This Arby’s Copycat BBQ Bacon Burger is everything you love about fast food—only fresher, hotter, and totally homemade. It’s an easy win for weeknights, cookouts, or casual weekends when cravings hit. Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us if you try it!
Craving that smoky, savory Arby’s BBQ Bacon Burger without heading to the drive-thru? This homemade copycat version brings all the bold flavors you love—juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce—right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day treat.
Whether you’re feeding hungry teens or just want to satisfy a fast-food craving with fresh ingredients, this burger hits the spot every time.
If you have not tried burgers in the air fryer, they are quick and absolutely delicious, today I served my kids a side of Sweet Potato French Fries, but you can serve this with anything. However, my kids prefer either Air Fryer Steak Fries or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
🥓 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Drive-thru taste without the wait: Classic Arby’s flavor made right at home.
- Fast and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: Make it your own with your favorite buns, cheeses, and toppings.
- Air fryer or stovetop friendly: Cook the burger patties however you like.
- Great for a crowd: Scale it up for parties or family dinners.
Arby’s BBQ Bacon Burger Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20) – Juicy and flavorful base for hearty patties.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the beef shine.
- Cheddar cheese slices – Melty sharp cheddar brings a bold bite.
- Crispy cooked bacon – Adds smoky crunch and irresistible flavor.
- BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy sauce that pulls everything together.
- Toasted burger buns – Soft and slightly crisped for the perfect base.
- Fried onion rings or crispy onions (optional) – Adds texture and a fast-food touch.
- Pickles (optional) – Tangy bite to balance rich flavors.
How To Make Arby’s Copycat BBQ Bacon Burger Recipe
Step 1: Divide ground beef into equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than your buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Fry bacon until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 3: Grill, air fry, or pan-fry the burger patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Add cheese slices during the last minute to melt.
Air Fryer Option: Cook patties in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Toast the buns if desired. Place the burger patty on the bottom bun, then top with crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce, and optional onion rings or pickles. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Optional: Add a slice of cheese on top.
👩🍳 Tips for the Best Arby’s Copycat BBQ Bacon Burger Recipe
- Use fresh ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful patties.
- Chill patties before cooking to help them hold shape.
- Try smoked bacon or hickory BBQ sauce for extra depth.
- Melt cheese directly on the patty for a true fast-food look.
- Double up on bacon for that extra crunch and flavor!
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Store: Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cooked patties freeze well—store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or microwave for 1 minute until hot.
Arby’s Copycat BBQ Bacon Burger Recipe Faqs
Can I use turkey or plant-based patties? Absolutely! This recipe works great with ground turkey or your favorite veggie burger.
What’s the best cheese for this burger? Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use pepper jack, provolone, or smoked gouda for a twist.
Can I make the onion rings from scratch? Yes! Homemade or frozen onion rings both work well—use whatever fits your schedule.
🍟 What to Serve With Arby’s BBQ Bacon Burger
- Air Fryer Crinkle Fries
- Homemade Coleslaw
- Corn on the Cob
- Pickle Chips or Fried Pickles
- Iced Tea or Root Beer Floats
More Copycat Arby’s Recipes
Crispy Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks Copycat Recipe
Ninja Creami Arbys Orange Creamsicle Shake Recipe
Ninja Creami Jamocha Shake (Arby’s Copycat)
Arby’s Horsey Sauce Copycat Recipe
Copycat Arby’s Chicken Tender Recipe
Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich
Arby’s Brown Sugar Bacon BLT Recipe
Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Copycat Easy Recipe
Reheating Arby’s Premium Chicken Nuggets In Air Fryer
Crispy Arby’s Potato Cakes Copycat Recipe
Arby’s Three Pepper Sauce Recipe
Air Fryer Copycat Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches
Homemade Arby’s Cherry Turnovers
Arby’s Steakhouse Onion Rings Copycat Recipe
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Arby’s Copycat BBQ Bacon Burger Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 toasted burger buns
- 1/2 cup fried onion rings or crispy onions, optional
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than your buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Fry bacon until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Grill or pan-fry the burger patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Add cheese slices during the last minute to melt.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook patties in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toast the buns if desired. Place the burger patty on the bottom bun, then top with crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce, and optional onion rings or pickles. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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