These low carb 3-ingredient bacon burger bites are my go-to when I want something that feels like a backyard block party without a lot of fuss. My dad used to fire up the grill every summer and make little bacon-wrapped burgers for the neighbors, and these are my simple, home-kitchen version. They’re juicy, smoky, and packed into one perfect bite—perfect for game days, potlucks, or an easy family dinner where everyone can grab a toothpicked bite and dip it in their favorite sauce.
Serve these bacon burger bites hot off the grill or out of the oven on a big platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re great with simple low-carb sides like a green salad, coleslaw, grilled veggies, or sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Put out a few dipping options—sugar-free ketchup, mustard, mayo, or a simple ranch dip—so everyone can choose what they like. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted broccoli or cauliflower and a side of pickles to really bring out that classic burger flavor.
Low Carb Bacon Burger BitesServings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 pound thick-cut bacon (about 10–12 slices)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Directions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). If using an oven instead, preheat to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and a wire rack on top for easier cleanup.
In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground beef with the kosher salt. Don’t overwork the meat—just toss lightly with your hands until the salt is evenly distributed.
Pinch off small portions of the seasoned beef and roll them into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches across (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each). Gently flatten each into a mini burger patty, about 1/2 inch thick. You should get around 24 small patties.
Slice the thick-cut bacon strips in half crosswise so you have shorter pieces that are easier to wrap around the mini patties.
Wrap each mini burger patty with a half slice of bacon, stretching the bacon slightly as you go so it hugs the patty snugly. Overlap the ends of the bacon on one side and secure them with a toothpick pushed all the way through the center. Make sure the toothpick is firmly in place so the bacon doesn’t unravel during cooking.
For grilling: Oil the grill grates lightly to help prevent sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped burger bites on the grill, toothpick side up, over direct heat. Close the lid and cook for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip each bite with tongs. Grill another 4–6 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and slightly charred at the edges and the beef is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F). Move them to indirect heat if the bacon is browning too quickly.
For oven baking: Arrange the bacon-wrapped burger bites on the prepared rack, toothpick side up, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bacon is sizzling, golden brown, and slightly crisp and the beef is cooked through to 160°F. If you’d like a bit more char, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Transfer the cooked bacon burger bites to a plate or platter and let them rest for 3–5 minutes so the juices settle. Serve warm with your favorite low-carb dipping sauces and enjoy that juicy, smoky, one-bite burger flavor.
Variations & Tips
You can easily tweak these to fit your family’s tastes while still keeping them simple. For extra flavor without adding more ingredients, use a pre-seasoned ground beef blend (like one already mixed with pepper or garlic) or choose applewood-smoked bacon for a deeper smoky taste. If you don’t need to stay strictly low carb, you can tuck a tiny square of cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside each mini patty before wrapping with bacon for a gooey center—just press the meat tightly around the cheese so it doesn’t leak out. For picky eaters, make the patties a little smaller and cook them just until done so they stay extra juicy; serve with plain ketchup and mustard on the side. If you prefer to avoid toothpicks, you can lay the bacon ends underneath the patties on a rack and bake in the oven so the bacon stays mostly in place without skewers. Food safety tips: Always wash your hands and any surfaces that touch raw beef or bacon with hot, soapy water. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Cook the burger bites until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure the ground beef is safely done. Use a clean plate for serving—never return cooked bites to the plate that held the raw meat. Let the bites cool slightly before serving to kids so no one burns their mouth on the hot juices.
