Description
Triple Cheeseburger with Bacon and Special Sauce
This indulgent triple cheeseburger is loaded with juicy beef patties, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy special sauce. It’s a perfect burger for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
For the Burger:
3 beef patties (about 4 oz each)
3 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon
1 burger bun (top and bottom)
Pickles (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Special Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Cook the Beef Patties: Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.
Toast the Bun: Lightly toast the burger bun in the skillet until golden brown for extra texture and flavor.
Assemble the Burger: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on both the top and bottom of the bun. Layer the pickles (if using) on the bottom bun. Stack the beef patties, one on top of the other, then add the crispy bacon on top of the third patty. Place the top bun on top to complete the burger.
Serve: Serve the burger with fries or your favorite side. Enjoy your triple cheeseburger with all the delicious toppings and a side of creamy sauce!
This Triple Cheeseburger with Bacon and Special Sauce is a massive and flavorful burger that’s perfect for satisfying your biggest cravings. The combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy sauce will have you coming back for more!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until fully incorporated. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Cook Bacon: In a cold skillet, lay bacon strips flat. Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Form & Season Patties: Divide ground beef into three equal 4oz portions. Gently form into patties slightly wider than your bun. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper.
4. Cook Patties: In the same skillet (use the bacon fat for flavor), cook patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Avoid pressing down. Flip, cook for another 2-3 minutes, then place a cheese slice on each. Cook until cheese melts and patties reach 160°F.
5. Toast Buns: While patties rest, place bun halves cut-side down in the skillet or a toaster until lightly golden.
6. Assemble: Spread sauce on both bun halves. On the bottom bun, stack: first patty, second patty, third patty, then bacon. Add pickles if desired. Cap with the top bun. Press together gently and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty burger with classic steak-cut fries, crispy onion rings, or a simple side salad to cut through the richness. For a true diner experience, add a cold pickle spear and a side of the extra special sauce for dipping. A thick milkshake or an ice-cold cola is the perfect beverage pairing.
How-to Summary
Create a tangy special sauce and set aside. Cook bacon until crispy. Form three beef patties, season, and cook in a hot skillet. Top with cheese to melt in the last minute. Toast the bun. Assemble by saucing the bun, then stacking patties and bacon. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the patties on a grill? Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F) and cook for the same time, 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese just before they finish.
What’s the best way to prevent the burger from becoming soggy? Toasting the bun creates a moisture barrier. Also, ensure your patties have rested for a minute after cooking so excess juices don’t soak into the bun immediately.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors often improve.
What can I substitute for smoked paprika in the sauce? Use regular paprika with a tiny drop of liquid smoke, or simply omit it. The sauce will still be delicious with the other ingredients.
How do I keep the patties from shrinking and toughening? Handle the meat as little as possible when forming patties. Make a slight dimple in the center of each raw patty with your thumb to help them stay flat during cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the meat when forming patties, which leads to a dense, tough texture.
- Pressing down on the patties with your spatula while cooking, which squeezes out precious juices.
- Using cheese that’s too cold, which can slow melting. Let slices sit out for 10 minutes before using.
- Overloading the burger, making it impossible to eat. Ensure your patty-to-bun ratio is balanced.
- Skipping the bun toasting step, which results in a soggy, falling-apart burger.
Conclusion
This Triple Cheeseburger is the ultimate project for a special meal or indulgent weekend treat. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a restaurant-quality masterpiece at home. The interplay of juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and the signature sauce delivers an unforgettable bite. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying burgers you’ll ever make.