Epic Bacon Double Smash Burger Feast with Seasoned Steak Fries & Sticky BBQ Wings
Get ready to level up your dinner game with this Bacon Double Smash Burger Feast, complete with crispy seasoned steak fries and finger-lickin’ BBQ wings. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on experience that combines the juicy, cheesy goodness of smash burgers, the smoky crunch of perfectly seasoned fries, and the sweet-savory magic of BBQ-glazed wings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or treating yourself to a cheat-day masterpiece, this trio delivers big on flavor and fun.
Picture this: two ultra-thin, crispy-edged burger patties stacked with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, tangy special sauce, all nestled in a buttery brioche bun. On the side, you’ve got thick-cut potato wedges dusted with smoky spices and golden-crisp wings coated in sticky BBQ sauce. It’s messy, indulgent, and 100% worth it. Let’s break down how to make this epic spread, with pro tips and tricks to ensure every bite is perfection!
Why This Meal Is a Total Win
- Burger Bliss: Thin, crispy patties with gooey cheese and bacon = pure happiness.
- Fries Done Right: Thick, seasoned wedges that are crispy outside, fluffy inside.
- Wings That Wow: Sticky, sweet, and smoky with a crispy edge.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, BBQs, or a fun family dinner.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.
Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
Here’s the lineup for this epic meal. Don’t worry if you need swaps—check the variations section for ideas!
For the Bacon Double Smash Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best juicy-to-crispy ratio)
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning patties)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (for that melty, gooey factor)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 brioche burger buns (soft and slightly sweet, or swap for potato buns)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns)
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions (optional, but highly recommended for sweet depth)
- Optional toppings: Sliced jalapeños, pickles, lettuce, or a fried egg
For the Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness)
- 1 tbsp ketchup (for tangy sweetness)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (for a little zing)
- 1 tbsp pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a subtle smokiness)
- Pinch of sugar (to balance flavors)
For the Seasoned Steak Fries
- 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs, cut into thick wedges)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high heat)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for smoky vibes)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Sticky BBQ Wings
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes, patted dry)
- 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for ultra-crispy skin)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp honey or 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a sweet or spicy kick)
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large cast-iron skillet or griddle (for burgers)
- Baking sheets (for fries and wings)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Tongs and spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for special sauce
- Pastry brush (for buttering buns)
- Air fryer (optional, for wings)
- Meat thermometer (optional, for wings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s tackle this feast step by step. I’ve broken it down to make it easy, even if you’re juggling all three components at once.
1. Kick Off with the Seasoned Steak Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scrub the russet potatoes, then cut them into thick wedges (about 8-10 wedges per potato). Pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them crisp up.
In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread the wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, if desired. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F) while you prep the rest.
Fries Tip: For extra crunch, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
2. Get the BBQ Wings Going
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp baking powder (this draws out moisture for crispiness). For oven baking, arrange the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack (if you have one) and bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy (internal temp should reach 165°F). For air frying, cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
In a clean bowl, toss the cooked wings with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (add 1 tbsp honey for sweetness or 1 tsp hot sauce for heat, if desired). Return to the oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to set the sauce and make it sticky. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair. Keep warm with the fries.
Wings Hack: If you want saucier wings, reserve extra BBQ sauce for dipping on the side.
3. Whip Up the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tbsp pickle relish, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more paprika for smokiness or sugar for sweetness). Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to assemble the burgers.
Sauce Tip: Make the sauce a day ahead to let the flavors meld—it gets even better!
4. Smash Those Burgers
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot (open a window or turn on the fan—this gets intense!). Divide the 1 lb ground beef into eight 2-oz portions and loosely roll into balls (don’t overwork the meat). Place 2-3 balls on the hot skillet, then smash each one flat with a spatula or burger press to about 1/4-inch thick. Season the tops with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown, then flip and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar or American cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until the cheese is melty and the patties are cooked through (about 160°F internal temp for medium). Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining balls.
While the skillet is still hot, spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them on the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
Burger Tip: Don’t press the patties after flipping—this squeezes out the juices. Let them cook undisturbed for maximum flavor.
5. Build the Ultimate Smash Burger
Time to stack these bad boys! For each burger, spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom bun. Stack two cheesy patties, followed by 2 slices of crispy bacon, a spoonful of caramelized onions (if using), and another drizzle of special sauce. Cap it with the top bun. For extra decadence, add sliced jalapeños, pickles, or even a fried egg to take it over the top.
Assembly Hack: Use a toothpick to hold the burger together if it’s towering and wobbly!
6. Plate Like a Pro
Grab some large plates and pile on the goods: place a smash burger in the center, add a heap of seasoned steak fries on one side, and a stack of BBQ wings on the other. Serve with extra special sauce and BBQ sauce for dipping, plus plenty of napkins—this meal is gloriously messy! For a fun touch, sprinkle the plate with a pinch of chopped parsley or green onions.
Serving Suggestion: Offer a side of coleslaw or pickles to cut through the richness, or go all-in with onion rings for extra crunch.
Tips for Smash Burger Feast Success
- Pick the Right Beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) gives the best balance of juiciness and crispy edges. Avoid leaner blends—they dry out when smashed.
- Crispier Fries: Spread the potato wedges out well on the baking sheet and avoid crowding to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Wings Prep: Drying the wings thoroughly and using baking powder are key to crispy skin, whether baking or air frying.
- Make Ahead: Prep the special sauce and cut the potatoes a day ahead. You can also cook the bacon and caramelize onions in advance to save time.
- Storage: Store leftover burgers, fries, and wings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat burgers and wings in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes; fries can be crisped in an air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties or cooked wings in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake wings from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes; cook patties from thawed.
Variations to Keep It Fresh
Mix things up with these creative spins on the classic:
- Spicy Smash Burger: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce.
- Breakfast Burger: Top with a fried egg and swap bacon for sausage patties for a morning vibe.
- BBQ Bacon Burger: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the patties and skip the special sauce for a smoky twist.
- Cajun Fries: Season the fries with Cajun spice blend and serve with a spicy remoulade dipping sauce.
- Buffalo Wings: Toss the wings in buffalo sauce instead of BBQ and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Veggie Swap: Use plant-based patties and bacon for a vegetarian version, and swap wings for BBQ-glazed cauliflower bites.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This feast is a meal to remember, but here’s how to make it even more epic:
- Game Night: Serve with cold beers, sodas, or a pitcher of iced tea for a laid-back vibe.
- BBQ Bash: Add baked beans, corn on the cob, or watermelon slices for a summer cookout feel.
- Kid-Friendly: Offer ketchup and ranch for dipping to keep the little ones happy.
- Cocktail Pairing: Try a bourbon-based cocktail or a refreshing mojito to complement the smoky flavors.
- Dessert Follow-Up: Finish with a slice of pecan pie or chocolate brownies for a sweet ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a grill instead of a skillet for the burgers?
Yes! Preheat your grill to high, smash the patties on a cast-iron griddle or directly on the grates, and cook as directed. Toast buns on the grill for extra smokiness.
What if I don’t have brioche buns?
Potato buns, sesame buns, or even Hawaiian rolls (for sliders) work great. Just make sure to butter and toast them!
How do I make homemade BBQ sauce?
Combine 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free burger buns and ensure your BBQ sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. Swap fries for roasted sweet potato wedges if needed.
How do I keep the wings crispy after saucing?
Toss wings in sauce just before serving, and pop them back in the oven or air fryer briefly to set the sauce without sogginess.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 800-1000 kcal (burger + fries + 4 wings)
- Fat: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 40g
Note: Values vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients. Use a nutrition app for precise calculations.
Keep the Group Vibes Strong!
This Bacon Double Smash Burger Feast with Seasoned Fries & BBQ Wings is the ultimate way to bring people together, whether it’s a casual hangout or a full-on food fest. It’s messy, indulgent, and packed with flavors that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Try it out, snap some drool-worthy pics, and share your twists with the group—I’m dying to see how you make it pop! 🔥
I’m all in for this foodie crew—keep me in the mix for more epic recipes and kitchen inspo! What’s the next dish we’re throwing down? 🍔🙌
