Bacon Burger Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful bacon burger to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend cookout, this bacon burger pairs juicy, seasoned beef patties with crispy, savory bacon, fresh toppings, and your favorite condiments. Ideal for burger enthusiasts, this recipe ensures a deliciously balanced bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for ideal juiciness)
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices
• Pickles (optional)
• Condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)

Photo by Fernando Andrade on Unsplash

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon:

   • Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon until crisp, turning occasionally. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

2. Prepare the Patties:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to incorporate the seasonings without overworking the meat.
   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from bulging as they cook.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet or grill.
   • Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (for medium doneness).
   • During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

4. Assemble the Burgers:

   • Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
   • Place each cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of a bun.
   • Add two slices of crispy bacon on top of each patty.
   • Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and pickles if using.
   • Spread condiments of your choice on the top half of the buns, then place them on top of the assembled burgers.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately with a side of fries, coleslaw, or your favorite burger accompaniments.

Servings

This recipe makes 4 savory bacon burgers.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Photo by Fernando Andrade on Unsplash

Tools Needed

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Detailed Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Quality of Meat: Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a good fat content (ideally 80/20). This ratio ensures juicy and flavorful burgers.
2. Even Patties: When forming your burger patties, make sure they are of equal thickness to ensure even cooking.
3. Indentation: Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents the patty from puffing up during cooking.
4. Proper Seasoning: Season the patties generously with salt and pepper just before cooking. This brings out the beef’s natural flavors.
5. Cooking Technique: For a perfect sear, place the patties on the grill or pan and don’t press down on them. This helps keep the juices inside.
6. Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burger reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness.
7. Resting Time: Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burger. This allows the juices to redistribute.
8. Crispy Bacon: For the bacon, cook it until crispy. This provides a pleasant texture contrast to the juicy burger.
9. Cheese Melting: Add cheese slices to the burger patties a minute before they finish cooking and cover with a lid to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly.
10. Toasting Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.

Skill Level

• Intermediate

Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve your bacon burger on a toasted brioche or sesame seed bun for added flavor. Layer the burger patty with melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onions. Add your favorite condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Serve with a side of homemade fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish the plate with pickles or a small coleslaw topping for additional flavor.

Storage Conditions

If you have leftover bacon burgers, store the patties, buns, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Burgers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring they are heated through. Toast the buns before reassembling the burger. Avoid microwaving the assembled burger to prevent sogginess.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: Beef patties provide a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Red meat is an important source of iron and vitamin B12, which are crucial for red blood cell production.
• Healthy Fats: Including moderate amounts of healthy fats from beef and bacon can support brain function and cell growth.
• Nutrient Variety: Adding fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions contributes additional vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Recommendations for Vegans

For a vegan variation of the bacon burger:

• Use a plant-based patty made from ingredients like beans, lentils, or commercially available plant-based meat substitutes.
• Substitute traditional bacon with vegan bacon made from tempeh, tofu, or coconut.
• Opt for vegan cheese made from nuts or soy.
• Ensure the buns and condiments are also vegan-friendly.

Similar Recipes

• Turkey Burger
• Veggie Burger
• BBQ Chicken Burger
• Mushroom Swiss Burger
• Blue Cheese Burger

By following these detailed tips and recommendations, you can create a delicious and satisfying bacon burger that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!