Smoked Burgers

Once you've had a smoked burger, regular grilled burgers just don't hit the same. The smoke penetrates the meat completely, adding a depth of flavor that transforms a simple burger into something special. These are the burgers I make when I want to elevate backyard BBQ.

Smoked burgers are perfect for casual gatherings where you want something familiar but better. Backyard cookouts, game day, weekend hangouts with friends - any occasion where burgers are appropriate, smoked burgers are even more appropriate.

Classic burger toppings work great here - lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, your favorite cheese. But the smoky meat also pairs beautifully with bolder toppings: blue cheese, caramelized onions, bacon jam, jalapeños. Don't forget good quality buns, lightly toasted. Fries or onion rings on the side.

For variations, try mixing in different seasonings - Worcestershire, garlic powder, a little mustard powder. Stuffed burgers with cheese inside are incredible smoked. You can also mix in diced bacon or jalapeños to the patty itself.

The key is smoking at a lower temp to build that smoke flavor, then finishing with a quick sear on high heat for that crust. Don't press down on the patties - you'll lose all those delicious juices. Let them rest briefly before serving.