Game Day Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Smokehouse Burgers

January 20, 2026

Getting your menu ready for the big game often comes down to food that feels bold, satisfying, and right for cold-weather cooking, and Game Day Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Smokehouse Burgers deliver from the first moment the grill heats up. Winter grilling adds a clear, focused feel to game day, where fire, smoke, and hearty flavors become part of the gathering itself. This recipe keeps things straightforward while still offering depth and comfort.

Game day calls for food that keeps pace with kickoff, conversation, and every play in between. These burgers are built with barbecue flavor, crisp bacon, and melted cheddar that perform well when temperatures dip. Cooking outdoors during winter sharpens the experience, letting steady heat and time do their job. Each bite reflects a balance of patience and payoff that suits cold-season grilling.

Rather than treating outdoor cooking as something reserved for summer, winter encourages a more deliberate style of cooking that works especially well for burgers meant to satisfy. Thick patties hold moisture over consistent heat, while toppings develop character without rushing to the plate. Served straight from the grill, these burgers feel filling and grounded, making them a natural centerpiece for any game day spread.

Outdoor spaces play a major role in how gatherings unfold. Thoughtful layouts, reliable fire features, and durable surfaces help guests stay comfortable even when the air turns crisp. When stepping outside feels easy, the grill becomes part of the celebration instead of an afterthought.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces? Nicolock Paving Stones has everything from pavers to fireplaces for outdoor living at its best. Whether you need a new grill or an outdoor kitchen upgrade, check out Nicolock’s outdoor dining products and explore the full collection of recipes.

Serves 4

Game Day Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Smokehouse Burgers Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of 4 peppercorn blend
• 2 pounds ground chuck
• 4 ciabatta rolls, buttered
• 1 cup TSRI’s Signature Barbecue Sauce
• 1 cup Beer Cheddar Cheese Sauce
• 16 strips of bacon, cooked

TSRI's Signature Barbecue Sauce

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups ketchup
• 2/3 cup water
• ¼ cup ancho chile pepper
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Beer Cheddar Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground chile de Arbol (can substitute cayenne pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup beer, Belgian-style wheat beer (Blue Moon)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup half & half
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Game Day Barbecue Bacon Cheddar Smokehouse Burgers Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium.
2. Combine chipotle pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Form beef into four 8-ounce patties, slightly larger than your bun. Make a slight indentation in the center of the burger to prevent it from doming up in the center. The indentation will rise as your burger cooks. Sprinkle burgers with seasoning mix.
4. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred (about 3 minutes), turning once (cook for 3 minutes on the other side for medium). Try not to press down on your burger with a spatula. It will cause the juices to escape and will create a dry burger!
5. Toast buns on low or indirect heat.
6. Pour 1/4 cup barbecue sauce on a toasted bun. Place the burger on top. Pour beer cheddar sauce over the top and four slices of bacon.
7. Serve and enjoy!

TSRI's Signature Barbecue Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add ketchup and 2/3 cup water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth. Pour into a mason jar and let cool to room temperature.

Beer Cheddar Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 
2. Add flour and whisk; allow the flour to cook for 2-3 minutes to cook out the 'floury' taste. 
3. Add garlic, chile, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
4. Slowly add beer and chicken broth. Whisk until there are no lumps. 
5. Add the cheese and whisk constantly until smooth. 
6. Add half-and-half and Worcestershire sauce. 
7. Reduce the heat to low until ready to serve, whisking occasionally.

Taken from americanmadegrills.com