Bacon Burger

For a lot of people, the combo of sizzling beef burgers and hot charcoal is one of the quintessential smells of summer, right up there with freshly-cut watermelon or chlorine. This classically simple burger recipe is perfect for when you're craving that summertime feeling. As far as toppings go, the beauty of burgers is how customizable they are, so we'll leave out any specific recommendations and encourage you to build whatever your heart desires. The only thing we do include is a few strips of bacon to make your burgers extra special. What really sets these burgers apart from the ones you might be used to is the texture. They've got a nice little crunch on the outside, but are still plump and juicy on the inside. The key to this is cooking on indirect heat, then throwing the patties right on the fire for a quick reverse sear. And of course, you'll want MEATER there to get the perfect internal temperature. It goes without saying that burgers and fries go together like cheese and crackers, but we recommend sweet potato fries in this case, because they go nicely with the bacon. If you're wanting more, you can pile your plate with any of your favorite barbecue sides. When it comes to drinks, there's nothing like cracking open a cold can of something fizzy at a barbecue. Bitter beers like pilsner or lager will cut through the fattiness of the burger, or you can keep it simple with your favorite soft drink.