Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Cake
A garlic-infused twist on the classic bacon cheeseburger, stacked to perfection!
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp oregano
5 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
7 slices crispy garlic bacon
1 ciabatta roll, sliced
2 tbsp garlic aioli
Steps:
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine beef with garlic powder and oregano. Cook patties.
Assemble: ciabatta bottom, garlic aioli, patty, Swiss cheese, and bacon. Repeat twice.
Top with mozzarella and bake until melted.
#GarlicBurgerCake
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to build your Bacon Cheeseburger Cake.
- Prepare the Components: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, thoroughly mix the 2 lbs of ground beef with 2 tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp oregano. Form this mixture into three equally-sized, wide patties that will fit your ciabatta roll base.
- Cook the Patties & Bacon: Cook the beef patties in a skillet over medium-high heat until they reach your desired doneness. In a separate pan or in the oven, cook 7 slices of bacon until very crispy. For the garlic twist, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the bacon as it cooks.
- First Assembly Layer: Place the bottom half of your ciabatta roll on a baking sheet or oven-safe plate. Spread a thin layer of garlic aioli on it. Place the first cooked patty on top, followed by one slice of Swiss cheese and a portion of the crispy garlic bacon.
- Stack the Layers: Repeat the previous step to create a second identical layer. For the third and final patty layer, top it with the remaining Swiss cheese and bacon.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Carefully pile the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire top and sides of the stacked burger “cake.”
- Bake to Melt: Place the entire assembly in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes, or just until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove carefully.
- Final Presentation: Gently place the top half of the ciabatta roll at an angle on the side of the melted cheese tower. Slice and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This impressive dish is best served as a centerpiece. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice through the layers. Serve each wedge with a side of extra garlic aioli for dipping, a crisp garden salad to cut through the richness, and a stack of napkins. It’s perfect for game day, a hearty family dinner, or a novelty birthday meal for a burger enthusiast.
How-to Summary
To make a Bacon Cheeseburger Cake, mix garlic and oregano into ground beef, form three patties, and cook them with bacon. On a ciabatta base, stack layers of aioli, patty, Swiss cheese, and bacon. Repeat twice, cover the whole stack with mozzarella, and bake until melted. Top with the roll lid and serve in slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. While Swiss and mozzarella provide great melt and flavor, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda are excellent substitutes. For best results, use a combination of a good melting cheese and a flavorful one.
2. How do I prevent the burger cake from falling over? The key is creating a stable base. Ensure your ciabatta bottom is flat and your patties are uniform in size. Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to firm up before stacking.
3. Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes. You can cook the bacon and patties ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat the patties slightly before assembly to help the cheese melt properly in the oven.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer to maintain texture. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.
5. Is there a way to make this less messy to eat? For easier eating, consider using sturdy, toasted sourdough bread slices as the top and bottom instead of a tall roll. You can also secure the layers with long skewers before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with Toppings: Avoid adding wet ingredients like tomatoes or pickles inside the stack before baking, as they release moisture and make the structure soggy. Serve them on the side.
- Underseasoning the Beef: The garlic powder and oregano are crucial for flavor in every bite. Don’t be shy with seasoning the meat mixture thoroughly.
- Using Flimsy Bacon: Your bacon must be cooked until very crispy. Soft bacon will become chewy and difficult to bite through in the final stacked product.
- Skipping the Bake: The brief bake time is essential for melting the mozzarella “frosting” and gently reheating the entire stack for a cohesive, warm serving.
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Cake is a fun, over-the-top celebration of classic flavors with a delicious garlic twist. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can create a stunning and savory centerpiece that is sure to impress. It combines the comfort of a cheeseburger with the joy of a shareable cake, making it a memorable meal for any occasion where bold flavor is the goal.
