Elevate Your Backyard BBQ: Create an Unforgettable Gourmet Burger Bar with Head Country
Building your own Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar couldn’t be easier or more delicious! Featuring my favorite Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning and sauces, you’re guaranteed to capture all the incredible BBQ flavor you’re craving. It’s the simple yet unique toppings, along with premium ingredients, that truly make this burger bar stand out from any other. Get ready to transform your next cookout into a gourmet experience!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
Summer is officially here, and with it comes the undeniable urge to fire up the grill! There’s something truly special about the sizzle of food over an open flame, the aroma filling the air, and the gathering of friends and family for a classic backyard BBQ. While I’ll happily grill almost anything throughout the warmer months, nothing quite captures the essence of summer celebrations like a perfectly cooked burger.
That juicy ground beef, kissed by the intense heat of the grill, evokes memories of lazy afternoons spent on the patio, good company, and even better food. This year, however, we’re moving beyond the standard burger setup. We’re taking things up a notch by infusing a delicious BBQ twist into a truly gourmet burger spread. Prepare to build a burger bar that’s not just a meal, but an experience!
What’s Inside Your Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar?
To make this burger bar truly spectacular, I’ve organized it into three core components, ensuring every element contributes to an explosion of flavor and an unforgettable dining experience. Each part is designed to be simple to prepare yet impactful in taste.
The Heart of the Burger: Perfect Patties
The foundation of any great burger bar begins with the patty itself. For this gourmet BBQ version, we’re infusing the meat with the incredible flavor of Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning. I personally love using their High Plains Heat seasoning, as its robust and slightly spicy notes perfectly complement the beef. However, the beauty of Head Country’s championship seasoning line is its versatility. Feel free to choose any flavor you prefer – from Original to Hickory Smoke – knowing that each blend is carefully crafted to enhance the taste of your meat.
These seasonings aren’t just for burgers; they’re fantastic on chicken, pork, in pasta dishes, or even sprinkled over nachos for an extra kick. The key is to select a high-quality ground beef, typically 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, which ensures a juicy and flavorful burger. Combining it with your chosen Head Country seasoning creates a patty that’s bursting with BBQ goodness even before you add toppings.
Elevate Your Burger with Gourmet Toppings
Next up are the gourmet toppings – these are the elements that truly transform a simple burger into a culinary masterpiece. With just a few extra steps and a little attention to detail, you can create seriously flavorful additions that will impress everyone. The best part? None of these gourmet toppings are difficult to prepare, but they make a profound difference in taste and texture!
For this ultimate BBQ burger bar, we’re featuring a selection of toppings designed to complement and enhance the smoky, savory flavors of the burger and sauces:
- Black Pepper Bacon: Not just any bacon! Baking bacon with a generous sprinkle of black pepper renders it perfectly crisp and adds a delightful peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with sweet and savory elements. The oven method ensures even cooking and less mess.
- Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked until deeply golden and sticky-sweet, caramelized onions add an incredible depth of flavor and a luxurious texture. They’re a classic gourmet topping for a reason, bringing a mellow sweetness that balances the richness of the burger. Their rich umami profile is unbeatable.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Move over, standard tomato slices! Heirloom tomatoes bring vibrant colors, irregular shapes, and a far more intense, complex, and sweet-tart flavor profile. Thick slices drizzled with olive oil and seasoned simply elevate the fresh component of your burger, offering a burst of garden-fresh goodness.
- Grilled Pineapple: A unique and surprisingly delicious addition, especially for a BBQ burger. Grilling pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a smoky sweetness that pairs incredibly well with savory meats and tangy BBQ sauces. It adds a tropical, juicy, and slightly charred element that brightens the entire burger.
The Finishing Touch: Classic and BBQ Sauces
Finally, round out your burger bar with a selection of classic toppings and, of course, an array of Head Country Bar-B-Q sauces. This is where the magic of customization truly comes alive! With all these elements thoughtfully prepared and presented, the options for incredible burger combinations are virtually endless.
From the tangy kick of mustard and the creamy richness of mayonnaise to the refreshing crunch of crisp lettuce and sharp pickles, these traditional toppings offer familiar comfort. But it’s the Head Country BBQ sauces that truly tie the “BBQ” theme together. Offer a variety, such as their Original, Hot & Spicy, and Sweet & Sticky, to cater to different tastes and allow guests to craft a burger that perfectly suits their palate. Each sauce offers a distinct profile, from classic tangy to subtly sweet, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every gourmet creation. Don’t forget to present them in small bowls or mason jars for easy serving and a stylish presentation!
Burger Inspiration: Our Favorite Combinations
With so many delicious components, it can be fun to offer some pre-designed “signature” burgers to inspire your guests. Here are a few of my absolute favorite combinations from this particular gourmet BBQ burger bar, showcasing how wonderfully these flavors meld together:
Bacon Cheddar BBQ Burger
This is a hearty, classic combination with a gourmet BBQ twist that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagine a juicy burger patty, seasoned with Head Country’s finest, topped with a generous slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The melted cheddar provides a creamy, rich base. Layer on crispy, peppery black pepper bacon for that irresistible salty crunch and a hint of spice. Then, crown it all with sweet, tender caramelized onions, which add a sophisticated depth. A drizzle of Head Country Original BBQ Sauce brings everything together with its perfectly balanced tang and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status, offering layers of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Hawaiian BBQ Burger
For those who love a taste of the tropics and a bit of a kick, the Hawaiian BBQ Burger is an absolute must-try. Start with your flavorful burger patty and melt a slice of zesty pepper jack cheese over it for a creamy, spicy undertone. The real star here is the grilled pineapple – its sweet, smoky, and caramelized notes are a revelation, adding a bright and juicy counterpoint to the rich meat. Add a layer of that fantastic black pepper bacon for texture and savory depth. Finally, a generous slathering of Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce provides the perfect amount of heat and a tangy finish, creating a wonderfully balanced and exciting flavor profile that transports you straight to a beachside luau.
Gourmet BBQ Cheeseburger
Sometimes, simplicity is key, but with gourmet ingredients, simple can still mean extraordinary. This Gourmet BBQ Cheeseburger focuses on fresh, high-quality components. Start with your juicy, seasoned patty and a slice of your favorite melting cheese. Add a thick, vibrant slice of heirloom tomato, which provides a burst of fresh, garden-grown flavor and a beautiful color. Crisp red onion offers a sharp, pungent bite that’s beautifully cut by the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. A few crunchy pickles bring a briny, tangy element, and a generous application of Head Country Sweet & Sticky BBQ Sauce ties it all together with its rich, syrupy sweetness and classic BBQ notes. This combination is a testament to how quality ingredients can elevate even the most traditional burger.
Pro tip: When assembling this burger, for maximum stability and flavor distribution, place the thick slice of heirloom tomato directly onto the bottom toasted bun before adding the patty. This creates a solid base and prevents the bun from becoming soggy, ensuring every bite is perfect!
Essential Tools for Your BBQ Burger Bar
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing a seamless and delicious gourmet BBQ burger bar. Here are the must-haves that will ensure your grilling experience is both enjoyable and successful:
- Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasonings and Sauces: This is non-negotiable! Stock up on your favorite Head Country seasonings to infuse your burger patties with authentic BBQ flavor, and a variety of their sauces to offer diverse finishing touches. Their quality products are the key to that irresistible barbecue twist. Don’t be afraid to try different rubs for different flavor profiles!
- A Quality Grill: Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or a pellet grill, a reliable grilling setup is crucial. I personally love using my Traeger grill for this recipe. It imparts a wonderful smoky flavor to both the burgers and the grilled pineapple, which elevates them to another level. For a balanced smoke, I typically opt for Traeger’s signature pellets rather than stronger, more assertive flavors, but feel free to experiment with hickory or applewood for different nuances.
- Grilling Tongs: Essential for safely flipping burgers and handling hot pineapple slices on the grill. Long-handled, sturdy grill tongs are a must-have for any grilling endeavor.
- Half Sheet Baking Pan with a Rack: This setup is perfect for achieving perfectly crisp black pepper bacon in the oven. The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring even cooking and preventing it from sitting in its own grease, resulting in an ideal texture every time.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For precise slicing of heirloom tomatoes, onions, and pineapple. A good chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board make prep work a breeze.
- Skillet for Caramelized Onions: A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly caramelized onions. Cast iron works wonderfully here, providing consistent, gentle heat.
How to Build Your Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar
Creating this impressive burger bar is straightforward and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything comes together smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the process and the fantastic results.
Prepare Your Gourmet Toppings
I recommend starting with the gourmet toppings first. This way, they can be ready and waiting when your perfectly grilled burgers come hot off the grill, ensuring a fresh and efficient serving experience.
- Black Pepper Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the bacon in a single, even layer on the rack. Sprinkle generously with freshly cracked black pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness. The rack ensures even cooking and prevents soggy bacon!
- Caramelized Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter with two tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add your thinly sliced yellow onion. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes. The key is low and slow cooking, allowing the sugars in the onion to caramelize and turn a deep, sticky brown. Don’t rush this step – the flavor development is worth the wait!
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Select firm, ripe heirloom tomatoes and slice them into thick, substantial rounds (about ½-inch thick). Arrange these vibrant slices on a serving platter, drizzle lightly with good quality olive oil, and season with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The simple seasoning allows the natural, complex flavors of the heirloom tomatoes to shine. You can place them in the refrigerator to chill slightly if desired.
- Grilled Pineapple: Prepare your pineapple by slicing it into thick rings, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. You can leave the core in, as it softens nicely when grilled. We’ll grill these alongside the burgers, as detailed in the grilling section below.
Once your gourmet toppings are prepped, you can move on to the star of the show: the burgers!
Crafting the Perfect Burger Patties
The secret to a great burger lies not just in the ingredients, but in the technique. Here’s how to prepare your Head Country-seasoned patties:
- Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine two pounds of high-quality ground beef (80/20 chuck is often recommended for its fat content and flavor) with one tablespoon of your chosen Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently bring the mixture together. The key here is to avoid overworking the meat; mixing it too much can result in tough, dense burgers. Just combine until the seasoning is evenly distributed, usually just a minute or two.
- Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into six equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about ¾ to 1 inch thick and slightly wider than your burger buns (they will shrink a bit during cooking). To prevent them from bulging in the center, create a shallow indentation in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This simple dimple ensures the burger cooks evenly and remains flat. Place the formed patties on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This helps them hold their shape.
Grilling to Perfection
Now for the main event – grilling your flavorful burgers and pineapple!
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (typically around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. A clean, oiled grill ensures those beautiful sear marks and prevents your food from tearing.
- Grill Burgers and Pineapple: Carefully place the burger patties and pineapple slices on the hot grill.
- For burgers, I typically cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Adjust cooking times based on your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 3 minutes per side (internal temperature 125-130°F / 52-54°C)
- Medium-Rare: 4-5 minutes per side (internal temperature 130-135°F / 54-57°C)
- Medium: 5-6 minutes per side (internal temperature 135-140°F / 57-60°C)
- Medium-Well to Well-Done: 6-7+ minutes per side (internal temperature 145°F+ / 63°C+)
Remember that these are guidelines; always use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness, especially when cooking for a crowd.
- For the pineapple, grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until you see nice char marks and the pineapple has softened and caramelized. This enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
- For burgers, I typically cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Adjust cooking times based on your preferred doneness:
- Add Cheese & Toast Buns (Optional): If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each burger patty during the last minute of cooking. Close the grill lid briefly to help it melt perfectly and create that gooey texture. While burgers are finishing, lightly toast your burger buns on the grill grates or in a toaster. This adds a crucial texture element and prevents them from getting soggy from the juices and sauces.
Assemble and Enjoy!
The moment has arrived! As the burgers and pineapple finish grilling, it’s time to set up your magnificent burger bar. Arrange all the gourmet toppings, classic condiments, and toasted buns artfully on your serving table. Consider labeling the various Head Country sauces if you have multiple options, so guests can easily pick their favorite flavor profile. This not only aids in navigation but also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your spread.
Serve the burgers immediately off the grill, allowing everyone to gather around and build their custom, gourmet BBQ masterpiece. This interactive approach makes mealtime fun and ensures everyone gets exactly what they desire. Encourage guests to experiment with different combinations – that’s the joy of a build-your-own bar! Get ready for compliments and satisfied smiles!
Perfect Pairings: Sides for Your Burger Bar
No burger bar is complete without a selection of delicious side dishes! To perfectly complement the rich, smoky flavors of these gourmet BBQ burgers, consider offering a variety of fresh and hearty accompaniments. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- For a lighter, refreshing option that’s still satisfying, check out this vegetarian pasta salad. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a vibrant dressing, making it a perfect counterpoint to the rich burgers. The coolness and tang of a good pasta salad can cut through the richness of the meat beautifully.
- If you’re a fan of corn, a bacon cilantro lime corn salad would add a burst of zesty, smoky flavor and a delightful crunch. The acidity from the lime and freshness of cilantro would balance the BBQ elements beautifully, while the bacon ties into the overall theme.
- Looking for a non-alcoholic drink that’s fun for all ages? This pineapple sherbet punch is a festive and refreshing choice, offering a sweet, fizzy respite from the savory meal. Its tropical notes can also echo the grilled pineapple on the burgers.
- Or, for a more classic pairing that evokes nostalgic diner vibes, a creamy blueberry milkshake can be an indulgent treat to enjoy alongside your burger. The rich sweetness is a delightful contrast to the savory burger.
Don’t forget timeless options like crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or perfectly grilled corn on the cob (perhaps seasoned with more Head Country rub!) to round out your ultimate backyard feast!
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Burger Bar
Can I Customize the Toppings Even Further?
Absolutely! The beauty of a burger bar, especially a gourmet one, is its endless adaptability. If there’s a topping you or your guests don’t prefer, simply omit it. Want to add something extra? Go for it! Think about adding other gourmet elements like homemade spicy pickles, a variety of roasted red peppers, different cheese selections (smoked Gouda, creamy Swiss, tangy blue cheese crumbles), or even a unique homemade aioli (like a chipotle lime aioli). You could also include different types of greens beyond crisp iceberg lettuce, such as peppery arugula or tender spinach, for varying textures and flavors. The goal is to create a spread that delights your taste buds, so feel free to mix and match all you want. Your burger bar, your rules – make it uniquely yours and reflect your personal culinary style!
Which Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauces Are Best?
For this specific gourmet BBQ burger bar, I’ve highlighted Head Country’s Hot & Spicy, Original, and Sweet & Sticky sauces because they offer a fantastic range of classic BBQ flavors that complement the toppings beautifully. These three provide a great balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. However, Head Country boasts a diverse line of sauces, and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them!
Consider offering a wider selection to allow for maximum customization. For a fruitier, tangier profile that offers a delightful zing, try their Apple Habanero. If you enjoy a smoky depth with a hint of spice, their Chipotle sauce is excellent, adding a rich, earthy warmth. And of course, the Hickory Smoke is a timeless choice for that authentic, deep smokehouse flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled beef. The best sauce is always the one you enjoy most, so explore the Head Country range and pick all your favorites – your guests will love the variety!
If you’re looking for even more inspiration for sides to serve alongside this impressive burger bar, don’t forget to check out my side dishes recipe page for some truly tasty and creative ideas that will complete your ultimate BBQ feast!
Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar
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Equipment
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3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set
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Shun Chef’s Knife
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Mason Jars (for sauces or other small toppings)
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Small Glass Bowls (for toppings)
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9-Inch Grilling Tongs
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Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets (if using a pellet grill)
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill (or your preferred grill)
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Baking Sheet with Wire Rack
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Large Skillet (for caramelized onions)
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Meat Thermometer (optional, but recommended for accuracy)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 Chuck recommended for best flavor and juiciness)
- 1 Tbsp Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasoning (e.g., High Plains Heat, Original, or your favorite blend)
- 6 burger buns (brioche or potato buns are excellent, lightly toasted)
- Optional: 6 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, swiss, provolone, etc.)
- 1/2 lb sliced bacon
- 3/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 lb heirloom tomatoes (thickly sliced)
- Additional Olive oil (for tomatoes)
- Coarse sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper (for tomatoes)
- 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into thick rings)
- Assorted Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauces (Original, Hot & Spicy, Sweet & Sticky recommended)
- Sliced red onion
- Dill pickles (sliced into rounds or spears)
- Ketchup
- Mustard (yellow or dijon)
- Mayonnaise
- Lettuce leaves (crisp romaine, butter lettuce, or green leaf)
Instructions
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Prepare Black Pepper Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray. Arrange the bacon in an even layer and sprinkle generously with black pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and set aside.
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Prepare Caramelized Onions: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply browned, soft, and sticky-sweet, about 15-20 minutes. This process is key for maximum flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare Heirloom Tomato Slices: Thickly slice the heirloom tomatoes (about ½-inch thick). Arrange them on a serving platter, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover lightly and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep them cool and fresh.
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Prepare Grilled Pineapple: Peel and core the fresh pineapple, then cut it into thick rings (¾-1 inch thick). These will be grilled alongside the burgers for a beautiful char and caramelized sweetness.
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Prepare Burger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and 1 tablespoon of Head Country Bar-B-Q seasoning. Mix just until combined; do not overwork the meat as this can lead to tough burgers. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions (approx. 1/3 lb each) and gently form them into ¾ to 1-inch thick patties. Create a shallow thumbprint in the center of each patty to help prevent them from bulging during cooking. Place on a plate, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill.
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Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Once hot, lightly oil the clean grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the burger patties and pineapple rings on the hot grill. Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness (refer to the main article for more detailed internal temperature guidelines). Grill pineapple slices for 4-5 minutes per side, until softened and lightly charred, developing a sweet, smoky flavor.
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Add Cheese & Toast Buns (Optional): During the last minute of burger cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty if desired. Close the lid briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly. While burgers are finishing, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill grates or in a toaster to add texture and prevent sogginess.
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Assemble the Burger Bar: As the burgers come off the grill, transfer them to a platter. Arrange all your gourmet toppings (black pepper bacon, caramelized onions, heirloom tomatoes, grilled pineapple), classic condiments (red onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce), and assorted Head Country Bar-B-Q sauces beautifully on a serving table. Encourage guests to build their perfect gourmet BBQ burger masterpiece! Serve immediately and enjoy the feast.