• These quantities below make 4 (half pound) or 6 (one third pound) or 8 (quarter pound) burgers, depending on how monstrous you like your burgers. Adjust cheese slices and buns accordingly.
• Prepare the candied bacon, onions and sauce first so they can hang out while you make the burgers.

For the Candied Bacon

• Preheat oven to 375°.
• Line a large shallow baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray.
• Place the bacon on the rack. The pieces can be right next to each other, lined up. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Grind pepper over bacon, about ¼ teaspoon total. 
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
  
• Let cool and set aside.
• While the bacon bakes, start the onions.

For the Caramelized Onions

• In medium skillet, over medium low heat; melt butter.
• Add onions, salt and sugar and toss to mix. 
• Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until onions are golden brown and soft.
• Turn off heat and set aside.
• While the onions caramelize, start the BBQ sauce

For the Easy BBQ Sauce

• In a small saucepan, mix all ingredients and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and stirring frequently, let this simmer while everything else cooks.
  

For THE BURGER!

• Fire up your BBQ or pre-heat your broiler. It's almost go time!
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Divide mixture into 4, 6 or 8 equal portions and form into patties.
• We have some variables in size here, so grill burgers until they reach your desired level of doneness. Due diligence – hamburger should cook to 160°. 
• In the last few minutes of cooking remove ¼ cup sauce from the pan and brush it on the burgers.
• Top with a slice of cheese and let it melt.  Toast buns if desired.

To assemble your burgers;

• Spread BBQ sauce on buns, place burger with cheese on bottom bun, add some caramelized onions, then some candied bacon, the add the top bun.
• Devour.