Bleu Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe

1. Form Patties

Divide the ground beef into four 4-oz portions (or two 8-oz portions if making two large burgers). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming as it cooks. Do not overwork the meat.

2. Season

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly brush or rub 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce across both sides of the patties.

3. Cook Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and swirl to coat. Place patties in the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium-rare to medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 1–1.5 minutes of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and about 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese so it softens and begins to melt.

4. Cook Bacon

While patties rest, cook bacon: lay bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and cool slightly, then cut or fold to fit buns (about 1–2 strips per burger, or 3 strips per burger for extra bacon).

5. Prepare Lettuce & Onion

Wash and dry lettuce leaves thoroughly. Stack leaves if necessary and tear to fit bun size. Thinly slice red onion and separate into rings. Keep pickles ready if using.

6. Assemble Blue Cheese

If you want extra blue-cheese flavor, reserve about 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese per burger to add on top of the melted cheese and bacon just before serving.

7. Toast Buns

Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. In a clean skillet over medium heat or on a griddle, toast the buns cut-side down until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

8. Make Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning; add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. This will be the burger spread.

9. Assemble Burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-Dijon sauce on the bottom bun. Place 1–2 lettuce leaves on the sauce, then add the cooked patty topped with melted Swiss and softened blue cheese. Lay 1–3 strips of bacon over the cheese, add a few red onion rings and a pickle slice if using. Spoon a little extra crumbled blue cheese on top if you reserved any. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

10. Serve the Bleu Bacon Cheeseburgers immediately while hot with fries or a side salad. If making ahead, keep components separate (patties, bacon, and toasted buns) and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.