Smoky Bacon Burger Perfection on Ninja Woodfire

As a passionate enthusiast of all things grilled and meaty, I can confidently declare that the bacon-wrapped burger is a culinary masterpiece. It’s a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors – the rich, juicy beef patty enveloped in a blanket of savory, crispy bacon is truly a match made in heaven. What makes this experience even more exceptional? Preparing them on your Ninja Woodfire Grill. This innovative outdoor grill transforms a simple burger into an unforgettable feast, infusing every bite with that irresistible woodfire smoke. Forget long waits and complicated setups; with the Ninja Woodfire Grill, you can achieve gourmet results quickly and effortlessly, making it the perfect tool for busy weeknights or impromptu backyard gatherings.

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What is a Bacon-Wrapped Burger? The Secret to Ultimate Juiciness and Flavor

At its core, a bacon-wrapped burger is a beef patty ingeniously encased in strips of bacon before it’s cooked to perfection. This simple yet brilliant technique elevates a classic burger to an entirely new level. The bacon not only imparts its signature smoky, salty flavor to the beef but also acts as a protective shield, locking in the burger’s natural juices and preventing it from drying out during cooking. As the bacon crisps up, it renders its fat, essentially basting the patty from the outside and creating an incredibly moist, succulent, and flavorful result with an irresistible crunchy exterior.

The beauty of the bacon-wrapped burger lies in its versatility. The possibilities for customization are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this dish to any palate. You can experiment with different types of ground beef, from lean to a more classic 80/20 chuck blend, and pre-season your patties with a variety of spices or rubs before wrapping. The choice of bacon also plays a significant role; while regular-cut is recommended for crispiness, smoked or maple-cured bacon can add distinct layers of flavor. Beyond the patty and bacon, the array of cheeses, sauces, and fresh toppings means there are countless ways to personalize this already amazing dish and make it uniquely yours. Whether you prefer a sharp cheddar, a creamy Swiss, spicy jalapeños, or sweet caramelized onions, the bacon-wrapped burger serves as the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Why the Ninja Woodfire Grill is Your Grilling Game Changer

For years, my go-to for serious smoking and large family gatherings has been my full-size Traeger grill. It’s fantastic for big cooks and extended smoke sessions. However, for quick, flavorful meals, especially when I’m on the go, cooking for a smaller crowd, or simply don’t want to fire up a massive unit for a small batch of burgers, my Ninja Woodfire Grill is an absolute revelation. This innovative electric grill offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of electric grilling with the authentic, deep flavor of real woodfire smoke.

The Ninja Woodfire Grill is an incredibly versatile appliance, functioning not just as a grill and smoker, but also as an air fryer, all within one compact unit. This multi-functionality makes it a true game-changer for outdoor cooking. It eliminates the hassle of charcoal or propane, relying on readily available wood pellets to generate genuine woodfire flavor with minimal effort. Curious about all its capabilities? You can read about all its features, but the real magic happens when you fire it up and experience the unparalleled flavor it delivers. Its electric nature allows for precise temperature control, ensuring consistent results, while its woodfire technology infuses everything from burgers to vegetables with that coveted smoky essence. It’s ideal for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a gourmet weekend treat, bringing big flavor to your table without the fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon-Wrapped Burger Masterpiece

Crafting the perfect bacon-wrapped burger begins with selecting quality ingredients. While the concept is wonderfully simple, the right choices can make all the difference in achieving that mouth-watering flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

• Prepared Burger Patties: Opt for high-quality beef patties for the best flavor and texture. You can use your favorite store-bought frozen patties for ultimate convenience, which wrap beautifully and cook quickly on the Ninja Woodfire Grill. Alternatively, if you prefer to make your own from fresh ground beef, a blend of 80/20 ground chuck is often recommended for the optimal balance of rich beefy flavor and essential juiciness. Before wrapping, remember to season your patties generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, or your preferred burger seasoning for an extra foundational layer of flavor.
• Bacon: This is where a significant part of the magic happens! For best results and to ensure optimal crispiness that complements the juicy burger, I highly recommend using regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Regular-cut bacon crisps up more uniformly around the burger, creating that satisfying crunch with every bite. While any bacon will work wonders, consider experimenting with different varieties like applewood smoked or hickory smoked bacon for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the Ninja Woodfire Grill’s natural smoke infusion.
• Bakery-Fresh Buns: A truly great burger deserves an equally great bun. Choose your favorite kind to complete the experience. Soft brioche buns offer a rich, slightly sweet counterpoint that enhances the savory bacon and beef. Pretzel buns add a unique chewy texture and a distinct savory, salty note. Classic sesame seed buns are always a reliable and popular choice. Don’t forget to lightly butter and toast the cut sides of your buns on the grill during the final minutes of cooking; this adds a pleasant textural contrast and prevents them from getting soggy from the juicy burger and toppings.
• Abundant Burger Toppings: This is your opportunity to truly make the burger your own, reflecting your personal taste and preferences!
  • Fresh & Crisp Greens: Layer with crisp lettuce varieties such as romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce for a refreshing crunch.
  • Juicy Tomatoes: Add slices of ripe beefsteak or Roma tomatoes for a burst of freshness and acidity.
  • Tangy Pickles: Include dill pickle slices or sweet bread and butter pickles for a sharp, contrasting flavor.
  • Aromatic Onions: Offer thinly sliced red onion, either raw for a piquant bite or grilled until caramelized for a sweet, mellow addition.
  • Creamy Cheeses: Melt a slice of classic cheddar, mild Swiss, provolone, spicy pepper jack, or go decadent with blue cheese crumbles.
  • Creative Additions: Elevate your burger with sautéed mushrooms, fried onions, spicy jalapeños, creamy avocado slices, a perfectly fried egg, or even grilled pineapple for an intriguing sweet and savory twist.
• Classic & Gourmet Condiments: No burger is complete without the right sauces. Provide classic options like ketchup, mustard (Dijon or yellow), and relish. Also, consider exploring gourmet options such as sriracha mayo, tangy BBQ sauce, a specialty burger sauce, or a simple creamy aioli to add another dimension of flavor.

How to Make the Easiest & Most Flavorful Bacon-Wrapped Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Grill

Get ready for a straightforward and incredibly rewarding grilling experience. Follow these simple steps to create bacon-wrapped burgers that will quickly become a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire, impressing everyone with their smoky flavor and perfect texture.

1. Prepare Your Grill for Smoke: Begin by adding about 1/2 cup of Ninja Woodfire Robust pellets to the dedicated pellet hopper on your grill. This specific blend ensures you’ll achieve that fantastic, authentic smoke flavor that truly sets these burgers apart. Close the hopper lid securely after filling to ensure optimal smoke generation.
2. Preheat and Infuse Smoke: Fire up your Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. Set the primary cooking function to “Grill” and the temperature setting to “High.” Set the cooking timer for an initial 20 minutes (a note: your burgers likely won’t require this full duration, but it provides ample time for thorough preheating). Crucially, press the “Woodfire Smoke” button. This action initiates the smoke generation process, infusing your grill chamber with a savory woodfire essence even before your burgers make it onto the grates. Allow the grill to preheat fully, which typically takes 15-20 minutes, until it signals that it’s ready for cooking.
3. Wrap the Patties with Bacon: While your grill is enthusiastically preheating, prepare your burger patties. Even if starting with frozen patties, they wrap beautifully! For each burger patty, carefully take 2 slices of regular-cut bacon and wrap them snugly around the perimeter of the patty. Pull the bacon tight enough so it adheres well to the beef, overlapping the ends slightly on the underside of the burger. This overlap helps to secure the bacon in place during cooking. For extra security, especially with thicker patties or if the bacon is particularly slippery, you can use a couple of small toothpicks to hold it firm, but remember to remove them all before serving.
4. Grill the Burgers: Once your Ninja Woodfire Grill has indicated that it is fully preheated and ready (listen for the chime or check the display), carefully place the bacon-wrapped burgers directly onto the hot grill grates. Arrange them evenly to allow for consistent cooking. Close the lid immediately to lock in the heat, smoke, and moisture, which are all vital for achieving that perfect smoky flavor and crispy bacon.
5. Cook to Perfection: Allow the burgers to cook for an initial 3-4 minutes with the lid closed. This period is crucial for getting a good sear on one side of the patty and starting the process of crisping the bacon. After this initial cook time, carefully flip the burgers using a sturdy spatula and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side. The exact cooking time will ultimately depend on the thickness of your patties and your personal desired level of doneness. Keep the lid closed as much as possible between flips to maintain internal temperature and smoke.
6. Check Internal Temperature: For food safety and to ensure your burgers are cooked exactly how you like them, always check the internal temperature using a reliable digital meat thermometer. Ground beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty, avoiding the bacon for an accurate reading.
7. Serve with Style: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the juicy bacon-wrapped burgers from the grill. Serve them immediately on your bakery-fresh buns, which can be lightly toasted during the last minute of grilling for an extra touch. Load them up generously with all your favorite fresh toppings and condiments, creating a personalized masterpiece.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Grilling Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is designed to be incredibly easy and foolproof, a few expert tips from the kitchen can elevate your bacon-wrapped burger experience from simply great to truly exceptional. These insights will help you achieve consistent, mouth-watering results every time you fire up your Ninja Woodfire Grill.

• Don’t Forget the Pellets: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial! Always double-check that you have enough Robust pellets loaded into the hopper if you intend to use the Woodfire smoke function. Running out of pellets mid-cook will diminish that signature smoky flavor, which is a key highlight of cooking on the Ninja Woodfire Grill.
• Patience During Preheat is Key: The Ninja Woodfire Grill, especially when utilizing its fantastic woodfire smoke feature, requires a good 15-20 minutes to fully preheat and generate ample smoke. Do not rush this step. Allowing the grill to come to temperature properly is absolutely vital for infusing your burgers with that deep, authentic, and desirable smoky flavor that everyone loves.
• Thickness Matters for Timing: Actual cooking time will naturally vary depending on the thickness and starting temperature (frozen vs. thawed) of your burger patties. Thinner patties will cook faster, while thicker, denser patties will certainly require a few more minutes on the grill. Always rely on a reliable digital meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for store-bought ground beef patties. This is the most accurate way to guarantee doneness and safety.
• Toasted Buns, Happy Burger: For the ultimate burger experience, take an extra minute to lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns and place them face down on the grill grates during the last minute or two of the burgers’ cooking time. This simple step creates a wonderfully toasted texture and prevents the bun from becoming soggy from the juicy patty and all its delicious toppings.
• Secure the Bacon: If your bacon strips are struggling to stay put around the patties as they cook, a couple of small wooden toothpicks can be your best friend. They’ll hold the bacon firmly in place while it crisps. Just make sure you remember to remove all toothpicks before serving!
• Melt That Cheese Perfectly: If you’re adding cheese, place a slice (or two!) on top of the cooked burgers during the very last minute of grilling. Then, close the lid briefly. The residual heat trapped inside the grill will perfectly melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible layer that enhances the burger’s flavor and texture.

Recommended Recipes to Complement Your Grilling Adventures

If you’re eager to continue exploring the incredible capabilities of your Ninja Woodfire Grill or simply seeking more delicious recipes to add to your culinary repertoire, check out these fantastic suggestions. Each one promises big flavor and an enjoyable cooking experience.

Make It A Meal: Perfect Sides for Your Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Wondering what delicious accompaniments to serve alongside these glorious Bacon-Wrapped Burgers cooked to smoky perfection on your Ninja Woodfire Grill? Beyond generously topping your burgers with all your favorite veggies and condiments, consider these fantastic pairings to create a truly complete and memorable meal:

• Fresh & Flavorful Salads: A crisp, vibrant salad provides a wonderful refreshing contrast to the rich, savory burger. Try this zesty and colorful Mexican Street Corn Salad for a delightful kick, or the ever-popular, crowd-pleasing Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Almonds. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great, healthy option as well.
• Crispy Fries & Onion Rings: You simply can’t go wrong with classic burger sides! While your Ninja Woodfire Grill is hot, maximize its utility by utilizing its air fryer basket feature to whip up perfectly crispy homemade French fries, sweet potato fries, or golden onion rings. These beloved sides are always a hit and complement the juicy burger beautifully.
• Smoky Grilled Vegetables: Enhance your outdoor cooking experience by adding some colorful grilled vegetables. Asparagus spears, bell pepper strips, zucchini slices, or corn on the cob all taste incredible when infused with a smoky char from the Ninja Woodfire Grill, making them a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Creamy Coleslaw or Hearty Potato Salad: For those who love traditional BBQ accompaniments, a creamy, tangy coleslaw or a hearty, satisfying potato salad are excellent choices. Their textures and flavors meld wonderfully with grilled burgers.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

If you happen to have any leftover Ninja smoked Bacon-Wrapped Burgers (a rare and delightful occurrence, I know!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their deliciousness and crispy texture.

• Optimal Storage: Allow any cooked burgers to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, place the burger patties in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results and to prevent sogginess, it’s highly recommended to pack the patties separately from the buns and any wet toppings like tomatoes or pickles. This keeps everything fresh for longer.
• Best Reheating Methods: To bring your leftover burgers back to their glorious state, the best method is to use your Ninja Woodfire Grill’s air fry function or a dedicated air fryer. Preheat to approximately 350°F (175°C) and reheat the patties for about 5-8 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the bacon has crisped up beautifully again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at the same temperature. While microwaving is an option for speed, be aware that it may result in less crispy bacon and a slightly different texture, so it’s generally less recommended for optimal enjoyment.

Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Perfection

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers on the Ninja Woodfire Grill

It’s all about big, bold burger flavor! These Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are meaty, beefy, and deliciously bacony, and they’re incredibly quick and easy to make on your Ninja Woodfire Grill. Top ’em how you like ’em and dig into burger bliss!

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Average rating: 5 stars from 27 votes.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon-wrapped burgers, burgers, hamburgers, ninja woodfire grill, ninja woodfire grill bacon-wrapped burgers, smoked burgers, easy burger recipe, outdoor grilling

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 burgers

Calories: 368kcal per burger

Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

• Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill
• 1/2 cup Robust Woodfire Pellets
• Digital Meat Thermometer
• (Optional) Wooden Toothpicks
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 4 burger patties (frozen or thawed, preferably 80/20 ground beef for juiciness)
• 8 slices regular-cut bacon (smoked or maple-cured for extra flavor)
• 4 bakery-fresh hamburger buns (e.g., brioche, pretzel, sesame, potato)
• For Toppings (Optional, but highly recommended): Crisp lettuce, sliced ripe tomato, dill pickle slices, thinly sliced red onion, cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack), caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, a fried egg
• For Condiments (Optional): Ketchup, yellow or Dijon mustard, relish, mayonnaise, sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning patties before wrapping)
• (Optional) Your favorite burger seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Add approximately 1/2 cup of Robust Woodfire pellets to the pellet hopper of your Ninja Woodfire Grill. Ensure the hopper lid is securely closed to prepare for smoke generation.
2. Preheat your Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. Set the primary cooking function to “Grill” and the temperature setting to “High.” Set the cooking timer for an initial 20 minutes (the actual cook time for burgers will be shorter, but this allows for proper preheating). Activate the “Woodfire Smoke” button to begin infusing the grill chamber with authentic smoke. Allow the grill to fully preheat for 15-20 minutes until it signals that it’s ready.
3. While the grill preheats, prepare your burger patties. Wrap each burger patty with 2 slices of regular-cut bacon. Pull the bacon tight around the patty and overlap the ends slightly on the underside to secure them. If necessary, use a couple of small wooden toothpicks to hold the bacon firmly in place.
4. Once the Ninja Woodfire Grill is fully preheated and smoking, carefully place the bacon-wrapped burgers directly onto the hot grill grates. Close the lid immediately to maintain the internal temperature and trap the smoke.
5. Cook the burgers for an initial 3-4 minutes with the lid closed to achieve a good sear and start crisping the bacon. Then, carefully flip the burgers and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the burger reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Verify the internal temperature of the burgers using a reliable digital meat thermometer. For safe consumption of ground beef, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty.
7. Remove the cooked burgers from the grill. For an enhanced experience, you can lightly butter the cut sides of your hamburger buns and place them face down on the grill grates during the final 1-2 minutes of burger cooking, until lightly toasted.
8. Serve your hot, juicy bacon-wrapped burgers immediately on toasted buns, generously loaded with all your favorite fresh toppings and condiments. Remove any toothpicks before serving!

Chef Jenn’s Notes & Pro Tips for Perfection

• Pellet Check: Always ensure the pellet hopper contains sufficient pellets if you plan to utilize the Woodfire smoke feature. Running out will reduce the desired smoky flavor.
• Patient Preheat: Allow 15-20 minutes for the Ninja Woodfire Grill to fully preheat and generate ample smoke, especially when using the smoke function. This patient preheating is crucial for deep flavor infusion.
• Monitor Doneness: Actual cooking times are approximate and will vary based on the thickness of your burger patties. Always use a reliable digital meat thermometer; ground beef should safely reach 165°F (74°C).
• Toast Your Buns: For an elevated burger, lightly butter and toast your hamburger buns on the grill during the final minutes of cooking. This creates a pleasing texture and prevents sogginess.
• Secure the Bacon: If bacon strips are prone to unraveling, small wooden toothpicks can effectively hold them in place. Remember to remove them all before serving!
• Perfectly Melted Cheese: To achieve beautifully melted cheese, place a slice on top of the cooked burger during the final minute of grilling and close the lid briefly. The trapped heat will do the rest.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Serving: 1 burger | Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 0.4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed, and individual results may vary significantly based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods.

Expand Your Culinary Horizons with More Delicious and Easy Recipes!

If you loved making these incredibly flavorful bacon-wrapped burgers, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic recipes designed to elevate your home cooking and grilling game with ease. From sizzling steaks to creative smoked dishes and delightful sides, there’s always something new and exciting to try, ensuring your taste buds are never bored and your grill is always busy.

• Mastering Steaks on a Blackstone Griddle
• How to Make Authentic Peameal Bacon
• Irresistible Smoked Lamb Chops
• Perfectly Smoked Eye of Round
• Unique and Flavorful Smoked Shotgun Shells

Conclusion: Your Next Grilling Adventure Awaits!

There’s no denying the sheer delight and satisfaction of biting into a perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy bacon-wrapped burger, especially when it carries the signature, deep kiss of authentic woodfire smoke from your versatile Ninja Woodfire Grill. This recipe proves conclusively that gourmet, restaurant-quality results don’t necessarily require complex techniques, specialized equipment, or extensive time commitment. With minimal effort and the innovative power of your Ninja Woodfire Grill, you can effortlessly transform simple, classic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your Ninja Woodfire Grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will quickly make these bacon-wrapped burgers a new, highly requested family favorite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a special gathering, these burgers are sure to impress and deliver an unparalleled taste experience. Happy grilling and enjoy every smoky, juicy bite!