Archie's Giant Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
Make Archie's Giant Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Bacon & Cheese
Buns & Toppings
Sauces & Extras
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
- 1
Mix and portion
Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 8 ounces each for a giant single-patty style). Form each portion into a loose ball, then flatten into rounds about 4–5 inches wide and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Create a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
- 2
- 3
Cook patties
Place the patties on the hot surface, leaving space between them. Cook without pressing for 3–4 minutes to develop a good sear. Flip once using a spatula and cook the second side for 3 minutes for medium (internal temperature about 140–145°F / 60–63°C). Adjust time for desired doneness: +1–2 minutes per side for medium-well. During the last 1 minute of cooking, top each patty with 2 slices of American cheese, cover the skillet with a lid or a large metal bowl to melt the cheese quickly.
Bacon & Cheese
- 4
Cook bacon
While patties rest, lay bacon slices in a cold large skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8–12 minutes). For faster cooking, place bacon on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 12–18 minutes until crisp. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- 5
Assemble bacon stacks
For each burger, stack 2 slices of hot, crispy bacon directly on top of the melted American cheese while the patty is still on the pan or after placing the patty on the bun so the bacon warms and adheres to the cheese. If using extra cheddar or Swiss, place 1 slice on top of the bacon and briefly return to the skillet (covered) so it softens and helps everything bind.
Buns & Toppings
- 6
- 7
Prepare fresh toppings
While everything cooks, slice the tomato and onion and separate the lettuce leaves. Keep pickles and other toppings ready to assemble.
Sauces & Extras
- 8
Make burger sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt or more ketchup/mayo to preference.
- 9
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then a hot cheeseburger patty with bacon on top. Add tomato slice, red onion rings, and pickles. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Press gently to compact. Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.
- 10
Rest and serve note
Let assembled burgers sit 1–2 minutes so cheese and bacon settle, then serve hot. Provide napkins — these are large, juicy burgers.