Around the Campfire
Bacon blue burgers are a bold burger-night option for campers who want something richer than the usual cheddar stack. Bacon brings crunch and blue cheese brings a sharp finish.
Why This Recipe Works
The burger gets a hot sear first, then blue cheese softens on top. Bacon is best cooked ahead or before the patties so it is ready at assembly.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium-high
- Best for: Burger nights, bold toppings, backyard-style camping
- Teaches: Loaded burger timing
Shopping List
- Ground beef
- Blue cheese
- Bacon
- Burger buns
Home Prep
Form burger portions before the trip. Cook bacon ahead if desired.
Cooler Packing
Keep beef and bacon cold. Keep cheese cold and buns dry.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Heavy spatula
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
Heat Zones
Use medium-high for the patties, medium for bacon, and a cooler zone for buns.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (24 ounces) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high.
- Cook 8 slices of bacon until crisp, or warm pre-cooked bacon.
- Divide 1 1/2 pounds ground beef into 4 equal patties. Cook patties until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Top each patty with 1 ounce of blue cheese during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to soften.
- Toast 4 burger buns on a cooler zone until golden.
- Assemble each burger with 2 bacon slices and a beef patty topped with blue cheese. Serve immediately.
Doneness
Ground beef should reach 160°F.
Common Mistakes
- Adding blue cheese too early.
- Overloading the burger.
- Toasting buns too far ahead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with onion rings, fries, corn, slaw, or chips. Classic burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion) and your favorite condiments work well too.
Variations
- Add caramelized onions.
- Add bacon jam.
- Make slider versions.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese.
- Low-carb: Serve as burger bowls.
Scaling
Cook patties in batches and set up toppings at the table.
Weather Notes
Wind can reduce sear, so keep batches small.
Leftovers
Use leftover patties in breakfast hash, wraps, or bowls.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can set buns and bacon away from the griddle.
Dragonfly Tip
Blue cheese is powerful. Use enough to taste it, not enough to bury the burger.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one burger with blue cheese and one with cheddar. Pick the camp favorite.