This juicy bacon cheeseburger is the perfect combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful beef patty, all nestled between soft burger buns. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe will help you achieve a restaurant-quality burger at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Features crispy, smoky bacon for extra flavor
- Uses high-quality beef for a juicy, tender bite
- Melty cheese adds a rich, creamy texture
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and condiments
- Quick and easy to prepare for a delicious homemade meal
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness)
- Bacon strips
- Cheese slices (cheddar, American, or your preferred choice)
- Burger buns
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Onion powder (optional)
- Butter (for toasting the buns)
- Toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard)
Directions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Form the Patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix and form into evenly sized patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow it to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the buns and toast them lightly on the grill or pan until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked patties with melted cheese on the bottom buns. Top with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cover with the top bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and spicy mayo for a fiery burger.
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions.
- Double Cheeseburger: Stack two beef patties for an extra hearty meal.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger: Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the burger in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings and buns separate to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side or in the microwave for 30-40 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the meat.
FAQs
How do I keep my burger patties juicy?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio and avoid overworking the meat when forming patties.
Can I cook these burgers in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
What is the best cheese for a bacon cheeseburger?
Cheddar, American, Swiss, and pepper jack all work well.
How do I prevent my burger from shrinking?
Make a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking to help maintain its shape.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, form patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Should I season the patties before or after cooking?
Season the patties before cooking for better flavor absorption.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for burgers?
Pan-frying or baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes ensures crispy bacon.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy as pork bacon.
How do I toast burger buns properly?
Butter the buns and toast them in a pan or on the grill for a golden-brown finish.
What are the best sides to serve with a bacon cheeseburger?
French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a fresh salad pair well with this burger.
Conclusion
This juicy bacon cheeseburger is a perfect balance of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful beef patty. Whether you customize it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is, this homemade burger is sure to impress. Try it today and elevate your burger game!
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This juicy bacon cheeseburger is loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a perfectly seasoned beef patty, all on a toasted bun!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 strips crispy bacon
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup lettuce
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 tbsp burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard mix)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute.
- Toast burger buns with butter.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, bacon, patty, and sauce.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
- Use brioche buns for extra flavor.
- Add pickles or caramelized onions for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American