This bacon cheeseburger is built on a perfectly grilled patty topped with smoky bacon jam, smoked cheese, barbecue sauce, crisp lettuce, and crunchy onion rings, all served on a toasted brioche bun. It’s my take on the Triple Smoked from the Caribbean Princess cruise ship.
I always appreciate when a familiar dish arrives with a pleasant surprise. This burger hit all the familiar notes—juicy chargrilled beef, melty cheese, and bacon—but with several twists that made it stand out.
The smoked cheese—smoked gouda or smoked cheddar—adds a deeper, savory dimension that elevates the whole sandwich. Instead of traditional bacon strips, the chef used bacon jam, a sweet-savory spread that concentrates bacon flavor and pairs beautifully with cheese and barbecue sauce.
A tangy onion barbecue sauce was drizzled over the assembled burger for another layer of flavor. Between the smoky cheese, the bacon jam, and that sauce, this bacon cheeseburger became one I kept going back for. I enjoyed several while aboard the Caribbean Princess and can attest it’s a memorable combination.
One of the highlights of dining on the ship was the convenience of ordering with the OceanMedallion™ and the Ocean Now app. I could sit down, order a Dirty Banana milkshake-style cocktail, and have it delivered to my table within minutes. The app made ordering drinks, extra items, and even pillows simple and quick—perfect for a relaxed cruise experience.
Ocean Now was indispensable during the trip: it delivered poolside sparkling water, souvenirs, suntan care items for friends, and yes—extra pillows, which I may have overindulged in. The attentive crew never missed a beat, and service felt effortless and friendly.
This burger was especially welcome after days of sightseeing and beach time at the beautiful Princess Cays in the Bahamas. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies after a full day outdoors.
Where to get bacon jam
I recommend making bacon jam at home if you enjoy cooking; it’s rich and deeply flavorful. If you prefer a ready-made option, many gourmet grocers and online retailers carry bacon jam. Warming it gently before spreading makes it easier to apply and prevents tearing the bun.
Best buns for this bacon cheeseburger
A toasted brioche bun is ideal for this burger; its slight sweetness and soft crumb complement the savory fillings. If brioche isn’t available, a quality potato roll works well. Always butter and toast the buns on the grill for flavor and texture—this small step turns a good burger into a great one.
Best cheese for a cheeseburger
Smoked cheeses shine on this burger. Smoked gouda is excellent, but smoked cheddar brings a bright sharpness that stands up to the barbecue sauce and bacon jam. Either choice adds that extra smoky note that makes the sandwich special.
What barbecue sauce to choose
Use the barbecue sauce you enjoy most. A spicy smoky barbecue sauce pairs especially well with the bacon jam and smoked cheese, but any balanced, flavorful sauce will do. Pick a sauce that complements rather than overpowers the other elements.
Suggested sides include crispy baked sweet potato fries, a spicy bacon-cheddar pasta salad, or a veggie-packed Greek pasta salad. For drinks, consider a refreshing watermelon margarita, a tropical pina colada, or the Dirty Banana for an island-inspired pairing.
If you’re looking for additional ground beef recipes, try ground beef fried rice, a quick Korean-style beef, or a sesame beef recipe—all budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Bacon Cheeseburger
– Prepare or preheat grill for high, direct heat.
– Form four equal-sized balls from 1 1/2 pounds of 80% lean ground beef and shape into patties. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning evenly over the patties, dividing it between both sides.
– Grill burgers on the first side until browned and they release easily, about 3–5 minutes. Flip and grill another 3–8 minutes, until slightly charred and cooked to desired doneness (Rare 120–125°F, Medium Rare 130–135°F, Medium 140–145°F, Medium Well 150–155°F, Well 160–165°F).
– While burgers cook, butter the split sides of 4 brioche buns (or potato rolls) and toast them around the outer edge of the grill until marked. Transfer buns to a plate.
– Place one slice of smoked cheddar or smoked gouda on each burger and close the grill for about 30 seconds until the cheese begins to melt. Transfer burgers to a plate.
To assemble burgers:
– Spread 1 tablespoon bacon jam on the bottom half of each bun.
– Place a cheeseburger on each jam-smeared bun bottom.
– Top each burger with a leaf of red or green leaf lettuce and, if desired, two onion rings.
– Drizzle about 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce over each burger and finish with the top bun.
– Equipment: grill.
