Bacon Cheeseburger

When a burger hankering hits, there’s no ignoring it. And if you’re as obsessed with cheeseburgers as I am, not just any burger will do. Thankfully, the best bacon cheeseburger comes from your kitchen, where you can serve it up hot with whatever fixings your heart desires, from your favorite bacon to crispy shredded lettuce.

You can make burgers in many different ways, but for the best flavor, we suggest grilling or broiling them (a grill pan works, too!). Our beef patties have great seasoning and flavor and always come out juicy. Make sure to add the cheese at the end so it’s perfectly melty, and have your favorite condiments ready at the table so everyone can customize their bacon cheeseburger.

Bacon Cheeseburger Ingredients

• Ground beef: The best ground beef for burgers is a personal preference. Depending on the cooking method and desired level of doneness, you’ll want different fat-to-lean meat ratios. I like to use a fattier beef blend, which helps keep the burger from drying out. Our Test Kitchen recommends an 80/20 blend for a medium-rare burger or a 70/30 mix for a medium-well burger.
• Onion: Use finely chopped onion inside the burger patty and fresh onion slices as a topping for extra flavor. If you’re susceptible to tears, you can learn ways to cut an onion without crying.
• Ketchup: The ketchup here adds a touch of sweetness to balance out all the savory flavors.
• Seasonings: Different seasonings like Worcestershire and cider vinegar add an umami kick that takes these burgers to the next level.
• Cheddar cheese: For these cheeseburgers, use any cheddar cheese, whether mild or extra sharp. Other popular cheese options include Swiss, pepper jack or crumbled blue cheese.
• Buns: Brioche buns, potato buns, seeded buns—there are so many tasty buns, you just have to pick your favorite. Or go the extra mile and homemade hamburger buns!
• Bacon: I love thick-cut bacon for loaded burgers like this, and you can use any of the best bacon brands, like Nueske’s, Hormel, Wright and Benton’s. Cook the bacon beforehand so it’s ready to go when the burgers are up.

Directions

Step 1: Form the patties

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In a large bowl, add the diced onions, ketchup, garlic, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce and cider vinegar.

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Whisk together until combined.

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Crumble the beef into the bowl, and mix well.

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Divide the seasoned meat into four portions, and shape them into patties.

Editor’s Tip: You don’t need to press hard to shape the patties. Pick up a portion of ground beef—a little water on your hands will prevent sticking—and roll it gently into a ball. Then flatten it into a 1-inch thick patty, pressing a small divot in the middle. That divot helps prevent the burger from shriveling while it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the patties

To grill the patties, preheat your grill to medium heat. Cover and grill the patties for four to seven minutes on each side, until a thermometer reads 160°F and the juices run clear.

Editor’s Tip: To broil, place the patties on a sheet tray, and broil 3 inches from the heat until cooked through.

Step 3: Build the cheeseburgers

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Top the patties with cheese, and cook for one minute or until the cheese melts. Serve on buns with crispy bacon and the toppings of your choice.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Variations

• Add special sauce: I love a good burger sauce! Try our copycat In-N-Out sauce, tangy Thousand Island dressing or creamy aioli.
• Stuff it with cheese: Cheese doesn’t belong only outside the burger. It’s also incredibly tasty stuffed inside. If you want a more gourmet-style burger, stuff your burger with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese or a soft, stinky cheese like Epoisses.
• Use different meats: For your burger patty, use ground turkey, chicken, pork or even bison. All taste great with cheese and bacon.
• Give it a kick: Add pickled or griddled jalapenos as a topping, or chop them up small and mix them into the burger patty for a little something extra.
• Go for all the toppings: Pickled onions, bread-and-butter pickles, barbecue sauce, onion rings and chili are just a few burger topping ideas.

How to Store Bacon Cheeseburgers

Burgers taste best when eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat burgers in a 375° oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until sizzling and heated to 165°. Or zap them in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Can you make bacon cheeseburgers ahead of time?

These bacon cheeseburgers can be formed into patties and stored in the fridge for one or two days before cooking. They will oxidize a bit (their color will turn from bright red to grayish), but it won’t affect the taste. You can also freeze uncooked burger patties for up to three months.

Bacon Cheeseburger Tips

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How else can you cook bacon cheeseburgers?

There are many ways to cook burgers. Instead of grilling or broiling, you can make pan-fried burgers or air-fryer burgers.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for these bacon cheeseburgers?

My favorite way to cook bacon is in the oven. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment, or over a wire rack, and cook at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes. The fat will render out, and the bacon will become nice and crispy. Flip halfway through, and find somewhere safe to strain the fat as it cooks out.

What can you serve with bacon cheeseburgers?

You can serve all the classic sides with a bacon cheeseburger, like air-fryer french fries, onion rings or sweet potato wedges. You can also go with a green salad, plus your favorite potato salad recipes or barbecue side dishes.