There’s something uniquely satisfying about biting into a hot, juicy burger straight from the grill — and Bubba Burgers are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to get there. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick dinner idea, knowing how long to grill Bubba Burgers is key to getting perfect results.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best grilling times and techniques, how to tell when your Bubba Burger is done, tips for grilling from frozen, recommended toppings, sides, and much more. Let’s fire up the grill!
What Are Bubba Burgers?
Bubba Burgers are premium, pre-formed beef patties made from 100% USDA Choice beef, with no added fillers or artificial ingredients. Created by Bubba Foods, these burgers are designed to go from freezer to grill with no thawing required — making them incredibly convenient for weeknight meals or spontaneous cookouts.
Though originally popularized in the southern U.S., Bubba Burgers are now available nationwide, and even come in variations like turkey, veggie, and Angus beef.
Why Choose Bubba Burgers?
-
No thawing needed – grill straight from frozen.
-
Pre-seasoned and thick-cut for a satisfying bite.
-
High-quality beef with no added preservatives.
-
Juicy and flavorful when cooked correctly.
Recommended Grill Temperature for Bubba Burgers
The ideal temperature to grill a Bubba Burger is medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C).
-
Too low, and the burgers take too long and lose juice.
-
Too high, and you risk burning the outside before the inside is done.
👉 Always preheat your gas grill for 10–15 minutes before placing the burgers.
How Long to Grill Bubba Burgers?
The time it takes to grill a Bubba Burger depends on whether the patty is frozen or thawed.
🔥 Grilling Time Breakdown:
Burger Type | Grill Temp | Time per Side | Total Time | Internal Temp |
---|---|---|---|---|
Frozen | 375°F | 5–6 minutes | 10–12 mins | 160°F |
Thawed | 375°F | 4–5 minutes | 8–10 mins | 160°F |
✅ Always flip once halfway through and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Bubba Burgers on a Gas Grill
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
-
Turn on your gas grill to medium-high (375°F).
-
Let it heat for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed.
-
Brush the grates with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Place the Burgers on the Grill
-
Remove Bubba Burgers from the packaging (do not thaw).
-
Place patties directly on the grill grates.
Step 3: Grill Over Direct Heat
-
Cook for 5–6 minutes per side for frozen patties.
-
Flip only once during cooking to preserve juices.
-
Keep the lid closed as much as possible for even heat.
Step 4: Check Internal Temperature
-
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center.
-
The USDA recommends 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
Step 5: Let Burgers Rest
-
Remove burgers and place on a plate.
-
Let them rest for 2–3 minutes to redistribute juices.
How to Grill Frozen Bubba Burgers
Frozen burgers take slightly longer but still cook evenly if done right.
Tips:
-
Don’t thaw — grill straight from the freezer.
-
Use a two-zone fire if your grill allows (one hot, one cooler) to manage flare-ups.
-
Add cheese during the last minute of cooking for perfect melt.
How to Tell If a Bubba Burger Is Done
✅ Use a Meat Thermometer
-
The safest and most accurate method.
-
Insert into the thickest part; look for 160°F.
👆 The Touch Test (Not as Reliable)
-
Press the center of the patty:
-
Soft = rare
-
Springy = medium
-
Firm = well-done
-
👉 For Bubba Burgers, medium-well (160°F) is ideal for food safety and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Bubba Burgers
-
Don’t press down on burgers while grilling — it squeezes out the juices.
-
Flip only once. More flips = more juice loss.
-
Add cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
-
Let rest before serving so juices reabsorb.
-
Use a thermometer — always.
Bubba Burger Topping Ideas
Classic Toppings | Bold Combos |
---|---|
Lettuce, tomato, onion | Guacamole + bacon |
Pickles, mustard, mayo | Grilled pineapple + jalapeño |
American cheese | Blue cheese + arugula |
BBQ sauce | Fried egg + sriracha mayo |
✅ Don’t be afraid to experiment — the thick patty can handle big flavors.
Sides to Serve with Bubba Burgers
-
Classic French fries or sweet potato fries
-
Grilled corn on the cob
-
Mac & cheese
-
Pasta salad or coleslaw
-
Pickle spears or relish tray
-
Baked beans or potato wedges
-
Watermelon or fruit skewers (great for summer!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Bubba Burgers
❌ Skipping the preheat
➡️ Leads to uneven cooking and sticking.
❌ Pressing the burger
➡️ Pressing with a spatula forces juices out.
❌ Over-flipping
➡️ One flip is enough. Too many = broken patties.
❌ Guessing doneness
➡️ Always use a thermometer — not your eyes!
❌ Serving too soon
➡️ Let rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.
Storing & Reheating Bubba Burgers
Storage:
-
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze cooked burgers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
-
Microwave: Cover with paper towel and reheat in 30-second intervals.
-
Skillet: Add a splash of water and cover until heated.
-
Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I grill Bubba Burgers without thawing?
A: Yes — they’re designed to go straight from freezer to grill.
Q: How long do you grill frozen Bubba Burgers?
A: 10–12 minutes total over medium-high heat (flip once).
Q: What’s the best internal temperature for Bubba Burgers?
A: 160°F, according to USDA guidelines for ground beef.
Q: Can I bake Bubba Burgers instead?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes (flip halfway).
Q: Are Bubba Burgers pre-seasoned?
A: Yes — no additional seasoning is required unless you want to add your own.
Q: Can I cook Bubba Burgers on a flat-top griddle?
A: Absolutely! Use medium-high heat and follow the same timing as for grilling.
Final Thoughts
Grilling Bubba Burgers is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a thick, juicy, flavorful burger with minimal prep and maximum taste. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, knowing how long to grill Bubba Burgers — and at what temperature — ensures consistent results every time.
Remember to grill over medium-high heat, flip once, check doneness with a thermometer, and let the burgers rest before serving. From toppings to sides to storage, now you’re equipped to master the Bubba Burger.

Randolph Castillo is the owner of a restaurant barbecue and pub. He also has his own cooking blog, where he specializes in baked goods. Randolph is an experienced chef and loves to review different grills and kitchen tools. He is always looking for ways to improve his cooking skills.