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This BBQ Cheeseburger Garlic Toast recipe is a simple, kid-approved weeknight dinner that brings together all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with a crispy, garlicky twist. Made from a pound of ground beef and a few pantry staples, it’s quick to prepare and hits the spot every time.
I first came up with this recipe on a night when we needed to get dinner on the table fast, and it quickly became a family favorite. My kids love building their own garlic toast creations with extra toppings.
Ingredients
- Garlic toast (8 pieces): A ready-made shortcut for a crisp, garlicky base
- Ground beef (1 lb): The heart of your burger mix
- Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth; choose a fresh onion with papery skin
- Salt, pepper, ground mustard: For seasoning and subtle heat in the beef
- Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika: These spices bring bold, smoky flavor
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Fresh garlic enhances the aroma
- Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Sauce (1/4 cup): Sweet and tangy for the ultimate burger taste
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully while adding a creamy texture
- Bacon (6 pieces, cooked and crumbled): For crispy, salty goodness
- Crispy fried onions: Adds crunch and texture on top
How to Make BBQ Cheeseburger Garlic Toast
- Prepare the bacon:
- Place bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated 400-degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Once crisp, drain well and crumble.
- Toast the garlic bread:
- Cook the garlic toast according to the box directions, but let it bake a little longer for extra crispiness.
- Cook the beef and onions:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add flavor to the beef:
- Mix in the minced garlic and BBQ sauce, stirring thoroughly for even distribution.
- Assemble the toasts:
- Lay out the cooked garlic toast on a baking tray and gently press down on each piece with a spoon to create a slight indent. Spoon the beef mixture onto each piece.
- Add toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture, drizzle with a bit more BBQ sauce, and top with crumbled bacon and crispy fried onions.
- Melt the cheese:
- Return the assembled toasts to the oven for a couple of minutes just to melt the cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.
My favorite part of this recipe is adding crispy fried onions. They remind me of summertime cookouts, and the kids love the extra crunch on top.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or black beans. Feel free to use any barbecue sauce you love if Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t available.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. For something heartier, serve alongside roasted potato wedges or baked sweet potato fries.
Cultural Context
This recipe marries two American classics, barbecue and cheeseburgers, with a creative twist. It’s the perfect meal to celebrate summertime grilling flavors even when using your oven indoors. Ideal for casual dinners, this dish captures the essence of comfort food while being adaptable for different tastes.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the best type of cheese for this dish?
Freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese works great, but you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- → How can I make the garlic toast extra crispy?
Cook the garlic toast slightly longer than the box instructions suggest. This will give it a nice, crispy texture.
- → Can I replace the bacon with something else?
If you don't have bacon, you can use store-bought bacon bits or leave it out altogether for a meat-free variation.
- → Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
Yes, any barbecue sauce will work. Choose your favorite brand or flavor to customize the dish to your taste.
- → How do I cook the bacon for this dish?
To cook bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 20–25 minutes. Drain well before using.
- → What other toppings can I add?
You can add sliced jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, or pickles for extra flavor and variety.