Bacon Cheddar Hamburger Recipe

The Bacon Cheddar Hamburger is a classic, juicy American delight that combines the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon with the rich, tangy taste of cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect indulgence for a cookout, weekend dinner, or a summertime picnic. Each bite delivers a savory blend of ground beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of onion and garlic, all wrapped up in a soft hamburger bun. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone who enjoys hearty, flavorful meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles (optional)
• Ketchup and mustard (optional)

Photo by Mel Audelo

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
2. Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
3. Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. Add the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking time, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Prepare the Buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble the Burgers: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Add the cooked patty with melted cheese. Top with a slice of tomato, two strips of bacon, and pickles if desired. Add ketchup and mustard to taste.
7. Finish: Place the top half of the bun on the burger. Serve immediately.

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information (for one serving)

Photo by Jonathan Borba

Tools Needed to Prepare the Recipe

• Large mixing bowl
• Grill or stovetop pan
• Spatula
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate and serving platter
• Basting brush (optional)

Detailed Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for the juiciest and most flavorful burgers.
2. Bacon Crispness: Cook the bacon until crispy but not burnt to add a perfect crunch to your burger.
3. Grating Cheese: Freshly grate cheddar for better melting properties compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
4. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the patties, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
5. Shape and Size: Make the patties slightly larger than the buns as they will shrink during cooking.
6. Indent the Center: Create a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking.
7. Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure a perfect cook. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for a well-done burger.
8. Toasting Buns: Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the pan to add flavor and prevent them from getting soggy.
9. Rest the Meat: Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Correct Sequence: Assemble the burger by placing lettuce first to protect the bun from soaking up meat juices.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Photo by Nano Erdozain

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

• Plate Presentation: Serve the burger on a large plate with fries or a side salad to enhance the visual appeal.
• Garnish: Add a sprig of parsley or a pickle spear on the side for a classic touch.
• Accompaniments: Don’t forget to serve with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. A side of coleslaw can also add a refreshing crunch.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea for a complete meal experience.
• Extra Flavor: Consider adding caramelized onions, jalapeños, or avocado slices for added flavors and textures.

Storage Conditions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.
• Freezing: Raw patties can be frozen by layering them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Reheating: Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Health Benefits

• Protein-packed: The ground beef and cheddar cheese provide a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in Minerals: Ingredients like beef and cheddar provide essential minerals like iron and calcium, important for blood health and bone strength.
• Satiety: The high protein and fat content can help to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods, potentially aiding in weight management.
• B Vitamins: Ground beef is a good source of B vitamins, specifically B12, which is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

Recommendations for Vegans

• Substitute Meat: Use a plant-based burger patty instead of ground beef.
• Cheese Alternative: Opt for a vegan cheddar cheese, often made from nuts or soy.
• Bacon Alternative: Use tempeh bacon or another plant-based bacon substitute to mimic the crispy texture.
• Condiments: Ensure all condiments and buns are vegan by checking ingredient labels.

Similar Recipes

• Cheeseburger
• BBQ Bacon Burger
• Mushroom Swiss Burger
• Blue Cheese Burger
• Veggie Burger with Avocado

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Bacon Cheddar Hamburger will not only taste delicious but also be presented beautifully and stored properly. Enjoy your cooking!