Description
Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger
“Juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor—this bacon cheeseburger with a special sauce is the perfect cookout classic!”
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Toppings:
4 slices crispy bacon
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 sesame seed burger bun
2 leaves fresh lettuce
2 slices dill pickles
For the Special Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp pickle relish
Instructions
Prepare the Burger Patties
Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Form into burger patties and chill for 10 minutes.
Cook the Bacon & Burgers
Fry bacon until crispy and set aside.
Grill or pan-fry the burger patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
In the last minute, place cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.
Make the Special Sauce
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Assemble the Burger
Toast the burger bun.
Spread the special sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce and pickles.
Place the burger patty with melted cheese.
Top with crispy bacon and more sauce.
Add the top bun and serve hot!
A smoky, cheesy, and flavor-packed masterpiece—this burger is a must-try!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof burger. First, gently combine the patty ingredients, avoiding overmixing to prevent toughness. Form patties slightly wider than your bun, as they shrink. Create a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing. For cooking, ensure your pan or grill is fully preheated to medium-high. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to achieve a proper sear. Flip only once. Add the cheese immediately after flipping and cover briefly to melt perfectly. Toast the bun in the residual fat for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meal with perfect pairings. Serve the burger with crispy seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, or a light side salad. For a classic cookout, add corn on the cob or baked beans. A cold craft beer, creamy milkshake, or iced tea are ideal beverage companions. For a fun twist, serve mini slider versions at parties with an array of extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, onion rings, or different cheese varieties.
How-to Summary
In short: Season beef, form dimpled patties, and chill. Cook bacon until crispy. Sear patties over medium-high heat, 3-4 minutes per side, adding cheese at the last minute. Mix sauce ingredients. Toast bun, then assemble with sauce, lettuce, pickles, the cheesy patty, and bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaner beef blend? You can, but an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) is recommended. The fat renders during cooking, creating a juicier, more flavorful patty. Leaner blends often result in drier burgers.
How do I know when the burger is done? The safest method is a meat thermometer. For medium, aim for 160°F (71°C). Visually, juices should run clear, and the meat should have no pink in the center.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. The special sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon? Baking bacon on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes yields evenly crispy strips without the splatter and mess of pan-frying.
My cheese isn’t melting properly. What went wrong? Ensure you add the cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan or grill. The trapped steam helps melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overhandling the meat: This compacts it, leading to a dense, tough patty. Mix ingredients until just combined.
- Not creating a dimple: Skipping the thumbprint in the center causes the patty to balloon up during cooking.
- Pressing down on the patty while cooking: This squeezes out precious juices, resulting in a dry burger.
- Using cold meat: Let the formed patties chill for 10 minutes; this helps them hold their shape on the grill.
- Skipping the bun toast: A toasted bun adds texture and prevents it from becoming soggy from the sauce and juices.
Conclusion
Mastering the ultimate bacon cheeseburger is about quality ingredients and simple, careful techniques. By following this guide—from creating the perfect patty to crafting the signature sauce and avoiding common pitfalls—you can consistently create a restaurant-quality burger at home. This smoky, cheesy, and utterly satisfying classic is sure to become a regular feature at your table, impressing family and friends with every juicy bite.