQ Mayo
This simple yet incredibly impactful condiment is what truly brings all the signature Western flavors together into a cohesive and delicious whole. A straightforward mix of creamy mayonnaise and your favorite barbecue sauce creates a dressing that’s both rich and tangy, with just the right hint of smoky sweetness. It binds all the burger’s components, adding a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that ties the savory beef, crisp bacon, and sweet onion strings into a harmonious and irresistible whole. This easy-to-make sauce is the secret weapon that elevates this burger from merely good to truly gourmet status. Do not skip this essential step!
Expert Tips for Grilling and Assembling Your Western Burgers
Achieving burger perfection isn’t just about selecting the right ingredients; it’s also about mastering a few key techniques. Follow these pointers to ensure your Western Burgers are outstanding every time, making you the undisputed champion of the grill:
- Handle the Meat Gently: When combining the ground beef with the egg, mix it just enough to incorporate the ingredients. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense, tough burger, detracting from that desired juicy texture.
- Optimal Grill/Skillet Temperature: Always ensure your grill or skillet is properly preheated to a medium-high temperature. A hot cooking surface is essential for achieving a beautiful sear, which locks in the valuable juices and develops a delicious, crusty exterior on your patties.
- Achieving Melted Cheese Perfection: Add your favorite cheese slices (Colby is an excellent choice for its mild flavor and superior melt) during the last few minutes of cooking. If grilling, close the lid; if pan-frying, place a cover over the pan. This traps heat, allowing the cheese to melt evenly and gloriously over the patty, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- Toasted Buns are Non-Negotiable: Don’t underestimate the power of a perfectly toasted bun. Lightly butter the cut sides of your burger buns and toast them in a skillet or on the grill until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp. This step adds a subtle richness, prevents the buns from becoming soggy under the weight of the toppings, and provides a satisfying textural contrast.
- Thoughtful Layering for Success: To assemble your masterpiece, start with a generous smear of the tangy BBQ Mayo on both the top and bottom toasted bun halves. Place the cheesy burger patty on the bottom bun. Then, pile high with crispy, thick-sliced bacon (we recommend two slices per burger for maximum flavor and crunch!) and a generous serving of your prepared homemade onion strings. If desired, add fresh lettuce and tomato for a refreshing burst of color and crispness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for the ultimate burger experience.
On one memorable occasion, during a photoshoot for these very burgers, I learned a valuable lesson about the irresistible nature of these toppings. My children, with their keen appetites, were quite adept at “sampling” the bacon and onion strings as I prepared them. Fearing there wouldn’t be enough left for the perfect shot, I playfully hid some of the precious toppings. After capturing most of the photos, we sat down to eat, and halfway through my own burger, I had a sudden realization: “Wait… where’s the bacon?!” In my haste to hide it, I had completely forgotten to add it to my own plate! Thankfully, my oldest daughter, who was working that night, had one burger remaining, which allowed for a quick re-assembly and reshoot with the much-needed bacon. It just goes to show, a little bit of bacon truly does make everything better!
While these burgers are fantastic even without the bacon, let’s be honest, every good burger reaches new heights with those perfectly crisp strips! They add an undeniable layer of flavor and texture that truly completes the Western Burger experience.
We absolutely love serving these Western Burgers with a generous side of thick-cut fries. The satisfying crunch of the fries pairs wonderfully with the rich, complex flavors of the burger, creating a perfectly balanced meal. My youngest, our resident burger connoisseur, always gives them a resounding two thumbs up, which is the highest praise in our household. It’s a complete meal that satisfies every craving and leaves everyone at the table feeling happily full.
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Print Recipe
Western Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Cheese slices (I used Colby)
- Thick sliced bacon for serving (two slices per each burger)
- Buns
- Lettuce tomato and other toppings of your choice
- Homemade Onion Strings – Find RECIPE HERE
Instructions
- Prepare Homemade Onion Strings according to the recipe; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef with the egg. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 4 very large patties or 6 smaller, more manageable burgers. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry your burgers over medium-high heat until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last few minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the grill or pan to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Lightly butter the cut sides of your burger buns. Toast them in a skillet or on the grill until golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds flavor and prevents the buns from becoming soggy, providing a satisfying texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and BBQ sauce until smooth and well combined. This creates your tangy and delicious BBQ Mayo.
- To assemble your Western Burgers, spread a generous amount of the prepared BBQ Mayo on both the top and bottom toasted bun halves. Place the cheesy burger patty on the bottom bun. Next, pile high with crispy, thick-sliced bacon (two slices per burger for maximum flavor!) and a generous serving of your homemade onion strings. If desired, add fresh lettuce and tomato for a refreshing crunch and vibrant color. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy this incredible burger!
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 435kcal |
Carbohydrates: 12g |
Protein: 38g |
Fat: 25g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g |
Cholesterol: 146mg |
Sodium: 456mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 6g
Elevate Your Burger Game with Homemade Onion Strings
The secret weapon in these Western Burgers, the homemade onion strings, are truly a revelation. They are so delightful and add such an incomparable textural and flavor dimension that they absolutely warrant their very own spotlight! If you’ve never made them from scratch, you’re in for a genuine treat. Their crisp, thinly sliced, and perfectly seasoned nature makes them not just a topping but a star ingredient in their own right. They provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements of the burger beautifully. Master this component, and you’ll find yourself elevating not just these Western Burgers, but any sandwich, hot dog, or even salad to new, delicious heights. They’re addictive, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress!
Click here for the full Homemade Onion Strings Recipe
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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Culinary Inspiration
A special thank you goes to Rebekah Rose of Making Miracles for sharing such inspiring and family-friendly recipes. It’s always a genuine pleasure to discover delicious new ideas that bring joy to the kitchen and the dining table. Her culinary philosophy of easy, approachable cooking resonates deeply, and this Western Burger recipe is a shining example of that ethos. We encourage you to visit her blog and explore her wonderful collection of dishes and heartwarming stories. Her dedication to simple, delicious food is truly commendable, and we’re grateful for the delicious inspiration!
We hope you enjoy crafting and devouring these incredible Western Burgers as much as we do. They are truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little care and a touch of creativity, can create a meal that feels both comforting and extraordinary. Perfect for a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or simply when you’re craving an exceptional burger, these Western delights are sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy grilling and happy eating!