Description
Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
For the Toppings:
4 slices of cheddar cheese
4 strips of crispy bacon
1/4 cup caramelized onions (optional)
Dill pickle slices
Lettuce (optional)
Tomato slices (optional)
For the Buns:
2 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
For the Sauce (optional):
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp ketchup
1/2 tsp mustard
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
Step 2: Form and Cook the Patties
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions. Form into patties about 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than the buns (they’ll shrink when cooking).
Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preference.
Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns.
Toast the buns in the skillet until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Burger
Spread the sauce (if using) on the bottom bun.
Add pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices.
Place the cheesy burger patty on top.
Add caramelized onions and crispy bacon strips.
Top with the other half of the bun.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Snap a pic of your masterpiece (optional
).
Pair with fries, onion rings, or your favorite side dish.
Bite into the ultimate indulgence!
Savor every bite of this decadent bacon cheeseburger!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed sequence. First, cook your bacon until crispy and set aside. Next, gently form two 1/2-inch thick patties from the ground beef, creating a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing. Season liberally. Heat your skillet to medium-high and cook the patties without pressing down on them. In the last minute, add cheese and cover. While the patties rest, toast the buttered buns in the same skillet until golden. Finally, assemble from the bottom up: sauce, veggies, patty, bacon and onions, top bun.
Serving Suggestions
This burger is a hearty meal on its own, but classic pairings elevate the experience. Serve with a side of crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or beer-battered onion rings. For a lighter option, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Consider serving with pickle spears, coleslaw, or a cold pasta salad. A frosty milkshake, craft beer, or classic cola are the perfect beverage companions.
How-to Summary
- Cook bacon until crispy; set aside.
- Form beef into two patties, season, and cook in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add cheese in the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Toast buttered brioche buns in the same skillet.
- Assemble burger with sauce, pickles/veggies, cheesy patty, bacon, onions, and top bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the patties on a grill? Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill patties for the same time, adding cheese just before they finish.
What’s the best beef blend for burgers? The 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal. The fat renders during cooking, creating a juicy, flavorful patty without being overly greasy.
How do I prevent my burgers from shrinking too much? Avoid overworking the meat when forming patties. Making them slightly wider than your bun and creating a shallow dimple in the center helps them stay flat.
Can I prepare anything ahead of time? Yes. You can cook the bacon, caramelize the onions, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store components separately in the fridge.
What are good cheese substitutes for cheddar? American cheese melts beautifully. Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles also offer delicious variations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overhandling the meat: This compacts it, leading to a tough, dense patty. Mix and form gently.
- Pressing the patty while cooking: This squeezes out precious juices, resulting in a dry burger.
- Using cold meat: Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even doneness.
- Moving the patty too soon: Allow a crust to form before flipping; it should release easily from the skillet.
- Skipping the bun toast: Toasting prevents the bun from becoming soggy and adds a crucial textural contrast.
Conclusion
Mastering the ultimate bacon cheeseburger is about quality ingredients and simple, careful technique. By avoiding common pitfalls and following the detailed steps, you can create a restaurant-quality burger at home. The combination of a juicy, seasoned patty, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a soft toasted bun is a timeless classic. Experiment with the optional sauces and toppings to make it your own, but never underestimate the power of perfecting the fundamentals. Enjoy the delicious rewards of your effort.